CompTIA A+ exam domains: Complete study guide for all 9 knowledge areas

Understanding A+ exam domains

The CompTIA A+ certification involves passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Each exam requires you to answer up to 90 questions in 90 minutes or less. The questions are multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based.

The focus of each Core is unique, covering different CompTIA A+ test topics:

• Core 1 covers hardware, troubleshooting physical systems and networking.
• Core 2 focuses on operating systems, software issues and security.

Core 1 consists of five domains:

• Mobile Devices (13%)
• Networking (23%)
• Hardware (25%)
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

Core 2, on the other hand, has four domains:

• Operating Systems (28%)
• Security (28%)
• Software Troubleshooting (23%)
• Operational Procedures (21%)

This CompTIA A+ study guide is a resource to help you plan your study strategy for both Core 1 and Core 2. To get the most from this guide, you should allocate your study time according to each domain’s weights. For instance, Core 1’s Hardware and Network Troubleshooting domain, which comprises 28% of the exam, should receive more study time than Mobile Devices, which accounts for only 13%. The same goes for Core 2’s Operating Systems (28%) when compared to Operational Procedures (21%).

Also, keep track of how well you’re grasping each topic. One of the most effective ways to measure your progress is to study a section and then take a practice exam. You can also review sample exam questions and gauge how familiar their terminology feels and the difficulty of each task, over time.

Regardless of how you assess your progress, the key is to use this guide as an anchor. In this way, you avoid missing covering important material. Another advantage of this CompTIA A+ exam breakdown is that it contains the most recent information on the Core 1 and Core 2 exams. To see how the exam has evolved over the last few years, check out what has changed since the 2022 iteration.

Core 1 CompTIA A+ 220-1201 domains

Domain 1: Mobile Devices (13%)

With mobile devices being so ubiquitous in professional and personal lives, it makes sense that understanding mobile device management is included among the CompTIA A+ Core 1 objectives.

Key concepts overview

Mobile Devices focuses on smartphones, tablets, laptops and their components. Some focal points include batteries, displays and accessories. The domain also covers connectivity topics, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. The mobile networking topics also include skills for supporting mobile device networking environments.

This domain also homes in on the practical skills you need to replace the physical components of mobile devices.

Specific exam objectives

• Install and configure laptop hardware: This includes batteries, cameras, Wi-Fi antennas, HDDs/SSDs and wireless cards, all of which are essential to mobile IT hardware fundamentals.
• Compare mobile display components: Some examples are LCD/LED displays, touchscreens/digitizers and inverters.
• Set up accessories and ports: This covers common accessories and ports, such as USB/USB-C, Lightning, NFC, Bluetooth, docking stations and headsets.
• Configure network connectivity: Wireless networking includes Wi-Fi, cellular (2G-5G), Bluetooth pairing, hotspot, MDM/MAM and synchronization of email, contacts, calendars and other systems and their data.
• Troubleshoot issues: Troubleshooting focuses on addressing poor battery health, broken screens, overheating and digitizer problems, as well as software issues such as malware infections.

Study tips

Practicing for the Mobile Devices domain can get pretty fun. You can give yourself hands-on practice assembling, disassembling and reassembling devices using old laptops, tablets or phones. In this way, you can master component swaps and reinforce knowledge of how the hardware components interconnect.

It’s also a good idea to use flashcards to review connectivity protocols, such as Bluetooth pairing steps and cellular standards. Then you can simulate scenarios using virtual labs. There are plenty of network simulators and emulators you can use for free or at minimal cost.

Of course, you also want to review the CompTIA A+ exam objectives daily. As mentioned earlier, you want to allocate 13% of your total study time to this domain, given its weight.

Common exam scenarios

Exams often present performance-based tasks. For instance, you may be asked about how to enable Bluetooth pairing or configure MDM for corporate email on a tablet.

Troubleshooting questions cover common symptoms such as swollen batteries or liquid damage. And you have to show you know how to resolve each problem using a step-by-step approach.

With drag-and-drop scenarios in Mobile Devices, you may have to match accessories to ports or identify why displays are failing.

To get comprehensive hands-on practice that touches on every topic you need to know, explore the CompTIA A+ Boot Camp.

Domain 2: Networking (23%)

The Networking domain accounts for 23% of CompTIA A+ Core 1, making networking basics a major part of the exam. This domain focuses on networking concepts or how systems connect with each other. It covers networking hardware and protocols, as well as how to establish and maintain systems. It also goes into troubleshooting techniques that IT professionals need to understand when working with networking devices.

