CompTIA A+ • self-assessment

Test Readiness Tracker

Open each objective and check the individual I can… statements you can confidently demonstrate without relying heavily on notes. Partial completion gives partial readiness credit; completing every I-can statement under an objective brings that objective to 100%. Your overall readiness remains weighted using the official exam-domain percentages.

A+ quick links A+ Home Mission 01 Mission 02 Mission 03 Test Readiness Ports OSI / TCP-IP Linux Practice Glossary

This is a readiness self-check—not an exam score prediction. Checking every box does not guarantee a passing score. Use missed practice questions, labs, weak domains, and the official objectives to decide what to review next.

Core 1 objective readiness

0 of 27 objectives marked ready

Weighted by official Core 1 domain percentages.

Know the exam setup too

Maximum questions90

Time90 minutes

Question typesMultiple-choice + performance-based

Passing score675 / 900

I know A+ certification requires passing both Core 1 and Core 2. I know Core 1 has a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. I know Core 1 includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions. I know the Core 1 passing score is 675 on a 100–900 scale. I know CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on IT support experience.

Exam-info readiness: 0%

Core 1 objectives

1.0Mobile Devices

13% of exam0%

1.1 Given a scenario, monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques.

I can…

I can identify replaceable laptop/mobile hardware such as batteries, keyboards, RAM, storage, and wireless cards.I can identify privacy/security hardware, biometrics, NFC scanner features, antennas, cameras, and microphones.I can choose an appropriate replacement approach for mobile hardware in a scenario.

1.2 Compare and contrast accessories and connectivity options for mobile devices.

I can…

I can compare USB/USB-C/microUSB/miniUSB, Lightning, NFC, Bluetooth, and tethering/hotspot connections.I can match styluses, headsets, speakers, webcams, docking stations, port replicators, and pointing/drawing devices to their uses.

1.3 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and provide application support.

I can…

I can configure Wi-Fi, hotspot, 3G/4G/5G, SIM/eSIM, and cellular data settings.I can pair and test a Bluetooth device, including PIN-based pairing when required.I can explain GPS/cellular location services and basic MDM concepts including BYOD, policies, and corporate apps.I can configure or troubleshoot synchronization of calendars, contacts, mail, cloud storage, and business apps while recognizing data caps.

2.0Networking

23% of exam0%

2.1 Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes.

I can…

I can match common ports to FTP, SSH, Telnet, SMTP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, POP3, IMAP, NetBIOS/NetBT, LDAP, SMB/CIFS, and RDP.I can compare TCP and UDP and choose the appropriate transport behavior for a scenario.

2.2 Explain wireless networking technologies.

I can…

I can compare 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz wireless bands.I can explain channels, channel widths, frequency/band selection, and regulatory considerations.I can recognize 802.11 standards and explain Bluetooth, NFC, and RFID uses.

2.3 Summarize services provided by networked hosts.

I can…

I can explain the purposes of DNS, DHCP, file, print, mail, syslog, web, AAA, database, and NTP servers.I can explain spam gateways, UTM devices, load balancers, and proxy servers.I can recognize SCADA/legacy embedded systems and IoT devices as networked hosts.

2.4 Explain common network configuration concepts.

I can…

I can identify the purposes of DNS A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, and TXT records.I can explain SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in the context of email/spam management.I can explain DHCP leases, reservations, scopes, and exclusions.I can explain the purposes of VLANs and VPNs.

2.5 Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.

I can…

I can compare routers, managed/unmanaged switches, access points, patch panels, and firewalls.I can explain PoE injectors, PoE switches, and PoE standards.I can identify cable modems, DSL equipment, ONTs, NICs, and physical MAC addresses.

2.6 Given a scenario, configure basic wired/wireless small office/home office (SOHO) networks.

I can…

I can distinguish IPv4 private/public addressing, IPv6, and APIPA.I can choose between static and dynamic addressing.I can identify the roles of an IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway when configuring a SOHO network.

2.7 Compare and contrast internet connection types, network types, and their characteristics.

I can…

I can compare satellite, fiber, cable, DSL, cellular, and WISP internet connections.I can distinguish LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, SAN, and WLAN network types.

2.8 Explain networking tools and their purposes.

I can…

I can select the correct crimper, cable stripper, Wi-Fi analyzer, toner probe, punchdown tool, cable tester, loopback plug, or network tap for a task.

3.0Hardware

25% of exam0%

3.1 Compare and contrast display components and attributes.

I can…

I can compare LCD (IPS/TN/VA), OLED, and Mini-LED display technologies.I can explain touchscreens/digitizers, inverters, pixel density, refresh rate, resolution, and color gamut.

