CompTIA A+ Core 1

• Network ports, protocols and secure alternatives

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 30 min

  Covers the well-known TCP and UDP ports, associated protocols, and the secure alternatives A+ Core 1 expects you to recognise in scenarios. The exam tests this through direct recall, matching port numbers to services, and choosing the correct secure protocol for a given use case.

  • Identify common TCP and UDP ports and match them to their protocols and services, including FTP 20/21, SSH 22, Telnet 23, SMTP 25, DNS 53, DHCP 67/68, HTTP 80, POP3 110, IMAP 143, LDAP 389, HTTPS 443, SMB/CIFS 445, RDP 3389, and file-sharing or remote-access services named in the exam objectives.
  • Differentiate connectionless and connection-oriented traffic at a high level by recognising whether a listed protocol commonly uses TCP or UDP.
  • Explain the purpose of core network protocols, including DNS, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP/SFTP, SSH, Telnet, SMTP, POP3, IMAP, LDAP, SMB/CIFS, and RDP.
  • Select the secure alternative when a legacy insecure protocol is presented, especially SSH instead of Telnet, SFTP instead of FTP, and HTTPS instead of HTTP.
  • Interpret simple network scenarios to determine which port or protocol must be allowed, blocked, or configured for a service to function.
  • Apply protocol and port knowledge to troubleshooting-style questions involving email, name resolution, web access, file transfer, remote desktop, and directory services.

• IP addressing, subnetting and core network configuration

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 45 min

  Covers IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnet masks, gateways, DNS settings, and the foundational configuration concepts needed to place hosts on a network. The exam tests this with calculations, address classification, and scenario questions about host configuration and connectivity.

  • Differentiate public, private, APIPA, loopback, and link-local addressing using official IPv4 and IPv6 terminology.
  • Calculate and interpret IPv4 subnet information using CIDR notation and subnet masks, including identifying network addresses, broadcast addresses, valid host ranges, and the number of available hosts on common subnets.
  • Compare IPv4 and IPv6 notation and recognise common IPv6 address types and shorthand conventions at the level required by A+ Core 1.
  • Explain the purpose of core host network settings, including IP address, subnet mask or prefix length, default gateway, DNS server, and MAC address.
  • Distinguish static and dynamic addressing and explain how DHCP assigns configuration settings to clients.
  • Apply addressing and subnetting knowledge to determine whether devices can communicate locally, require a router, or have a misconfiguration.

• Wireless networking standards, frequencies and encryption

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 30 min

  Covers Wi‑Fi standards, frequency bands, channels, wireless security methods, and the practical characteristics of modern wireless networking. The exam tests this by asking you to identify the appropriate standard, band, or encryption method for a scenario.

  • Differentiate IEEE 802.11 wireless standards relevant to A+ Core 1, including legacy and current families such as 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, and ax, by speed class, band usage, and general capabilities.
  • Compare the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz wireless bands in terms of range, interference, channel availability, and typical use cases.
  • Identify common Wi‑Fi channel considerations, including overlap in 2.4 GHz and the impact of channel selection on interference and performance.
  • Explain wireless encryption and authentication options, including WPA2, WPA3, AES/CCMP, TKIP, and enterprise versus personal modes, and distinguish them from deprecated or insecure options such as WEP.
  • Select the most appropriate wireless standard and security configuration for a given requirement involving speed, coverage, compatibility, or security.

• Network types, topologies and internet connection types

  ≈ 2.9%1 h 15 min

  Covers common network categories, physical and logical topologies, and the major wired and wireless methods used to connect sites or users to the internet. The exam tests this through identification, comparison, and scenario-based selection of the best fit.