Key concepts overview

The Networking domain covers the fundamentals of networking. This means it dives into some of the more basic topics, such as the types of networks (LAN, WAN and PAN) and networking hardware. So you can also expect questions about routers, switches and access points.

IP addressing is another core topic because it plays an integral role in how devices and networks are identified and secured. Some topics include common IP addressing and protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS and DHCP. Network configurations, such as wireless setups and VPNs, also appear on the test to ensure candidates understand their role in connectivity infrastructure.

Similar to the other domains, troubleshooting network issues is another key component. For instance, you can expect questions about identifying and resolving connectivity problems.

Specific exam objectives

• Identify and explain different types of networks, such as LAN, WAN, PAN and their unique characteristics.
• Understand and use common cables and connectors, such as Ethernet (Cat5, Cat6), fiber-optic and coaxial cables.
• Recognize and configure network hardware, such as routers, switches, wireless access points and modems.
• Understand Wi-Fi standards (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), frequency bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and encryption methods (WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3).
• Configure and troubleshoot TCP/IP settings, including IPv4 and IPv6, subnetting, default gateways and DNS.
• Explain common networking protocols, such as DHCP, DNS, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS and VPN.
• Understand virtualization technologies and cloud computing concepts as they pertain to networking.
• Troubleshoot common network issues and how they can pose security concerns. Some topics include slow network speed, interference, IP conflicts and access errors.

Study tips for this domain

Since this domain encompasses 23% of the exam’s total weight, it’s important to allocate ample prep time. Here are some tips to streamline your study prep:

• Use diagrams and visual aids to grasp network topologies and how devices interconnect.
• Practice configuring devices in virtual labs or real equipment. This helps you get more comfortable with IP addressing and protocol settings.
• Use flashcards to memorize port numbers, protocol purposes and cable types.
• Troubleshoot simulated network issues in virtual labs or using real equipment. This builds your problem-solving skills.

Common exam scenarios

You can expect a number of scenario-based questions. These require identifying the cause of connectivity issues, configuring wireless security settings or addressing other common networking challenges. For instance, you may encounter scenarios involving matching ports to their protocols or selecting the best cables for a given environment or throughput requirements.

The performance-based questions might ask you to configure IP addresses or troubleshoot DNS errors step-by-step.

Note on study time allocation

Since this domain is heavily weighted, you’ll want to dedicate significant time and do so in a way that enhances your chances of success. Here are some tips:

• First, focus on understanding network fundamentals.
• Second, reiterate your knowledge of the foundational elements using hypothetical scenarios or lab exercises.
• Then, start developing your troubleshooting skills.

It can be tempting to get a little foundational knowledge and then jump right into troubleshooting because, after all, that’s what the job often involves. But by really zeroing in on network fundamentals first, you give yourself a broad base of knowledge on which to build other competencies.

Domain 3: Hardware (25%)

The Hardware domain is one of the largest in the Core 1 exam, comprising 25% of the questions. The focus of this domain is to understand and work with physical computing components. This involves installing, configuring and troubleshooting them as issues arise over time or during specific incidents.

Key concepts overview

This domain covers a wide range of hardware components, such as:

• Motherboards
• CPUs
• RAM
• Power supplies
• Storage devices, like HDDs, SSDs and NVMe
• Expansion cards
• Peripherals, which can range from printers and keyboards to docking systems and controllers

The Hardware domain also addresses different form factors, which are components that perform similar functions but differ in size or shape. Connectivity components, such as ports, connectors and hardware interfaces, are also covered under this domain.

It’s also important to understand essential concepts, such as feature compatibility and installation procedures.

In addition, you need to know how to identify when something is going wrong and the likely causes and repair techniques.

Specific exam objectives

• Identify different types of motherboards, their components and ports.
• Describe CPU characteristics, such as cores, clock speed and cooling solutions.
• Differentiate between the types of RAM, including DDR3, DDR4 and DDR5 and configuration options such as single- and dual-channel.
• Understand storage devices, including HDD, SSD, hybrid drives and RAID.
• Recognize expansion cards and their use cases. Some cards include graphics, sound and networking capabilities.
• Explain power supply unit (PSU) components, their wattage ratings and the connectors they use.
• Describe input/output devices and common port types. Some include USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI and DisplayPort.
• Practice appropriate installation and safety procedures. These pertain to both hardware replacement and upgrades.
• Troubleshoot common hardware issues. Some topics include boot failures, overheating and device recognition errors.

