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Cybersecurity / IT

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CompTIA A+ Core 1

12/2024

Exam Overview

A+ Core 1

Exam Code: 220-1101

Number of Questions: 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based)

Passing Score: 675/900

Time: 90 minutes

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Domains Covered:

  1. Mobile Devices – 15%

  2. Networking – 20%

  3. Hardware – 25%

  4. Virtualization and Cloud Computing – 11%

  5. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting – 29%

 

This exam tests foundational IT skills, covering hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. You’ll also need to be familiar with different tools, connectors, and resource requirements.

Prep Strategy Overview

Here’s an overview of resources and strategies that past test-takers found helpful, followed by a structured 6-week and 2-3 week study plan.

1. Study Resources

  • Professor Messer’s Free YouTube Playlist

    • Professor Messer’s videos are a go-to resource for A+ material. His content is well-organized by domain, making it easy to follow. Start here to build foundational knowledge.

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  • Jason Dion’s Practice Exams (Udemy)

    • Dion’s practice exams are well-designed for simulating the real test experience. The questions may sometimes feel verbose, but they’re excellent for reinforcing key concepts. Take note of any missed questions and revisit related topics.

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  • Andrew Ramdayal’s Udemy Course

    • Ramdayal’s teaching style includes real-life scenarios, making it easier to retain information. Many test-takers found his course helpful for quick recall during the exam.

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  • Certmaster and Amplifire for Practice Questions

    • Certmaster and Amplifire quizzes reinforce domain knowledge. Certmaster in particular is known for mirroring the exam’s phrasing and difficulty.

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  • Quizlet and Wordwalls

    • Use Quizlet and Wordwalls to reinforce critical concepts like port numbers, RAID types, troubleshooting steps, and motherboard components.

2. Practice Exam Strategy

Use practice exams to gauge your understanding:

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  • Simulate Exam Conditions: Take the practice tests without interruptions, aiming to mimic the real exam experience.

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  • Review Incorrect Answers: For each missed question, write down the concept and revisit it. Rewatch videos or use flashcards to reinforce these areas.

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  • Reinforce Weak Areas: Use resources like Wordwalls and Quizlet flashcards to target specific weaknesses in topics like cables, ports, or mobile devices.

3. Topics to Prioritize

Based on recent feedback, focus on the following key topics:

  • Cables and Connectors: Know the types of connectors (USB, HDMI, RJ-45) and their uses.

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  • Printers and Troubleshooting: Study different printer types (inkjet, laser, thermal), printer maintenance, and common troubleshooting steps.

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  • RAID Types and Configurations: Learn RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 and their uses in different environments.

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  • Motherboard Components: Be familiar with motherboard components, expansion slots, and types of memory.

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  • Port Numbers and Protocols: Memorize essential port numbers (e.g., 80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS) and their corresponding protocols.

4. Performance-based Questions

PBQs test your practical knowledge, so focus on these areas:

  • Resource Requirements: Know minimum requirements for different system types, especially for virtualization and gaming.

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  • Network Troubleshooting: Be prepared to identify network issues based on device configurations.

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  • Hardware and RAID Configurations: Practice configuring storage options, interpreting RAID setups, and identifying hardware failures.

6-week CompTIA A+ Core 1 Study Plan

This plan balances conceptual understanding with hands-on practice, setting a strong foundation over six weeks.

Week 1: Mobile Devices and Networking Basics

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch Professor Messer on Mobile Devices and Networking basics, including wireless standards and mobile device configurations.

    • Focus Topics: Common mobile OS (iOS, Android), wireless standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), basic network concepts.

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  • Reading: Review mobile device sections in the CompTIA A+ study guide. Take notes on mobile device settings, common issues, and troubleshooting.

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  • Practice Quiz: Take a short quiz on mobile device and networking basics. Aim for at least 70% and review missed concepts.

Week 2: Networking Deep Dive

  • Video Learning (Daily): Continue with Networking topics, covering wired standards, connectors, cables, and network configurations.

    • Focus Topics: Network types (LAN, WAN, PAN), IP addressing, network tools (ping, traceroute, ipconfig).

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  • Hands-On Practice: Practice using network commands like ping and ipconfig on your own system to reinforce understanding.

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  • Weekly Quiz: Take a networking quiz to test your retention. Focus on topics like cables and connectors.

Week 3: Hardware Fundamentals

  • Video Learning (Daily): Move on to Hardware topics, including PC components, memory types, storage devices, and motherboard components.

