Chapter Six
Introduction to the 220-1102 Exam
The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) exam covers operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS; computer and network security; mobile device operating systems such as Android and iOS; software troubleshooting; and operational procedures. The largest percentage of the exam focuses on operating systems—mainly, the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of Windows—but you will also see many questions on the other topics.
In this chapter, I briefly discuss how the exam is categorized, give you some test-taking tips, and prepare you to take the three 220-1102 practice exams that follow.
Exam Breakdown
The CompTIA A+ 220-1102 exam is divided by domain. Each domain makes up a certain percentage of the test. The four domains of the A+ 220-1102 exam and their respective percentages are listed in Table 6.1.
Table 6.1 220-1102 Domains
Domain | Percentage of Exam |
|---|---|
1.0 Operating Systems | 31% |
2.0 Security | 25% |
3.0 Software Troubleshooting | 22% |
4.0 Operational Procedures | 22% |
Total | 100% |
Chances are that when you take the real CompTIA exam, the questions will be based on these percentages. But you never know. The questions are chosen at random, so you have to be prepared for anything and study all of the objectives.
Each domain has several objectives. There are far too many to list in this book, but I recommend that you download a copy of the objectives for yourself. You can get them from CompTIA’s A+ web page (https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a), and I link to them at my website (https://dprocomputer.com) as well.
Let’s talk about each domain briefly.
Domain 1.0: Operating Systems (31%)
We’ve hardly talked about Windows up until this point. But now that we’re here, you’ll see lots of questions on Windows—I guarantee it.
This domain covers how Windows can be installed, how it is configured, and how it is used. It covers Windows settings, the Windows Control Panel, and a plethora of Windows tools. You’ll have to be ready to network Windows computers together, too; be ready to set up workgroups, domains, networking connections, and plenty more. In addition, this domain gets into commands such as ipconfig , netstat , shutdown , and robocopy , which are issued in PowerShell or the Command Prompt. Then there’s maintenance and backup of Windows. That’s a lot already, and this is not a finite list. Know Windows well.
However, it’s not all about Windows; Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS are covered in this domain as well. So, the objectives are in depth. There’s a lot of information to cram into one domain, but remember that this domain does not cover Windows troubleshooting; that topic is left for Domain 3.0.
Domain 2.0: Security (25%)
Security takes on a bigger role every year in the IT world. The CompTIA A+ 220-1102 exam reflects this growth. This domain deals with common security threats, physical and digital prevention methods, how to secure the various operating systems listed in the first domain, how to dispose of storage drives properly, and how to secure a small office or home office (SOHO) network. Basically, careful consideration for security should be applied to anything technology oriented.
Note
Many test-takers have the most difficulty with this domain and the troubleshooting domain. Be ready.
Domain 3.0 Software Troubleshooting (22%)
Here it is: troubleshooting. It’s the troubleshooting methodologies that make the ultimate computer tech. And it’s those skills that will make or break you on this exam. So practice in a hands-on manner and break and fix those test systems!
Whenever you encounter a technical problem, try to approach it in a logical manner. The best way to do this is to use some kind of troubleshooting theory.
Remember the CompTIA six-step troubleshooting methodology from the 220-1101 exam? I’d like you to try to incorporate that six-step process into your line of thinking as you read through the practice exams and whenever you troubleshoot a PC, mobile device, networking, or security issue:
Step 1. Identify the problem.
Step 2. Establish a theory of probable cause. (Question the obvious.)
Step 3. Test the theory to determine the cause.
Step 4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
Step 5. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures.
Step 6. Document the findings, actions, and outcomes.
This section could be considered the most difficult and, unfortunately in the IT field, the most insidious. Issues can look or act like one thing yet be another. Stay focused when dealing with troubleshooting questions. You’ll know them when you see them; they include real-world scenarios and often end in a question such as “What should you do to fix the problem?” or “How can this be resolved?”
Know this domain inside and out, and you will be well on your way to passing the A+ 220-1102 exam, attaining your A+ certification, and becoming a true expert at troubleshooting.
Domain 4.0: Operational Procedures (22%)
The fourth domain of the 220-1102 exam deals with safety procedures, environmental concerns, documentation, incident response, prohibited content, communication, professionalism, basic scripting, and remote access. Many of these topics are the “intangibles” of the A+ exam. Although this domain is tied for the smallest percentage of the exam, these concepts could be considered some of the most important topics for the real world. This last domain helps develop a well-rounded technician. Apply the concepts in this domain to everything else you do.
Test-Taking Tips
Just as with the 220-1101 practice exams, I recommend that you take it slowly through these practice exams. Carefully read through each question. Read through all of the answers. Look at each answer and consider whether it is right or wrong. And if an answer is wrong, define why it is wrong. This approach will help you eliminate wrong answers in the search for the correct answer. When you select an answer, be confident in your decision.
Be ready for longer questions. The length of these questions is due to the complexity of some of the scenarios. You need to imagine yourself within each situation and think how you would approach the problem step by step. Be prepared to write things down as you look at a question. Doing so can help you organize your thoughts. It’s allowed on the real exam as well.
Note
If you take an exam in person at a testing center, you should be given something to write on. Be sure that you receive it before you start your exam.
Finally, don’t get stuck on any one question. You can always mark it and return to it later. I provide more tips as you progress through the book, and I summarize all test-taking tips at the end of this book.
Getting Ready for the Practice Tests
The practice tests in the following three chapters are based on the 220-1102 exam. Each test is followed by in-depth explanations. Be sure to read them carefully. Don’t move on to another exam until you have become proficient at the first one. By that I mean you should be scoring 90% or higher. Be positive that you understand the concepts before moving on to another exam. This will make you an efficient test-taker and allow you to benefit the most from this book.
Consider timing yourself. Give yourself 90 minutes to complete each exam. Write down your answers on a piece of paper. When you are finished, if you still have time left, review your answers for accuracy.
Each exam is more difficult than the one before it. Don’t get overconfident if you do well on the first exam; your skills will be tested more thoroughly as you progress. And don’t get too concerned if you don’t score 90% on the first try. This just means you need to study more and try the test again later. Keep studying and practicing!
After each exam is an answer key, followed by in-depth answers/explanations. Don’t skip the explanations, even if you think you know the concept. I often add my two cents, which can add insight to the nature of the question as well as help you answer other similar questions correctly.
Ready yourself: Prepare your mind and then go ahead and begin the first 220-1102 practice exam!