Study tips for this domain

Due to its size and importance, the Hardware domain requires significant prep time. To get the most from your study time, you can:

• Use visual aids and videos. These make it easier to visualize components and how to install them.
• Practice identifying parts in real or simulated computers. If you’re using simulated devices, be sure you also know what they look like in real life. You don’t want to conflate virtual and physical components accidentally.
• Try doing a lot of hands-on assembly and disassembly of PCs. And have fun with it. You can take apart your gaming PC and upgrade its storage, for example. Getting inside actual computers is especially valuable when preparing for the Hardware domain.
• Practice exams are also valuable, especially those that focus on hardware identification and troubleshooting scenarios.

Common exam scenarios

The Hardware exam scenarios may feel more straightforward than those in other domains. You may have to diagnose and repair a hardware failure, for example, or select compatible parts to perform an upgrade.

Some questions may ask you to identify motherboard components and show you understand their functions. You could also see questions about different kinds of ports and how computers use them.

Expect troubleshooting topics, as well, which could include outlining the correct steps for building a PC or figuring out why components are malfunctioning. The same goes for upgrading, which is a common responsibility for IT team members. You want to be able to show that you understand the steps for performing an upgrade and how to check compatibility.

Hands-on practice recommendations

Here are some mini projects you can use to get ready for the Hardware domain:

• Upgrade the RAM on a PC. If you don’t have extra RAM lying around in your PC graveyard, still perform the steps and then reassemble the computer.
• Upgrade a hard drive by adding a higher-capacity drive.
• Add a more powerful expansion card. When doing so, start with a hypothetical scenario, such as upgrading a graphics card for an architect using CAD and BIM tools.

Online simulators are also your friend when prepping for the Hardware domain. At the same time, nothing beats taking a physical computer apart to get real-world experience. This sharpens your diagnostic skills, which are essential for performing well on the exam.

Domain 4: Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)

The Virtualization and Cloud Computing domain makes up 11% of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam. This domain introduces key technologies that enable multiple virtual systems and goes into a number of cloud-based services for storage, computing and applications.

Key concepts overview

Virtualization involves creating virtual versions of physical and software computing components. This includes both an understanding of networking components and knowledge of operating systems. Cloud computing is integral to virtualization because public, private and hybrid cloud environments deliver services like storage and software over the internet.

This domain covers virtualization concepts, virtual machines, hypervisors, desktop virtualization and cloud service models such as IaaS, SaaS and PaaS.

Specific exam objectives

• Explain virtualization concepts, such as virtual machines, hypervisors (Type 1 and Type 2) and their benefits. Resource efficiency is a common benefit, for example.
• Describe cloud computing models, including IaaS, PaaS and SaaS.
• Describe different deployment types, such as public, private, community and hybrid.
• Identify cloud services, including different types of storage, compute instances and containers.
• Compare virtualization and cloud applications, specifically when it comes to scalability and availability, as well as recovery for backup, continuity and resiliency systems.
• Understand network functions in virtual environments, such as virtual switches and network address translation (NAT).
• Compare cloud service models and virtualization concepts, including virtual machines, hypervisors, desktop virtualization, IaaS, SaaS and PaaS.

Study tips for this domain

One of the key foundational concepts to grasp is how different virtualization types and cloud models solve computing challenges. By watching hypervisor demos, such as VMware, you can better understand what they do and how they manage workloads.

Practicing for the Virtualization and Cloud Computing domain may feel less “hands-on” than getting ready for Hardware, but it’s no less intensive. For instance, you should practice identifying scenarios where virtualization reduces costs. You can also play around with designing virtualization architectures that enhance flexibility or scalability.

Common exam scenarios

You may face questions about selecting the right cloud model for a business need, such as SaaS for email services or about what to use for an effective cloud-based development environment.

And you should expect several troubleshooting scenarios related to virtual machine connectivity and matching hypervisor types to use cases.

Some drag-and-drop tasks could include placing services into their appropriate categories, such as IaaS, PaaS or SaaS.

