About 20% of these objectives are new since the 220-902 A+ exam.
All of the new or modified objectives since the 220-902 A+ exam are highlighted.

CompTIA 220-1002 A+ Exam Domains

Domain 1.0 – Operating Systems
Domain 2.0 – Security
Domain 3.0 – Software Troubleshooting
Domain 4.0 – Operational Procedures

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• 1.1 – Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes.
• 32-bit vs. 64-bit
• RAM limitations
• Software compatibility
• Workstation operating systems
• Microsoft Windows
• Apple Macintosh OS
• Linux
• Cell phone/tablet operating systems
• Microsoft Windows
• Android
• iOS
• Chrome OS
• Vendor-specific limitations
• End-of-life
• Update limitations
• Compatibility concerns between operating systems

• 1.2 – Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions.
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 8.1
• Windows 10
• Corporate vs. personal needs
• Domain access
• BitLocker
• Media center
• Branchcache
• EFS
• Desktop styles/user interface

• 1.3 – Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods.
• Boot methods
• USB
• CD-ROM
• DVD
• PXE
• Solid state/flash drives
• Netboot
• External/hot-swappable drive
• Internal hard drive (partition)
• Type of installations
• Unattended installation
• In-place upgrade
• Clean install
• Repair installation
• Multiboot
• Remote network installation
• Image deployment
• Recovery partition
• Refresh/restore
• Partitioning
• Dynamic
• Basic
• Primary
• Extended
• Logical
• GPT
• File system types/formatting
• ExFAT
• FAT32
• NTFS
• CDFS
• NFS
• ext3, ext4
• HFS
• Swap partition
• Quick format vs. full format
• Load alternate third-party drivers when necessary
• Workgroup vs. Domain setup
• Time/date/region/language settings
• Driver installation, software, and Windows updates
• Factory recovery partition
• Properly formatted boot drive with the correct partitions/format
• Prerequisites/hardware compatibility
• Application compatibility
• OS compatibility/upgrade path

• 1.4 – Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command line tools.
• Navigation
• dir
• cd
• ..
• ipconfig
• ping
• tracert
• netstat
• nslookup
• shutdown
• dism
• sfc
• chkdsk
• diskpart
• taskkill
• gpupdate
• gpresult
• format
• copy
• xcopy
• robocopy
• net use
• net user
• [command name] /?
• Commands available with standard privileges vs. administrative privileges

• 1.5 – Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and tools.
• Administrative
• Computer Management
• Device Manager
• Local Users and Groups
• Local Security Policy
• Performance Monitor
• Services
• System Configuration
• Task Scheduler
• Component Services
• Data Sources
• Print Management
• Windows Memory Diagnostics
• Windows Firewall
• Advanced Security
• Event Viewer
• User Account Management
• MSConfig
• General
• Boot
• Services
• Startup
• Tools
• Task Manager
• Applications
• Processes
• Performance
• Networking
• Users
• Disk Management
• Drive status
• Mounting
• Initializing
• Extending partitions
• Splitting partitions
• Shrink partitions
• Assigning/changing drive letters
• Adding drives
• Adding arrays
• Storage spaces
• System utilities
• Regedit
• Command
• Services.msc
• MMC
• MSTSC
• Notepad
• Explorer
• Msinfo32
• DxDiag
• Disk Defragmenter
• System Restore
• Windows Update

• 1.6 – Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities.
• Internet Options
• Connections
• Security
• General
• Privacy
• Programs
• Advanced
• Display/Display Settings
• Resolution
• Color depth
• Refresh rate
• User Accounts
• Folder Options
• View hidden files
• Hide extensions
• General options
• View options
• System
• Performance (virtual memory)
• Remote settings
• System protection
• Windows Firewall
• Power Options
• Hibernate
• Power plans
• Sleep/suspend
• Standby
• Credential Manager
• Programs and features
• HomeGroup
• Devices and Printers
• Sound
• Troubleshooting
• Network and Sharing Center
• Device Manager
• BitLocker
• Sync Center

• 1.7 – Summarize application installation and configuration concepts.
• System requirements
• Drive space
• RAM
• OS requirements
• Compatibility
• Methods of installation and deployment
• Local (CD/USB)
• Network-based
• Local user permissions
• Folder/file access for installation
• Security considerations
• Impact to device
• Impact to network

• 1.8 – Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop.
• HomeGroup vs. Workgroup
• Domain setup
• Network shares/administrative shares/mapping drives
• Printer sharing vs. network printer mapping
• Establish networking connections
• VPN
• Dial-up
• Wireless
• Wired
• WWAN (Cellular)
• Proxy settings
• Remote Desktop Connection
• Remote Assistance
• Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
• Firewall settings
• Exceptions
• Configuration
• Enabling/disabling Windows Firewall
• Configuring an alternative IP address in Windows
• IP addressing
• Subnet mask
• DNS
• Gateway
• Network card properties
• Half duplex/full duplex/auto
• Speed
• Wake-on-LAN
• QoS
• BIOS (on-board NIC)

