A+ study plan: Core 1 and Core 2, one printable review sheet
A+ is two exams. This free plan gives each one two weeks, weighted by how much each domain counts, and ends with a one-page review sheet you can print or save as PDF: the Core 1 ports, the Core 2 Windows commands and CompTIA's malware removal steps.
Plan on about an hour on weekdays. Many people sit Core 1 after week 2 and Core 2 after week 4; the two exams can be taken in either order.
Week 1 · Core 1: hardware and devices
Hardware · 25% of the exam · 99 A+ practice questions on this domain + Mobile Devices · 13% of the exam · 55 A+ practice questions on this domain
Cables and connectors, RAM, storage, motherboards, CPUs and power supplies: what each part is and how to pick the right one.
Printers and multifunction devices: setup and maintenance by printer type.
Mobile devices: replacing parts, accessories and connectivity, and basic network setup on a phone or tablet.
Checkpoint: Given a symptom or a spec sheet, you can name the part, cable or connector involved.
Week 2 · Core 1: networking, cloud and troubleshooting
Networking · 23% of the exam · 84 A+ practice questions on this domain + Virtualization and Cloud Computing · 11% of the exam · 25 A+ practice questions on this domain + Hardware and Network Troubleshooting · 28% of the exam · 38 A+ practice questions on this domain
Memorise the port table on the sheet, and when to choose TCP or UDP.
Wireless bands and standards, network services, SOHO network setup and the networking tools.
Virtualization and cloud concepts: hypervisors, service and deployment models.
Troubleshooting is the largest Core 1 domain: motherboard, RAM, CPU and power; drives and RAID; displays; mobile; network; printers.
End the week with a timed Core 1 run: 90 questions in 90 minutes.
Checkpoint: Book Core 1 when no Core 1 domain is far below the others.
Week 3 · Core 2: operating systems and security
Operating Systems · 28% of the exam · 83 A+ practice questions on this domain + Security · 28% of the exam · 72 A+ practice questions on this domain
Windows 10 and 11: editions, installs and upgrades, settings, tools and networking. Learn the commands on the sheet and what each one returns.
macOS and Linux features and tools, application installs and cloud productivity tools.
Security: Windows security settings, wireless security, malware types, social engineering, hardening, mobile and browser settings, data destruction.
Learn the malware removal steps on the sheet in order.
Checkpoint: For a Windows symptom you can name the tool or command that confirms it.
Week 4 · Core 2: troubleshooting and procedures
Software Troubleshooting · 23% of the exam · 30 A+ practice questions on this domain + Operational Procedures · 21% of the exam · 59 A+ practice questions on this domain
Windows, mobile OS and app problems, and PC and mobile security issues.
Documentation and ticketing, change management, backup and recovery, safety and environment.
Licensing and privacy, professional communication, scripting basics, remote access and the AI basics objective.
End the week with a timed Core 2 run: 90 questions in 90 minutes, then review every miss by domain.
Checkpoint: No Core 2 domain is far below the others. Fix the weakest one before you book.
One-page review sheet · 220-1201 & 220-1202
Core 1 ports
Protocol
Port
FTP
20-21
SSH
22
Telnet
23
SMTP
25
DNS
53
DHCP
67/68
HTTP
80
POP3
110
NetBIOS/NetBT
137-139
IMAP
143
LDAP
389
HTTPS
443
SMB/CIFS
445
RDP
3389
Core 2 Windows commands
Navigation
cd · dir
Network
ipconfig · ping · netstat · nslookup · net use · tracert · pathping
Disk
chkdsk · format · diskpart
Files
md · rmdir · robocopy
Information
hostname · net user · winver · whoami · [command] /?
OS management
gpupdate · gpresult · sfc
Malware removal · CompTIA's steps, in order
Investigate and verify malware symptoms.
Quarantine the infected system.
Disable System Restore in Windows Home.
Remediate the infected system.
Update anti-malware software.
Scan and remove (for example in safe mode or a preinstallation environment).
Reimage or reinstall.
Schedule scans and run updates.
Enable System Restore and create a restore point in Windows Home.
Educate the end user.
Troubleshooting steps
Identify the problem.
Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious); research if needed.
Test the theory to determine the cause.
Establish a plan of action and implement the solution.
Verify full system functionality and implement preventive measures if applicable.
Document findings, lessons learned, actions and outcomes.
CompTIA publishes these steps with A+ but says the methodology itself is not tested. The scenarios still expect you to work this way.
Original English practice examples, with answers and explanations available here. No account required. These are independent teaching examples, not official exam questions or exam dumps.
Question 1 of 3 · Mobile devices and computer hardware
Answer and explanation
Best answer: Use a supported dock or power arrangement with sufficient delivered wattage
The measured power shortfall explains discharge under load even though data and video work. Use a supported arrangement that meets the laptop power requirement.
Why the other choices fit less well
Battery replacement is premature when the measured charging input is insufficient. Stable video does not indicate a graphics-driver fault; reducing refresh rate without checking the required and delivered wattage does not establish a supported charging arrangement.
Best answer: Back up the required files and verify that the backup can be read
Preserve the required data and verify the backup before a destructive operation. Confirm the destination and that the files open; an unverified backup is an assumption.
Why the other choices fit less well
A reset can remove data before recovery is possible. A renamed folder remains on the same drive. Cloud sync must be checked rather than presumed to cover local files.
Best answer: Inspect the workstation DNS-server configuration and test that resolver
The successful IP connection narrows the investigation. Check which resolver this workstation uses and query it directly before making a wider change.
Why the other choices fit less well
Display cabling does not resolve hostnames. A working service for other users does not justify reinstalling it. Successful IP communication contradicts the claim that all connectivity has failed.
Paid question-bank access is a one-time purchase, with no recurring subscription. Official exam registration, vouchers and provider labs are separate from CertSprint practice.
Practise each week's domain
545 A+ questions across both cores, including performance-based questions. The first 20 are free.