A note on the growing importance of virtualization and cloud technologies

Virtualization and cloud skills are increasingly vital for modern IT roles, particularly as businesses shift to more efficient, scalable infrastructures. By mastering this domain, you prepare yourself for real-world tasks like managing virtual desktops or migrating to cloud services.

Domain 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting is one of the largest A+ domains. It covers 28% of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam. Its focus is on diagnosing and resolving hardware and network issues with an effective troubleshooting methodology.

Key concepts overview

This domain focuses on common hardware failures and network connectivity problems. It also covers how to troubleshoot them and which tools to use. In addition, it covers the systematic approach to identifying, isolating and fixing issues in computing components. Some of these include CPUs, memory, storage and network devices. It’s important to understand the roles of cables and ports, as well as device drivers and error messages, because they are key to troubleshooting.

Specific exam objectives

• Use best practices for troubleshooting processes. These include identifying the problem, establishing a theory, testing the hypothesis, building a plan, verifying functionality and documenting your findings.
• Diagnose common hardware issues. Some may include a lack of power, overheating components, complete component failure or failure to boot up.
• Troubleshoot storage device issues, such as RAID problems or identifying symptoms of a failing hard drive.
• Identify and solve connectivity issues. Common culprits include IP conflicts, DNS failures and physical cable problems.
• Use troubleshooting tools, including multimeters, loopback plugs and cable testers.
• Know how to use system monitoring software to identify issues early.
• Resolve issues with mobile devices, including battery swelling, faulty displays and connection problems.
• Use preventive maintenance to avoid hardware failures or extend the lifecycle of specific components.

Study tips for this domain

Master the structured troubleshooting methodology and apply it step-by-step in practice labs and real-world scenarios. Just to reiterate, here’s the 6-step methodology:

1. Identify the problem.
2. Establish a theory of probable cause.
3. Test the theory to determine the cause.
4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
5. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures.
6. Document findings, actions and outcomes.

To put these steps to work, you can:

• Practice identifying symptoms and correlating them to hardware or network faults
• Use flashcards featuring common errors and their solutions
• Simulate troubleshooting using virtual tools

Since this domain is heavily weighted, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to understand the basic concepts and practice solving issues to reiterate your knowledge.

For larger domains like this, it may also help to keep a journal to document your progression and knowledge areas that may need reinforcement or skills requiring additional practice.

Common exam scenarios

You should expect a mix of common scenarios, such as a PC failing to boot or losing network connectivity. You might be asked to troubleshoot a non-responsive USB device or identify a faulty router in a complex network setup.

For the performance-based questions, you may need to diagnose and resolve issues step by step, demonstrating the practical skills needed to fix problems.

For additional preparation for performance-based testing, refer to the CompTIA Performance-Based Testing Guide for practice and tips.

Core 2 CompTIA A+ 220-1202 domains

This is a separate exam, and the CompTIA A+ Core 2 objectives move more toward the software and operational side of the tech spectrum. It certifies knowledge around operating systems, software issues and security fundamentals.

Domain 1: Operating Systems (28%)

The Operating Systems domain is one of the largest in CompTIA A+ Core 2, accounting for 28% of the exam. It covers the installation, configuration and maintenance of major operating systems. The OSes covered by Core 2 include those for desktops, servers, laptops and mobile devices, such as tablets and phones.

Core 2 also focuses on troubleshooting different operating systems. It’s important to note that Core 2 does not cover many industry-specific operating systems, such as proprietary, embedded OSes used in point-of-sale terminals and certain IoT hardware. Instead, it focuses on common computing OSes, such as Linux, Windows, macOS android and iOS.

Key concepts overview

The Operating Systems domain focuses on the most common OS functions. Some of these include process management, memory allocation, file systems and user interfaces. This domain also touches on how these features compare across platforms. It also covers how to handle updates and resolve common issues, such as boot failures or performance degradation. To master this domain, you will want to understand the roles of scripting, command-line tools and virtualization integration for modern IT support roles.

Specific exam objectives

• Compare and contrast different kinds of operating systems, such as client/server, mobile (Android/iOS) and embedded systems.
• Install and configure Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android OSes, as well as upgrade paths and licensing.
• Manage OS features. Some common features include control panel settings, registry, Task Manager/Activity Monitor and file systems (NTFS, APFS, ext4).
• Use command-line tools. This applies to Windows (cmd, PowerShell), macOS/Linux (Terminal, bash) and mobile (ADB) command-line tools.
• Perform OS maintenance. This includes installing updates, performing disk management, backing up and performing system recovery.
• Troubleshoot OS issues. Common issues that may appear on the exam include boot errors, application crashes and symptoms of malware infections.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Mobile OS Coverage

Windows, arguably the most popular OS, gets a lot of attention on the exam. Some topics may include BitLocker, Group Policy and Event Viewer for enterprise use. You can also expect macOS topics, such as Time Machine backups and Gatekeeper security, tailored for Apple hardware.