3.2 Summarize basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.

I can…

I can compare copper, coaxial, shielded/unshielded twisted pair, plenum/direct-burial, single-mode, and multimode cabling.I can identify USB 2.0/3.0, serial, Thunderbolt, HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, USB-C, SATA, and eSATA uses.I can recognize RJ11, RJ45, F-type, ST, SC, LC, punchdown, MicroUSB, MiniUSB, USB-C, Molex, Lightning, and DB9 connectors.I can recognize T568A/T568B and choose an appropriate cable/connector or adapter for a scenario.

3.3 Compare and contrast RAM characteristics.

I can…

I can distinguish DIMM and SODIMM form factors.I can compare DDR generations, ECC vs. non-ECC RAM, and channel configurations.

3.4 Compare and contrast storage devices.

I can…

I can compare HDD spindle speeds and 2.5-inch vs. 3.5-inch form factors.I can distinguish SSD interfaces/protocols such as NVMe, SATA, PCIe, and SAS and form factors such as M.2 and mSATA.I can explain the purpose/tradeoffs of RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10.I can identify flash drives, memory cards, and optical drives as storage options.

3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.

I can…

I can compare ATX, microATX, and ITX motherboard form factors.I can identify PCI/PCIe, power, SATA/eSATA, headers, and M.2 motherboard connections.I can evaluate CPU socket/platform compatibility and recognize x86/x64 and ARM architectures.I can configure relevant BIOS/UEFI options including boot, TPM, Secure Boot, passwords, fan/temperature, USB, and virtualization settings.I can explain TPM/HSM hardware security uses and select common expansion cards.I can choose appropriate fans, heat sinks, thermal material, or liquid cooling for a build.

3.6 Given a scenario, install the appropriate power supply.

I can…

I can distinguish 110–120 VAC and 220–240 VAC input requirements.I can recognize 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V PSU outputs and the 20+4-pin motherboard connector.I can select an appropriate PSU using wattage, efficiency, modularity, and redundancy requirements.

3.7 Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers and settings.

I can…

I can set up a multifunction printer in an appropriate location and select the correct OS driver/firmware.I can configure USB, Ethernet, or wireless connectivity and shared/print-server access.I can configure duplex, orientation, trays, quality, authentication, secure printing, audit logs, scanning, and ADF/flatbed functions.

3.8 Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance.

I can…

I can perform common laser-printer maintenance including toner, maintenance kits, calibration, and cleaning.I can maintain inkjet printers and clear cartridge, printhead, roller, feeder, calibration, and jam issues.I can perform basic thermal and impact printer maintenance.

4.0Virtualization and Cloud Computing

11% of exam0%

4.1 Explain virtualization concepts.

I can…

I can explain why VMs are used for sandboxing, development/testing, legacy applications, and cross-platform use.I can identify VM security, networking, and storage requirements and explain desktop/virtual desktop concepts.

4.2 Summarize cloud computing concepts.

I can…

I can explain common cloud characteristics and distinguish cloud service/deployment concepts covered by the objective.I can recognize when cloud resources, synchronization, scalability, or shared resources fit a scenario.

5.0Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

28% of exam0%

5.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.

I can…

I can diagnose common motherboard, RAM, CPU, and power symptoms and choose an appropriate next troubleshooting action.I can connect POST/beep/boot/power/thermal symptoms to likely hardware causes.

5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot drive and RAID issues.

I can…

I can diagnose common HDD/SSD and RAID symptoms and select an appropriate troubleshooting action.

5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.

I can…

I can diagnose common display, video, and projector symptoms and select an appropriate fix.

5.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues.

I can…

I can diagnose common mobile-device hardware symptoms and select an appropriate troubleshooting action.

5.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot network issues.

I can…

I can diagnose common wired/wireless network symptoms using addressing, connectivity, signal, and hardware clues.I can select an appropriate network troubleshooting tool or configuration check for a scenario.

5.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printer issues.

I can…

I can diagnose common printer symptoms and connect them to likely consumable, mechanical, connectivity, driver, or configuration causes.

Core 2 objective readiness

0 of 36 objectives marked ready

Weighted by official Core 2 domain percentages.

Know the exam setup too

Maximum questions90

Time90 minutes

Question typesMultiple-choice + performance-based

Passing score700 / 900

I know A+ certification requires passing both Core 1 and Core 2. I know Core 2 has a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. I know Core 2 includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions. I know the Core 2 passing score is 700 on a 100–900 scale. I know CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on IT support experience.