  • Differentiate common network types, including LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, SAN, WLAN, VLAN, VPN, and client-server versus peer-to-peer environments, using official terminology.
  • Identify physical and logical topologies such as star, mesh, ring, bus, and hybrid, and explain the practical implications of each for connectivity and fault isolation.
  • Compare common internet connection types, including cable, DSL, fiber, satellite, cellular, fixed wireless, and dial-up where referenced historically, with emphasis on bandwidth, latency, availability, and use cases.
  • Explain the purpose and characteristics of VPN connectivity, including secure remote access and site-to-site use at a conceptual level.
  • Select the most suitable network type, topology, or internet connection for a home, small office, branch office, mobile, or remote-user scenario.

• Routers, switches, access points and other network devices

  ≈ 2.9%1 h 15 min

  Covers the purpose and basic operation of the main network devices named in A+ Core 1. The exam tests this by asking you to identify device roles, choose the correct device for a requirement, or recognise where a fault is likely to occur.

  • Explain the functions of routers, switches, unmanaged switches, managed switches, wireless access points, modems, patch panels, hubs, firewalls, network interface cards, and broadband or edge devices within a small network.
  • Differentiate devices that operate primarily at Layer 2 from those that route traffic between networks at Layer 3, at the conceptual level expected by A+ Core 1.
  • Identify when to use a router, switch, access point, modem, firewall, or NIC in a given connectivity scenario.
  • Describe the role of PoE-capable infrastructure where relevant to wireless access points, IP cameras, VoIP phones, or similar endpoints.
  • Interpret small-network diagrams to determine how traffic flows between wired hosts, wireless clients, local subnets, and the internet.

• Networked host services and common service roles

  ≈ 2%1 h

  Covers the common server and host roles that provide core network services to clients. The exam tests this by asking you to identify which service a host is providing and what clients rely on it for.

  • Explain the purpose of common host and server roles, including DHCP server, DNS server, file server, print server, mail server, web server, proxy server, authentication server, and virtual private network endpoints where named in scope.
  • Differentiate infrastructure services that automatically provide configuration or name resolution from application services that deliver files, print jobs, web content, or email.
  • Match a business or technical requirement to the correct host role, such as centralised printing, shared storage, dynamic addressing, internal name resolution, or outbound web filtering.
  • Interpret client symptoms to infer which back-end service role may be unavailable, misconfigured, or unreachable.
  • Apply service-role knowledge to basic deployment and support scenarios in home, SOHO, and small business environments.

• SOHO network setup, security and networking tools

  ≈ 2.9%1 h 15 min

  Covers configuring and securing a small office/home office network and using the common command-line and physical tools named in the A+ objectives. The exam tests this through practical setup scenarios, basic hardening choices, and interpretation of tool output.

  • Configure a basic SOHO network by applying SSID settings, wireless security, IP addressing choices, DHCP options, and internet-edge settings appropriate to a small environment.
  • Implement foundational SOHO security measures, including changing default credentials, using strong admin passwords, enabling WPA2 or WPA3 with AES where supported, updating firmware, disabling unnecessary services, and applying content filtering or MAC filtering when appropriate.
  • Explain the purpose of common networking tools and commands, including crimper, cable stripper, punchdown tool, tone generator and probe, loopback plug, cable tester, Wi‑Fi analyzer, and software commands such as ipconfig, ifconfig, ping, tracert or traceroute, netstat, nslookup, and tcpdump where referenced at A+ level.
  • Interpret basic command output to verify addressing, connectivity, name resolution, route progression, listening connections, or local adapter status.

About 9 h 30 min of study, lessons and core practice

• Cables, connectors and adapters

  ≈ 2.9%1 h 15 min

  This topic covers the identification, selection and appropriate use of common internal and external cables, connectors and adapters used with PCs, displays, storage and mobile devices. The exam tests recognition, matching and best-fit selection in direct questions, drag-and-drop items and hardware scenarios.