Linux is also a powerful, flexible OS and so the exam gives it plenty of attention. Expect to see topics that include distributions like Ubuntu, package managers and strong server capabilities. Mobile OSes (Android/iOS) cover app management and rooting/jailbreaking risks.

Study tips for this domain

Preparing for this domain should involve a lot of practice, such as:

• Installing multiple OSes in virtual machines and then performing side-by-side comparisons.
• Getting familiar with the key commands and tools used for each platform.
• Focusing on troubleshooting flows for common errors
• Taking practice exams with questions that simulate real-life configurations and other challenges

Common exam scenarios

Since this domain’s focus is on operating systems, you may see scenarios that involve common OS challenges, such as choosing the correct boot method for Windows recovery or using Linux commands to check disk usage.

You may also be asked to troubleshoot common OS error screens, startup failures or system crashes. Other common questions include troubleshooting macOS permission issues or figuring out why an Android app is crashing.

Performance-based questions could require you to configure user accounts across OSes or to script a simple set of configuration commands.

Domain 2: Security (28%)

The Security domain in CompTIA A+ Core 2 comprises 28% of the exam. It assesses knowledge of implementing physical and digital security measures and detecting threats. The Security domain also tests your knowledge of incident response in different IT environments.

Key concepts overview

This domain addresses core security principles, including the CIA triad:

• Confidentiality
• Integrity
• Availability

It further breaks security down into:

• Physical protections such as locks and biometrics
• Software defense tools, including antivirus, firewalls and encryption.
• Different types of threats, like malware, social engineering and configuration vulnerabilities
• Compliance concepts
• Incident response procedures

It’s important to keep in mind that you need to study a relatively wide range of each topic. For instance, social engineering could involve regular phishing, whale phishing, spear phishing, tail gaiting or another variant.

Specific exam objectives

• Summarize security concepts, including CIA triad, authentication methods and non-repudiation.
• Compare physical security controls. These may include locks, surveillance, badges, fencing and the secure disposal of sensitive documents.
• Explain common threats, such as malware, including ransomware, social engineering and DDoS attacks.
• Implement software security, including firewalls, antivirus, anti-malware, Windows Defender and updates/patches.
• Use wireless security protocols, such as WPA3, EAP and VPN configurations.
• Apply cryptography basics, including hashing, salting, digital signatures and PKI.
• Detect and respond to incidents, which may involve change management, data destruction and recovery procedures.

Study tips for this domain

Studying for the Security domain may involve several different approaches because the field encompasses so many principles. Here are some effective methods:

• Create mind maps that link threats to countermeasures
• Practice identifying attack vectors in realistic scenarios
• Review real-world examples of breaches to understand their impacts and how teams defended against them
• Use mnemonic devices for authentication types and protocols, then test yourself with flashcards and quizzes focused on security tools

One particularly effective technique is to test your knowledge by reading technical reports of breaches and mitigation strategies. Every time you review a report, it should become easier to understand the terminology and steps taken. After a while, you’ll be able to read the description of the attack vector and then prescribe your own mitigation strategies, some of which may match what the pros did.

Security is increasingly important

Security demands grow in conjunction with the increase in cyber threats. This underscores the value of this domain for any IT career. Candidates should allocate substantial study time to master both theory and practical applications. This equips you to pass the exam and, equally as important, defend real networks and their assets.

Common exam scenarios

Common exam scenarios call on you to choose the most effective security controls for specific incidents, such as someone trying to gain unauthorized access to an office or troubleshooting phishing incidents.

There may also be questions that require you to match threats to their symptoms. To test your knowledge of defense methodologies, you may see questions around how to configure firewall rules or strategize incident responses.

Performance-based tasks could involve enabling BitLocker or identifying a social engineering tactic.

Domain 3: Software Troubleshooting (23%)

The Software Troubleshooting domain takes up 23% of the CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam. It focuses on diagnosing and resolving issues across applications, operating systems and system resources.

