Why the CompTIA A+ Troubleshooting Methodology Matters
The CompTIA A+ troubleshooting methodology isn’t just an exam topic — it’s the foundation of how professional IT technicians diagnose and resolve real-world problems. On the Core 1 exam (220-1201), Hardware & Network Troubleshooting accounts for a hefty 29% of your score. On Core 2 (220-1202), Software Troubleshooting makes up 22%. Together, that’s a significant portion of both 90-question exams you need to pass with scores of 675/900 and 700/900 respectively. If you can master this six-step process, you won’t just check a box — you’ll think like a technician from day one on the job.
The Six-Step CompTIA A+ Troubleshooting Methodology
CompTIA defines a specific, repeatable process for troubleshooting. The exam expects you to know these steps in order and understand why each step exists — not just what it’s called. Let’s break this down step by step.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Before you can fix anything, you need to understand exactly what’s broken. This means gathering information from the user, observing the symptoms firsthand, and identifying any recent changes to the system. Ask open-ended questions:
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