  • Identify common network, peripheral and storage cable types and their associated connectors, including twisted-pair Ethernet, coaxial, fiber optic, USB, Thunderbolt, SATA and video cabling.
  • Differentiate display connectors and signaling standards, including HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA and USB-C video modes, and select the correct cable or adapter for a given requirement.
  • Match storage and internal system connectors to their uses, including SATA data, SATA power, Molex, Berg, PCIe power, ATX motherboard power and fan headers.
  • Apply knowledge of USB connector families and versions, including Type-A, Type-B, Mini-USB, Micro-USB, USB-C and relevant backward-compatibility or adapter considerations.
  • Select appropriate adapters, dongles and converters to connect dissimilar ports or standards while accounting for signal type, direction and device capability.
  • Interpret connector form, pin layout and intended purpose to avoid incorrect installation or incompatible cabling choices.

• Display devices, input devices and peripheral interfaces

  ≈ 2.9%1 h 15 min

  This topic covers common display technologies, input devices and peripheral interfaces used with desktop and mobile computing systems. The exam tests identification of device types and interface standards, plus choosing the most suitable peripheral connection for a use case.

  • Differentiate display device technologies and characteristics, including LCD panel types, LED backlighting, OLED and touchscreen-related considerations relevant to end-user hardware support.
  • Identify common input devices and their typical uses, including keyboard, mouse, scanner, barcode reader, biometric device, touchscreen, stylus, game controller and signature pad.
  • Compare peripheral interfaces used for human interface and external devices, including USB, Bluetooth, NFC and proprietary wireless receiver implementations.
  • Explain common display features and specifications, including native resolution, refresh rate, aspect ratio and multi-monitor support considerations.
  • Select appropriate peripherals and interface methods for accessibility, productivity, point-of-sale, creative and general office use cases.

• RAM technologies, features and installation

  ≈ 2.9%1 h 15 min

  This topic covers desktop, laptop and server memory technologies, their characteristics and correct installation practices. The exam tests recognition of RAM types and features, compatibility checking and choosing the right memory configuration for a scenario.

  • Identify common RAM form factors and generations, including DIMM and SODIMM implementations across DDR memory families relevant to modern systems.
  • Differentiate RAM characteristics, including capacity, speed, channels, ECC, registered/buffered versus unbuffered and voltage or compatibility considerations.
  • Explain memory packaging and installation rules, including module population order, matched pairs for multi-channel operation and motherboard support limitations.
  • Apply safe installation and handling practices for memory upgrades, including ESD awareness, slot alignment and post-installation verification.
  • Evaluate RAM compatibility by comparing motherboard, CPU and firmware support with module type, speed, form factor and feature set.
  • Interpret common memory labeling and specifications to determine whether a module fits a given desktop, laptop or workstation requirement.

• Storage device types, interfaces and RAID

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 30 min

  This topic covers magnetic, solid-state and optical storage technologies, the interfaces they use and common RAID concepts. The exam tests identification of drive types, connector standards, performance and capacity trade-offs, and appropriate RAID selection for a scenario.

  • Differentiate storage device types, including HDD, SSD, hybrid storage, optical media and flash-based removable storage, by performance, durability, capacity and use case.
  • Identify storage interfaces and form factors, including SATA, eSATA, NVMe, PCIe, M.2 and common external storage connection methods.
  • Compare SSD implementation details, including 2.5-inch SATA SSDs and M.2 devices using SATA or NVMe over PCIe, and select compatible options for a system.
  • Explain RAID levels commonly covered on the exam, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10, in terms of striping, mirroring, parity, redundancy and minimum drive expectations.
  • Evaluate storage solutions for desktops, laptops and external devices based on speed, resilience, cost per gigabyte and physical compatibility.

• Motherboards, form factors, chipsets and sockets

  ≈ 2%1 h

  This topic covers motherboard components, common form factors, chipset roles and CPU socket compatibility. The exam tests hardware identification, fit and compatibility decisions, and recognition of motherboard features in build or upgrade scenarios.

  • Identify motherboard form factors and compare their size, mounting and expansion characteristics, including common consumer desktop standards.
  • Explain the purpose of the chipset and how it affects motherboard capabilities such as expansion support, storage options, integrated features and CPU compatibility.
  • Match CPU sockets to supported processor families at a high level and verify that motherboard and processor selections are physically and logically compatible.
  • Identify major motherboard components and headers, including slots, power connectors, firmware storage, front-panel connectors, fan headers and integrated I/O.
  • Evaluate motherboard selection for a scenario by considering case fit, expansion needs, memory support, storage connectivity and processor support.