Exam-info readiness: 0%

Core 2 objectives

1.0Operating Systems

28% of exam0%

1.1 Explain common operating system (OS) types and their purposes.

I can…

I can compare Windows, Linux, macOS, Chrome OS, iPadOS, iOS, and Android and identify appropriate uses.I can recognize NTFS, ReFS, FAT32, ext4, XFS, APFS, and exFAT filesystems.I can explain EOL/update limitations and OS compatibility concerns.

1.2 Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse environment.

I can…

I can choose among USB, network, flash, internet, external/internal drive, and multiboot installation methods.I can distinguish clean, upgrade, image, remote, zero-touch, recovery, and repair installations.I can distinguish GPT and MBR and account for drive formatting.I can plan an upgrade around backups, drivers/apps, backward compatibility, hardware compatibility, feature updates, and product life cycle.

1.3 Compare and contrast basic features of Microsoft Windows editions.

I can…

I can compare supported Windows 10/11 editions and N editions.I can compare domain/workgroup, RDP, RAM limits, BitLocker, gpedit, UI/features, and upgrade paths.I can recognize TPM and UEFI hardware requirements.

1.4 Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows operating system features and tools.

I can…

I can use Task Manager tabs to inspect services, startup, performance, processes, and users.I can choose the appropriate MMC snap-in for events, disks, tasks, devices, certificates, users/groups, performance, or Group Policy.I can choose System Information, Resource Monitor, System Configuration, Disk Cleanup, Defragment, or Registry Editor for a scenario.

1.5 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tools.

I can…

I can use cd and dir for navigation.I can choose ipconfig, ping, netstat, nslookup, net use, tracert, or pathping for a networking task.I can choose chkdsk, format, or diskpart for disk tasks and md, rmdir, or robocopy for file tasks.I can use hostname, net user, winver, whoami, command /?, gpupdate, gpresult, and sfc appropriately.

1.6 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows settings.

I can…

I can locate and configure common Windows Control Panel/Settings options for devices, networking, firewall, users, apps, privacy, sound, indexing, and system settings.I can configure File Explorer visibility/options and common power settings such as sleep, hibernate, fast startup, lid behavior, and USB selective suspend.I can choose the correct Windows settings area for a given support scenario.

1.7 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop.

I can…

I can distinguish domain-joined and workgroup environments and access shared printers, file servers, and mapped drives.I can configure local firewall exceptions and client IP/DNS/subnet/gateway settings.I can establish VPN, wired, wireless, and WWAN connections and configure proxy/network-profile settings.I can navigate network paths and explain metered-connection limitations.

1.8 Explain common features and tools of the macOS/desktop operating system.

I can…

I can install/uninstall macOS apps and recognize .dmg, .pkg, .app, and App Store methods.I can recognize major macOS system folders and Apple ID/corporate restrictions.I can use common macOS settings/features including Time Machine, Keychain, Spotlight, iCloud, Finder, Dock, Continuity, Disk Utility, FileVault, Terminal, and Force Quit.I can apply macOS backup, antivirus, update/patch, and Rapid Security Response practices.

1.9 Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop operating system.

I can…

I can use ls, pwd, mv, cp, rm, chmod, chown, grep, and find for Linux file work.I can use fsck/mount, su/sudo, apt/dnf, and common Linux network commands.I can use man, cat, top, ps, du, df, and nano and recognize key /etc configuration files.I can explain systemd, the kernel, bootloader, and root account.

1.10 Given a scenario, install applications according to requirements.

I can…

I can evaluate 32/64-bit, GPU/VRAM, RAM, CPU, token, storage, and OS compatibility requirements before installing an application.I can choose physical media, mounted ISO, downloadable package, or image deployment.I can evaluate device, network, operational, and business impacts of a new application.

1.11 Given a scenario, install and configure cloud-based productivity tools.

I can…

I can configure cloud email, storage synchronization, and collaboration/productivity tools.I can explain identity synchronization and licensing assignment.

2.0Security

28% of exam0%

2.1 Summarize various security measures and their purposes.

I can…

I can match physical security controls such as bollards, vestibules, badges, surveillance, alarms, locks, guards, fences, lighting, and magnetometers to their purposes.I can compare keys, fobs, smart cards, mobile keys, and biometric access methods.I can explain least privilege, Zero Trust, ACLs, MFA, SAML, SSO, just-in-time/PAM, MDM, DLP, IAM, and directory services.