  • Focus Topics: RAM types, CPU types, storage options, expansion cards, motherboard components.

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  • Hands-On Practice: If possible, open a desktop or laptop to identify key components. Familiarize yourself with connectors and slots on the motherboard.

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  • Quizlet Review (Nightly): Use Quizlet for hardware terms and concepts, especially memory types and motherboard components.

Week 4: Virtualization and Cloud Computing

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch Professor Messer or Andrew Ramdayal on Virtualization and Cloud Computing. Learn about virtualization requirements, types of cloud services, and cloud security.

    • Focus Topics: Cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), virtualization uses, hypervisors, and virtual network components.

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  • Flashcards: Create flashcards for cloud terminology and cloud service models.

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  • Weekly Quiz: Test your knowledge on virtualization and cloud concepts. Review any missed areas.

Week 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch videos on Troubleshooting, focusing on identifying and resolving common hardware and network issues.

    • Focus Topics: Printer troubleshooting, storage and memory issues, network connectivity troubleshooting.

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  • Practice Exams: Take your first Dion practice test. Note any missed questions and review weak areas in hardware or troubleshooting.

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  • Wordwalls: Use Wordwalls to reinforce the 6 troubleshooting steps and RAID types.

Week 6: Final Review and PBQ Practice

  • Review Weak Areas: Go over any topics where you missed questions on practice exams, particularly troubleshooting steps or cable types.

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  • PBQ Practice (Daily): Work on PBQs for printer troubleshooting, RAID configurations, and resource allocation.

  • Final Practice Exam: Take a final practice test. Aim for 80% or higher to ensure readiness.

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  • Day Before Exam: Light review only. Go over flashcards, especially on cables, ports, and troubleshooting. Get a full night’s rest.

2-3 Week Aggressive CompTIA A+ Core 1 Study Plan

Week 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch videos on Troubleshooting, focusing on identifying and resolving common hardware and network issues.

    • Focus Topics: Printer troubleshooting, storage and memory issues, network connectivity troubleshooting.

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  • Practice Exams: Take your first Dion practice test. Note any missed questions and review weak areas in hardware or troubleshooting.

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  • Wordwalls: Use Wordwalls to reinforce the 6 troubleshooting steps and RAID types.

If you’re short on time, here’s a focused 2-3 week study plan.

Week 1: Core Concepts and Basic Troubleshooting

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch Professor Messer or Dion on Mobile Devices, Networking, and Hardware.

    • Focus Topics: Mobile device configurations, network types and cables, hardware components.

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  • Hands-On Practice (Alternate Days): Practice using ipconfig and ping, and familiarize yourself with components on a computer if available.

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  • Quizlet and Wordwall (Nightly): Focus on flashcards for hardware and networking terms.

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  • Practice Exam (End of Week): Take your first Dion practice exam. Identify weak areas and review them immediately.

Week 2: Troubleshooting, Virtualization, and PBQ Practice

  • Video Learning (Daily): Cover Troubleshooting and Virtualization topics. Focus on the 6 troubleshooting steps, common errors, and cloud models.

    • Focus Topics: Printer troubleshooting, cloud services, RAID configurations, network troubleshooting tools.

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  • Daily PBQ Practice: Practice RAID, cable identification, and basic resource configurations using CyberVista or Certmaster PBQs.

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  • Mock Exams (End of Week): Take a full-length practice exam. Aim for at least 75%. Review missed questions thoroughly.

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  • Flashcards and Wordwalls (Nightly): Drill on ports, troubleshooting steps, and RAID configurations.

Week 3: Final Review and Exam Readiness

  • Review Weak Areas: Revisit any challenging topics, like network tools or hardware components.

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  • PBQ Practice (Daily): Complete one PBQ daily to build confidence.

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  • Final Practice Exams: Take two final practice exams. Aim for 80% or higher on each.

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  • Light Review: The day before the exam, go over essential flashcards. Get a good night’s rest.

Exam-Day Tips

  • Tackle PBQs First or Last: Choose whichever order helps you feel most comfortable.

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  • Use Elimination: Narrow down options to increase odds.

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  • Stay Confident: Trust your prep work. Read each question carefully and manage your time well.

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With this detailed plan, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence needed to pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1. Happy studying and good luck!

Supporting Resources

Here are some supporting resources that you can use to help you study for the exam.

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