• CPUs, cooling and expansion cards

  ≈ 2%1 h

  This topic covers processor characteristics, cooling methods and common expansion cards installed in PCs. The exam tests recognition of CPU features, appropriate thermal solutions and selecting expansion hardware that matches system requirements.

  • Identify CPU characteristics relevant to installation and support, including core count, cache, integrated graphics capability, virtualization support and socket compatibility.
  • Differentiate cooling methods and components, including heat sinks, thermal compound, system fans, liquid cooling and airflow considerations for reliable operation.
  • Apply correct CPU and cooler installation concepts, including alignment, retention, thermal interface use and connection of required power or fan headers.
  • Identify common expansion card types, including graphics, sound, network, wireless, capture, storage-controller and USB expansion cards.
  • Match expansion cards to appropriate slot types and bandwidth considerations, including PCIe form factors and physical slot compatibility.
  • Evaluate when integrated motherboard features are sufficient and when a dedicated expansion card is the better hardware choice for a scenario.

• Power supplies, system assembly and electrical protection

  ≈ 2.9%1 h 15 min

  This topic covers PSU characteristics and connectors, safe PC assembly practices and electrical protection devices used to protect equipment and users. The exam tests part selection, build sequencing, connector matching and choosing appropriate power protection for a given environment.

  • Identify power supply features and connectors, including wattage considerations, efficiency concepts, modular cabling and motherboard, CPU, GPU and drive power leads.
  • Select an appropriate PSU for a system build by considering component power needs, connector requirements, physical form factor and upgrade headroom.
  • Apply safe system assembly procedures, including ESD precautions, component handling, standoff placement, cable management and verification before power-on.
  • Differentiate electrical protection devices, including surge suppressor, UPS, line conditioner and generator, and select the appropriate option for a scenario.
  • Explain basic electrical concepts as used on the exam, including AC versus DC power roles and the purpose of grounding and protection during installation.

• BIOS, UEFI and firmware configuration

  ≈ 2%1 h

  This topic covers BIOS/UEFI purpose, common firmware settings and the configuration tasks needed during hardware installation or upgrade. The exam tests recognition of firmware functions, navigation of common settings and selecting the correct configuration change for a scenario.

  • Explain the role of BIOS and UEFI in system startup, hardware initialization and boot management.
  • Identify and configure common firmware settings, including boot order, date and time, virtualization support, secure boot, TPM-related settings, fan or thermal monitoring and onboard device enablement.
  • Differentiate legacy BIOS concepts from UEFI capabilities, including graphical interface support, larger-disk boot support and security-oriented features.
  • Apply firmware update and reset concepts appropriately, including when to use manufacturer updates and when to restore defaults or clear configuration settings.
  • Interpret POST and firmware messages to determine when configuration changes are required after hardware replacement or upgrade.
  • Verify that firmware settings align with installed hardware and intended operating mode, especially for storage, boot and security-related options.

• Printers and multifunction device deployment and settings

  ≈ 2.9%1 h 30 min

  This topic covers printer technologies, installation requirements and configuration settings for printers and multifunction devices. The exam tests identification of printer types, consumables and maintenance items, plus choosing deployment and configuration options for a given environment.

  • Differentiate printer technologies, including laser, inkjet, thermal, impact and 3D printing, by operation, output characteristics and common use cases.
  • Identify printer components, consumables and maintenance items, including toner, drum, fuser, transfer belt, imaging process elements, ink cartridges, printhead and thermal paper considerations.
  • Explain connectivity and deployment options for printers and multifunction devices, including USB, Ethernet, wireless and shared or networked installation approaches.
  • Configure common printer settings, including duplexing, tray selection, quality settings, orientation, color versus monochrome and secure or user-specific printing features where supported.
  • Apply vendor-recommended installation and maintenance concepts, including driver selection, calibration, firmware awareness and routine replacement of service items.