• 1.9 – Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems.
• Best practices
• Scheduled backups
• Scheduled disk maintenance
• System updates/App Store
• Patch management
• Driver/firmware updates
• Antivirus/Anti-malware updates
• Tools
• Backup/Time Machine
• Restore/Snapshot
• Image recovery
• Disk maintenance utilities
• Shell/Terminal
• Screen sharing
• Force Quit
• Features
• Multiple desktops/Mission Control
• Key Chain
• Spot Light
• iCloud
• Gestures
• Finder
• Remote Disc
• Dock
• Boot Camp
• Basic Linux commands
• ls
• grep
• cd
• shutdown
• pwd vs. passwd
• mv
• cp
• rm
• chmod
• chown
• iwconfig/ifconfig
• ps
• su/sudo
• apt-get
• vi
• dd
• kill

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• 2.1 – Summarize the importance of physical security measures.
• Mantrap
• Badge reader
• Smart card
• Security guard
• Door lock
• Biometric locks
• Hardware tokens
• Cable locks
• Server locks
• USB locks
• Privacy screen
• Key fobs
• Entry control roster

• 2.2 – Explain logical security concepts.
• Active Directory
• Login script
• Domain
• Group Policy/Updates
• Organizational Units
• Home Folder
• Folder redirection
• Software tokens
• MDM policies
• Port security
• MAC address filtering
• Certificates
• Antivirus/Anti-malware
• Firewalls
• User authentication/strong passwords
• Multifactor authentication
• Directory permissions
• VPN
• DLP
• Access control lists
• Smart card
• Email filtering
• Trusted/untrusted software sources
• Principle of least privilege

• 2.3 – Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.
• Protocols and Encryption
• WEP
• WPA
• WPA2
• TKIP
• AES
• Authentication
• Single-factor
• Multifactor
• RADIUS
• TACACS

• 2.4 – Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods.
• Malware
• Ransomware
• Trojan
• Keylogger
• Rootkit
• Virus
• Botnet
• Worm
• Spyware
• Tools and methods
• Antivirus
• Anti-malware
• Recovery console
• Backup/restore
• End user education
• Software firewalls
• Secure DNS

• 2.5 – Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities.
• Social Engineering
• Phishing
• Spear phishing
• Impersonation
• Shoulder surfing
• Tailgating
• Dumpster diving
• DDoS
• DoS
• Zero-day
• Man-in-the-middle
• Brute force
• Dictionary
• Rainbow table
• Spoofing
• Non-compliant systems
• Zombie

• 2.6 – Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.
• User and groups
• Administrator
• Power user
• Guest
• Standard user
• NTFS vs. Share permissions
• Allow vs. deny
• Moving vs. copying folders and files
• File attributes
• Shared files and folders
• Administrative shares vs. local shares
• Permission propagation
• Inheritance
• System files and folders
• User authentication
• Single sign-on
• Run as administrator vs. standard user
• BitLocker
• BitLocker to Go
• EFS

• 2.7 – Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a workstation.
• Password best practices
• Setting strong passwords
• Password expiration
• Screensaver required password
• BIOS/UEFI passwords
• Requiring passwords
• Account management
• Restricting user permissions
• Logon time restrictions
• Disabling guest account
• Failed attempts lockout
• Timeout/screen lock
• Change default admin user account/password
• Basic Active Directory functions
• Account creation
• Account deletion
• Password reset/unlock account
• Disable account
• Disable autorun
• Data encryption
• Patch/update management

• 2.8 – Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices.
• Screen locks
• Fingerprint lock
• Face lock
• Swipe lock
• Passcode lock
• Remote wipes
• Locator applications
• Remote backup applications
• Failed login attempts restrictions
• Antivirus/Anti-malware
• Patching/OS updates
• Biometric authentication
• Full device encryption
• Multifactor authentication
• Authenticator applications
• Trusted sources vs. untrusted sources
• Firewalls
• Policies and procedures
• BYOD vs. corporate-owned
• Profile security requirements

• 2.9 – Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.
• Physical destruction
• Shredder
• Drill/hammer
• Electromagnetic (Degaussing)
• Incineration
• Certificate of destruction
• Recycling or repurposing best practices
• Low-level format vs. standard format
• Overwrite
• Drive wipe

• 2.10 – Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks.
• Wireless-specific
• Changing default SSID
• Setting encryption
• Disabling SSID broadcast
• Antenna and access point placement
• Radio power levels
• WPS
• Change default usernames and passwords
• Enable MAC filtering
• Assign static IP addresses
• Firewall settings
• Port forwarding/mapping
• Disabling ports
• Content filtering/parental controls
• Update firmware
• Physical security