2.2 Given a scenario, configure and apply basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.

I can…

I can configure Defender Antivirus and Windows Firewall basics.I can distinguish local/Microsoft accounts and standard, administrator, guest, and power-user roles.I can compare password, PIN, biometric, SSO, and passwordless/Windows Hello sign-in.I can apply NTFS/share permissions, inheritance, UAC, BitLocker/BitLocker-To-Go, and EFS appropriately.I can recognize common Active Directory tasks such as domain join, Group Policy, security groups, home folders, and folder redirection.

2.3 Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.

I can…

I can compare WPA2/WPA3, TKIP, and AES.I can distinguish RADIUS, TACACS+, Kerberos, and multifactor authentication uses.

2.4 Summarize types of malware and tools/methods for detection, removal, and prevention.

I can…

I can identify Trojan, rootkit, virus, spyware, ransomware, keylogger, boot-sector virus, cryptominer, stalkerware, fileless malware, adware, and PUPs.I can choose appropriate detection/removal/prevention methods including EDR/MDR/XDR, antivirus/anti-malware, email security, firewalls, education, recovery, or reinstallation.

2.5 Compare and contrast common social engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities.

I can…

I can distinguish phishing, vishing, smishing, QR phishing, spear phishing, whaling, shoulder surfing, tailgating, impersonation, and dumpster diving.I can recognize DoS/DDoS, evil twin, zero-day, spoofing, on-path, brute-force/dictionary, insider, SQL injection, XSS, BEC, and supply-chain threats.I can recognize risks from non-compliant, unpatched, unprotected, EOL, and BYOD systems.

2.6 Given a scenario, implement procedures for basic small office/home office (SOHO) malware removal.

I can…

I can follow the objective's malware-removal sequence: verify symptoms, quarantine, handle System Restore as directed, remediate, update, scan, re-enable protections, and educate the user.

2.7 Given a scenario, apply workstation security options and hardening techniques.

I can…

I can apply workstation hardening practices such as patching, least functionality, account controls, endpoint protection, and secure configuration in a scenario.

2.8 Given a scenario, apply common methods for securing mobile devices.

I can…

I can apply common mobile-device security controls such as screen locks, biometrics, remote capabilities, encryption, and policy-based controls in a scenario.

2.9 Compare and contrast common data destruction and disposal methods.

I can…

I can compare data-destruction and disposal methods and choose an appropriate method for the media and sensitivity of the data.

2.10 Given a scenario, apply security settings on SOHO wireless and wired networks.

I can…

I can apply basic SOHO wired/wireless security settings and choose secure authentication/encryption/configuration practices.

2.11 Given a scenario, configure relevant security settings in a browser.

I can…

I can configure relevant browser security/privacy settings for a scenario.

3.0Software Troubleshooting

23% of exam0%

3.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS issues.

I can…

I can diagnose common Windows OS startup, performance, application, service, and system symptoms and choose an appropriate remediation.

3.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues.

I can…

I can diagnose common mobile OS/application symptoms and choose an appropriate remediation.

3.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues.

I can…

I can recognize common mobile OS/application security symptoms and choose an appropriate remediation.

3.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues.

I can…

I can recognize common PC security symptoms and choose an appropriate remediation.

4.0Operational Procedures

21% of exam0%

4.1 Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management.

I can…

I can create/use clear support documentation and asset/system information appropriate to a support environment.

4.2 Given a scenario, apply change management procedures.

I can…

I can explain and follow change-management procedures, including planning, approval, risk, rollback, documentation, and communication.

4.3 Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods.

I can…

I can choose and implement an appropriate workstation backup/recovery method and verify recovery needs.

4.4 Given a scenario, use common safety procedures.

I can…

I can apply common electrical, ESD, lifting, fire, cable, and equipment safety procedures.

4.5 Summarize environmental impacts and local environment controls.

I can…

I can recognize environmental controls and responsible handling/disposal considerations for IT equipment and materials.

4.6 Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.

I can…

I can explain prohibited content/activity, privacy, licensing, and policy responsibilities in a support role.

4.7 Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.

I can…

I can communicate professionally, clarify the problem, set expectations, avoid jargon when appropriate, and document/escalate appropriately.

4.8 Explain the basics of scripting.

I can…

I can explain basic scripting concepts and recognize common script use cases and risks.

4.9 Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.

I can…

I can choose an appropriate remote-access technology for a support scenario and account for security.

4.10 Explain basic concepts related to artificial intelligence (AI).

I can…

I can explain basic AI concepts and recognize appropriate AI uses, limitations, and considerations in an IT-support context.

How the percentage works: each official domain keeps its published exam weight. Within a domain, each top-level objective contributes an equal portion of its domain weight, and each I-can statement contributes an equal portion of its objective. This lets the tracker show partial readiness instead of forcing an all-or-nothing objective checkbox.