• Workstation custom configurations and component selection

  ≈ 2%45 min

  A+ V15 Core 1 only

  Choose and justify component combinations for common custom workstation builds and special-purpose PCs based on workload, graphics, storage, cooling, power, redundancy, and expansion requirements.

  • Select appropriate components for common custom workstation scenarios.
  • Match CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and cooling choices to intended workloads.
  • Differentiate when to prioritize performance, capacity, redundancy, or expandability.
  • Verify compatibility among form factors, sockets, power supplies, and expansion components.
  • Recommend scenario-appropriate upgrades for gaming, CAD/CAM, virtualization, A/V editing, thin-client, and home-server use cases.

About 11 h 45 min of study, lessons and core practice

• Cloud concepts, characteristics and service models

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 15 min

  Covers foundational cloud computing concepts, the defining characteristics of cloud environments, and the main service and deployment models. On the exam, candidates are typically asked to match scenarios, benefits, and responsibilities to the correct cloud model or characteristic.

  • Explain cloud computing concepts using official terminology, including shared resources and the shift from local infrastructure to provider-hosted services.
  • Identify core cloud characteristics, including rapid elasticity, scalability, high availability, file synchronization, and resource pooling.
  • Differentiate service models, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
  • Differentiate deployment models, including public, private, hybrid, and community clouds.
  • Compare common cloud advantages, including metered utilization, on-demand availability, and reduced local hardware requirements, and apply them to business use cases.
  • Evaluate a scenario and determine the most appropriate cloud service model or deployment model based on management responsibility and organizational needs.

• Cloud storage, synchronization and virtual desktop use cases

  ≈ 2.9%1 h

  Focuses on how cloud storage and synchronization are used across devices and how virtual desktop technologies are applied in real-world environments. The exam tests recognition of suitable use cases, expected behavior, and common advantages of each approach.

  • Explain the purpose and operation of cloud storage services, including remote data access and centralized file availability.
  • Explain file synchronization concepts, including keeping data consistent across multiple endpoints and platforms.
  • Compare common cloud storage and synchronization use cases, including backup, collaboration, and cross-device access.
  • Differentiate virtual desktop implementations and use cases, including Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), application streaming, and locally hosted virtual desktops where relevant to user access scenarios.
  • Evaluate when a virtual desktop solution is appropriate, including remote work, centralized management, legacy application access, and thin-client environments.
  • Apply cloud storage, synchronization, or virtual desktop solutions to a scenario based on user mobility, device limitations, and administrative requirements.

• Client-side virtualization, hypervisors and virtual machines

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 15 min

  Covers local virtualization on client systems, including hypervisor concepts, virtual machine requirements, and practical workstation use cases. The exam commonly tests setup requirements, resource needs, and the ability to choose virtualization appropriately for a given scenario.

  • Explain the purpose of client-side virtualization and identify common reasons for running virtual machines on endpoint systems.
  • Differentiate hypervisor types, including Type 1 and Type 2, in the context of client and desktop virtualization.
  • Identify hardware and firmware requirements for virtualization, including CPU support, sufficient RAM, adequate storage, and enabling virtualization support in BIOS/UEFI.
  • Configure or recognize key virtual machine settings, including virtual CPU, memory allocation, storage allocation, networking, and snapshots where applicable to client-side use.
  • Evaluate appropriate use cases for local virtual machines, including sandboxing, application compatibility, testing, training, and supporting multiple operating systems on one host.

About 3 h 30 min of study, lessons and core practice

• Troubleshooting methodology and best-next-step selection

  ≈ 2%1 h

  Covers the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology used throughout Core 1 and the judgement needed to choose the best next step in a scenario. The exam tests both the ordered process and whether you can apply it appropriately while observing change control, backups, safety and documentation.