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• 3.1 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems.
• Common symptoms
• Slow performance
• Limited connectivity
• Failure to boot
• No OS found
• Application crashes
• Blue screens
• Black screens
• Printing issues
• Services fail to start
• Slow bootup
• Slow profile load
• Common solutions
• Defragment the hard drive
• Reboot
• Kill tasks
• Restart services
• Update network settings
• Reimage/reload OS
• Roll back updates
• Roll back devices drivers
• Apply updates
• Repair application
• Update boot order
• Disable Windows services/applications
• Disable application startup
• Safe boot
• Rebuild Windows profiles
• 3.2 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues.
• Common symptoms
• Pop-ups
• Browser redirection
• Security alerts
• Slow performance
• Internet connectivity issues
• PC/OS lockup
• Application crash
• OS updates failures
• Rogue antivirus
• Spam
• Renamed system files
• Disappearing files
• File permission changes
• Hijacked email
• Responses from users regarding email
• Automated replies from unknown sent email
• Access denied
• Invalid certificate (trusted root CA)
• System/application log errors
• 3.3 – Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal.
• 1. Identify and research malware symptoms.
• 2. Quarantine the infected systems.
• 3. Disable System Restore (in Windows).
• 4. Remediate the infected systems.
• a. Update the anti-malware software.
• b. Scan and use removal techniques (safe mode, pre-installation environment).
• 5. Schedule scans and run updates.
• 6. Enable System Restore and create a restore point (in Windows).
• 7. Educate the end user.
• 3.4 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues.
• Common symptoms
• Dim display
• Intermittent wireless
• No wireless connectivity
• No Bluetooth connectivity
• Cannot broadcast to external monitor
• Touchscreen non-responsive
• Apps not loading
• Slow performance
• Unable to decrypt email
• Extremely short battery life
• Overheating
• Frozen system
• No sound from speakers
• Inaccurate touch screen response
• System lockout
• App log errors
• 3.5 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues.
• Common symptoms
• Signal drop/weak signal
• Power drain
• Slow data speeds
• Unintended WiFi connection
• Unintended Bluetooth pairing
• Leaked personal files/data
• Data transmission over limit
• Unauthorized account access
• Unauthorized location tracking
• Unauthorized camera/microphone activation
• High resource utilization

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Domain 4.0 – Operational Procedures

• 4.1 – Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation.
• Network topology diagrams
• Knowledge base/articles
• Incident documentation
• Regulatory and compliance policy
• Acceptable use policy
• Password policy
• Inventory management
• Asset tags
• Barcodes
• 4.2 – Given a scenario, implement basic change management best practices.
• Documented business processes
• Purpose of the change
• Scope the change
• Risk analysis
• Plan for change
• End-user acceptance
• Change board
• Approvals
• Backout plan
• Document changes
• 4.3 – Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods.
• Backup and recovery
• Image level
• File level
• Critical applications
• Backup testing
• UPS
• Surge protector
• Cloud storage vs. local storage backups
• Account recovery options
• 4.4 – Explain common safety procedures.
• Equipment grounding
• Proper component handling and storage
• Antistatic bags
• ESD straps
• ESD mats
• Self-grounding
• Toxic waste handling
• Batteries
• Toner
• CRT
• Cell phones
• Tablets
• Personal safety
• Disconnect power before repairing PC
• Remove jewelry
• Lifting techniques
• Weight limitations
• Electrical fire safety
• Cable management
• Safety goggles
• Air filter mask
• Compliance with government regulations
• 4.5 – Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls.
• MSDS documentation for handling and disposal
• Temperature, humidity level awareness, and proper ventilation
• Power surges, brownouts, and blackouts
• Battery backup
• Surge suppressor
• Protection from airborne particles
• Enclosures
• Air filters/mask
• Dust and debris
• Compressed air
• Vacuums
• Compliance to government regulations
• 4.6 – Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
• Incident response
• First response
• Identify
• Report through proper channels
• Data/device preservation
• Use of documentation/documentation changes
• Chain of custody
• Tracking of evidence/ documenting process
• Licensing/DRM/EULA
• Open-source vs. commercial license
• Personal license vs. enterprise licenses
• Regulated data
• PII
• PCI
• GDPR
• PHI
• Follow all policies and security best practices
• 4.7 – Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.
• Use proper language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and slang, when applicable
• Maintain a positive attitude/ project confidence
• Actively listen (taking notes) and avoid interrupting the customer
• Be culturally sensitive
• Use appropriate professional titles, when applicable
• Be on time (if late, contact the customer)
• Avoid distractions
• Enclosures
• Air filters/mask
• Dust and debris
• Personal calls
• Texting/social media sites
• Talking to coworkers while interacting with customers
• Personal interruptions
• Dealing with difficult customers or situations
• Do not argue with customers and/or be defensive
• Avoid dismissing customer problems
• Avoid being judgmental
• Clarify customer statements (ask open-ended questions to narrow the scope of the problem, restate the issue, or question to verify understanding)
• Do not disclose experiences via social media outlets
• Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with the customer
• Offer different repair/ replacement options, if applicable
• Provide proper documentation on the services provided
• Follow up with customer/user at a later date to verify satisfaction
• Deal appropriately with customers’ confidential and private materials
• Located on a computer, desktop, printer, etc.
• 4.8 – Identify the basics of scripting.
• Script file types
• .bat
• .ps1
• .vbs
• .sh
• .py
• .js
• Environment variables
• Comment syntax
• Basic script constructs
• Basic loops
• Variables
• Basic data types
• Integers
• Strings

• 4.9 – Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.
• RDP
• Telnet
• SSH
• Third-party tools
• Screen share feature
• File share
• Security considerations of each access method

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