What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification and Why Does It Matter?
The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry’s most recognized entry-level IT credential — and for good reason. If you’re looking to break into IT support, help desk, or technical operations, this is the certification that hiring managers look for first. Unlike a degree program, the A+ is focused entirely on practical, job-ready skills: diagnosing hardware failures, troubleshooting networks, securing endpoints, and supporting operating systems. There are no prerequisites to sit the exam, which makes it the ideal starting point whether you’re switching careers or building your very first IT resume in 2026.
Here’s exactly what you’re signing up for: two separate exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), each up to 90 questions with a 90-minute time limit. You need a scaled score of 675/900 to pass Core 1 and 700/900 to pass Core 2. Once earned, your certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. Let’s break down exactly what each exam tests.
Core 1 (220-1201): What You Need to Know
Core 1 is heavily hardware and networking focused. Think of it as the exam that proves you can physically work with computers and understand how they communicate. Here are the five domains and their exam weighting:
- Hardware (25%) — This is the biggest domain. You’ll need to know motherboard components, CPU socket types, RAM standards like DDR4 and DDR5, storage interfaces (SATA, NVMe, M.2), and how to identify cables and connectors. The exam expects you to know the difference between a PCIe x1 and x16 slot — not just that they exist.
- Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (29%) — The highest-weighted domain on Core 1. You’ll face scenario-based questions asking you to diagnose POST failures, strange BIOS behavior, network connectivity issues, and printer malfunctions. A solid troubleshooting methodology (identify, establish theory, test, resolve, document) is your best friend here.
- Networking (20%) — TCP/IP fundamentals, subnetting basics, wireless standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), and network hardware like switches, routers, and access points. You absolutely must memorize key port numbers.
- Mobile Devices (15%) — Laptop hardware components, mobile OS types, and connectivity methods including Bluetooth, NFC, and cellular standards.
- Virtualization & Cloud Computing (11%) — Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), deployment models (public, private, hybrid), and hypervisor types.
Port Numbers You Must Know Cold
Networking questions on Core 1 frequently test your knowledge of protocol port numbers. Here’s what the exam will expect you to recall without hesitation: FTP uses ports 20 and 21, SSH and SFTP use port 22, Telnet uses port 23, SMTP uses port 25, DNS uses port 53, DHCP uses ports 67 and 68, HTTP uses port 80, HTTPS uses port 443, SMB uses port 445, and RDP uses port 3389. These show up constantly — in multiple-choice questions and in performance-based questions (PBQs) where you might be asked to configure a firewall rule or identify suspicious traffic.
Core 2 (220-1202): What You Need to Know
Core 2 shifts the focus from hardware to software, security, and professional IT practices. This is where many candidates underestimate the difficulty — the Security and Operational Procedures domains require genuine understanding, not just memorization.
- Operational Procedures (30%) — The largest domain on Core 2 covers documentation best practices, change management processes, disaster recovery concepts like backup types and recovery point objectives, and workplace safety including electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions. This domain rewards candidates who’ve worked in a real IT environment.
- Security (26%) — Malware types (ransomware, spyware, rootkits, Trojans), social engineering tactics (phishing, vishing, tailgating), encryption standards, multi-factor authentication, and physical security controls. The exam expects you to know the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption and when each is used.
- Operating Systems (22%) — Windows 10 and 11 features, command-line tools, Linux fundamentals, macOS utilities, and OS installation methods including clean install vs. upgrade paths.
- Software Troubleshooting (22%) — Diagnosing OS boot failures, removing malware step by step, and resolving mobile device issues. The malware removal process is a classic exam topic — know the steps in order.
Test Your Knowledge
Let’s put your understanding to the test with a couple of exam-style questions. These are similar to what you’ll encounter on the actual CompTIA A+ exams.
Question 1: A technician is setting up a secure remote desktop connection to a Windows workstation from across the network. Which port must be open on the firewall to allow this connection?