  • Explain the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology: identify the problem, establish a theory of probable cause, test the theory, establish a plan of action, implement the solution or escalate as necessary, verify full system functionality and implement preventive measures, and document findings, actions and outcomes.
  • Apply a best-next-step approach to hardware and network scenarios by selecting the most appropriate action based on symptoms, user statements, environmental factors and available evidence.
  • Differentiate probable cause from confirmed cause and evaluate when to question the obvious, divide the problem, or test the simplest and least disruptive theory first.
  • Determine when to back up data, obtain user approval, follow organisational procedures and consider corporate policies before making changes.
  • Evaluate when escalation is required because of authority limits, safety concerns, warranty restrictions, time constraints or lack of resolution.
  • Document troubleshooting results clearly, including symptoms, tests performed, changes made, preventive measures and final resolution.

• Mobile device power, display and app troubleshooting

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 30 min

  Focuses on diagnosing common mobile device faults involving power, charging, displays, touch input and application behaviour. The exam presents symptom-based scenarios and asks for the most likely cause or best corrective action.

  • Diagnose and resolve power and battery issues such as failing battery, swollen battery, unexpected shutdowns, no power, intermittent charging, loose charge port, damaged cable, bad adapter and depleted battery.
  • Troubleshoot mobile display and touch issues including dim display, no image, flickering, distorted image, dead pixels, lines on screen, unresponsive touchscreen, ghost touches and cracked digitizer or panel symptoms.
  • Diagnose application problems such as apps locking up, crashing, failing to launch, draining battery, consuming excessive resources or failing after an update.
  • Apply corrective actions for mobile OS and app issues, including force close, restart, update app, update OS, clear cache or temporary data, reinstall app, verify permissions and remove problematic apps.
  • Distinguish between software symptoms and hardware faults when evaluating mobile performance, overheating and abnormal behaviour.

• Mobile device connectivity and synchronization troubleshooting

  ≈ 2%1 h

  Covers troubleshooting of mobile wireless connections, pairing, messaging, email and synchronization services. The exam tests whether you can isolate whether the issue is with the device, the app, the local connection or the cloud or carrier service.

  • Diagnose mobile connectivity issues involving Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular data, hotspot tethering, airplane mode and signal problems.
  • Troubleshoot pairing and accessory problems by verifying discoverability, distance, interference, power state, pairing records, compatibility and permissions.
  • Resolve messaging and email issues such as inability to send or receive messages, incorrect server settings, authentication failures, sync disabled state and storage-related failures.
  • Troubleshoot account and data synchronization problems involving contacts, calendars, email, cloud files and application data across multiple devices.
  • Apply configuration checks and corrective actions such as toggling radios, forgetting and rejoining networks, re-pairing devices, verifying credentials, checking service availability and adjusting sync intervals or account settings.

• Wired network connectivity and internet troubleshooting

  ≈ 4.9%1 h 45 min

  Covers troubleshooting of wired network links, TCP/IP configuration and internet access from the workstation outward. The exam commonly tests layered diagnosis using symptoms, command output and the most efficient next action.

  • Diagnose physical wired network issues including no link light, damaged cable, incorrect cable type, loose connectors, bad wall jack, failed NIC and disabled network adapter.
  • Troubleshoot TCP/IP configuration problems such as incorrect IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS settings, duplicate IP, APIPA assignment and DHCP failure.
  • Interpret common symptoms and command results to isolate local host, switch, router, DNS or ISP issues using appropriate tools and utilities.
  • Resolve connectivity problems such as no network access, limited connectivity, intermittent connection, no internet access, inability to reach local resources and inability to reach remote resources.
  • Differentiate name resolution failures from routing or link failures by testing localhost, local IP, default gateway, DNS resolution and external reachability in a logical sequence.

• Wireless network and SOHO troubleshooting

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 30 min

  Focuses on troubleshooting wireless client connectivity and common small office or home office network problems. The exam tests your ability to identify interference, configuration mismatches, placement issues and basic SOHO router faults.

  • Diagnose wireless client issues such as no connectivity, intermittent connectivity, weak signal, slow throughput, authentication failure, incorrect SSID, wrong security settings and captive portal confusion.
  • Troubleshoot RF and environmental causes including interference, channel overlap, excessive distance, obstacles, attenuation, antenna problems and poor access point placement.
  • Resolve encryption and authentication mismatches involving WPA2 or WPA3 settings, passphrase errors, disabled SSID broadcast, MAC filtering and outdated client support.
  • Troubleshoot SOHO router problems including incorrect WAN settings, DHCP misconfiguration, DNS forwarding issues, double NAT symptoms, firmware issues and failure after power events.
  • Apply corrective actions such as rebooting devices, relocating access points, changing channels or bands, updating firmware, verifying ISP handoff and reconnecting or reconfiguring clients.

• Motherboard, CPU, RAM and power troubleshooting

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 30 min

  Covers diagnosis of core system hardware faults that prevent startup, cause instability or produce POST and thermal symptoms. The exam tests recognition of likely failed components and the safest, most appropriate corrective step.

  • Diagnose motherboard faults such as no POST, no power, burning smell, swollen capacitors, onboard device failure, intermittent shutdowns and front-panel connection issues.
  • Troubleshoot CPU-related problems including overheating, improper seating, missing or failed cooling, throttling, unsupported processor symptoms and shutdowns under load.
  • Diagnose RAM issues such as failure to boot, memory not detected, intermittent crashes, memory errors, mismatched modules, improper seating and incorrect slot population.
  • Resolve power problems involving bad power supply, incorrect voltage selection where applicable, insufficient wattage, failed power connectors, dead outlet, tripped protection device and loose internal power connections.
  • Interpret startup indicators such as beep codes, diagnostic LEDs, vendor splash behaviour and POST error messages to narrow probable causes.

• Storage, display and peripheral troubleshooting

  ≈ 3.9%1 h 30 min

  Covers troubleshooting of storage devices, monitors, video output and common external peripherals. The exam uses symptom-based questions that require you to distinguish cabling, configuration, driver and hardware causes.

  • Diagnose storage issues such as drive not detected, slow performance, unusual noises from HDDs, read or write failures, corrupted files, SMART-related concerns, RAID issues and full-capacity conditions.
  • Troubleshoot boot and storage access symptoms by verifying power and data connections, interface configuration, drive health, partition or file system state and boot order where relevant.
  • Resolve display problems including no image, wrong resolution, blank screen, flickering, dim image, colour distortion, dead pixels, artifacts, projector issues and incorrect input source selection.
  • Diagnose video path issues involving GPU, display cable, adapter, port, monitor settings, refresh rate and multi-display configuration.
  • Troubleshoot peripheral faults affecting keyboards, mice, webcams, speakers, external drives and other USB or interface-connected devices by checking drivers, permissions, ports, power and pairing where applicable.

• Printer and print quality troubleshooting

  ≈ 2.9%1 h 15 min

  Covers diagnosis of printer operation, connectivity and print-quality faults for laser, inkjet, thermal and impact devices at an A+ support level. The exam tests symptom recognition, likely consumable or maintenance causes and the best practical fix.

  • Diagnose printer operational issues such as paper jams, not feeding, multiple-page feed, no connectivity, wrong port, print queue problems, slow printing and printer not found.
  • Troubleshoot laser print-quality problems including faded print, ghosting, toner not fusing, vertical streaks, lines down the page, repeating defects, paper not feeding and wrinkled media.
  • Troubleshoot inkjet print-quality problems including streaking, missing colours, smudging, blocked print head, low ink symptoms, carriage issues and incorrect media settings.
  • Diagnose thermal and impact printer issues such as faint output, blank output, ribbon problems, thermal paper issues, print head concerns and alignment problems.
  • Apply common corrective actions including clearing jams, checking trays and rollers, replacing toner or ink, running cleaning or calibration routines, checking maintenance kits, verifying drivers and restarting the print spooler.

About 11 h of study, lessons and core practice