Key concepts overview

This domain covers common software malfunctions, such as:

• Crashes
• Compatibility problems
• Performance issues

Each of these concepts can be applied to Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile platforms. The Software Troubleshooting domain also emphasizes tools for monitoring resources across your stack. It also covers safe-mode operations and data-recovery techniques.

Given these topics, it’s essential to understand the role of error logs, driver conflicts and malware in diagnosing problems and engineering effective resolutions.

Specific exam objectives

• Troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS issues, such as boot errors, blue screens, slow performance and service failures.
• Diagnose application issues, including crashes, errors, the inability to remove apps, slow performance and licensing problems.
• Resolve OS issues such as incorrect time/date settings, inability to remove applications and crashes during updates.
• Address common symptoms, including slow performance, the inability to access the internet, service failures and malware indicators.
• Use appropriate tools to address issues, such as Event Viewer, Task Manager, MSCONFIG, disk cleanup, system restore and recovery options.
• Troubleshoot mobile OS issues like app failures, OS updates and rooting/jailbreaking problems.
• Apply best practices for software removal, virtualization troubleshooting and malware removal.

Study tips for this domain

For this domain, a lot of practice in virtual machines will give you an advantage. For example, you can:

• Cause a problem, such as a driver conflict, then fix it.
• Research common problems, simulate them in a virtual environment and then come up with effective fixes.
• Focus on specific groups of issues, such as configuration problems or boot device issues, and then systematically practice remediation steps for different incidents in each category.

It also helps to study symptom root cause charts, as the exam often tests knowledge of the cause-and-effect relationships between incidents and the issues they originate from.

Common exam scenarios

Scenarios tend to circle around a mix of relatively common problems, such as:

• A Windows app crashing repeatedly
• A system failing to boot normally
• Slow performance due to high CPU usage

Performance-based questions could require using Task Manager to identify apps consuming a lot of resources or booting into safe mode step-by-step.

Troubleshooting methodology connections

Remember that solving issues requires a consistent methodology. So you should apply the six-step methodology consistently: identify the problem, establish a theory, test it, plan and implement a solution, verify functionality and document results. This structured approach links directly to software diagnostics, so when you use it in this domain, you reinforce several critical skills.

Domain 4: Operational Procedures (21%)

The Operational Procedures domain represents 21% of the CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam. It covers a variety of professional computing practices. Some of these include safety protocols and documentation that IT technicians use in real-world environments.

Key concepts overview

This domain emphasizes many of the auxiliary practices that foster effective IT teams, such as:

• Safe hardware handling
• Productive customer interactions
• Change management
• Environmental concerns
• Equipment disposal
• Compliance with regulations
• How to maintain professionalism while documenting processes and responding to incidents effectively

So while this domain may require less technical knowledge and skills, it’s important to take it seriously. These practices form the structure around which successful departments are built and the fact that Operational Procedures comprise 21% of the exam attests to its importance.

Specific exam objectives

• Follow safety procedures, including electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention, general electrical safety and chemical handling.
• Use tools and equipment properly, such as cable management, rack installation and climate control.
• Adhere to environmental protections like power issues, dust/debris control and HVAC maintenance.
• Implement change management processes, including rollback plans and authorization.
• Observe standards of professional behavior, such as communication techniques, confidentiality and licensing compliance.
• Handle prohibited items and proper asset disposal methods.
• Apply scripting basics and remote access technologies.

Professional behavior and communication

Technicians demonstrate professionalism through:

• Active listening
• Showing empathy
• Setting clear explanations
• Respecting privacy by handling sensitive data carefully
• Using appropriate language with diverse customers
• Following up on issues

Documentation and safety procedures

Technicians are expected to maintain detailed records of tickets, configurations and incidents using ticketing systems and you can expect the exam to assess this ability. Safety considerations include the practical application of principles when it comes to:

• Grounding techniques to prevent electrical shock
• Lifting protocols to prevent personal injury
• Knowledge of fire suppression techniques
• Compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA and HIPAA to ensure secure data handling and disposal

Study tips for this domain

To get ready for the Operational Procedures domain, you can:

• Role-play customer service scenarios to practice communication skills
• Review safety checklists and memorize ESD precautions by watching safety videos
• Create sample documentation templates for change requests and incident reports

It’s also helpful to combine practices from this domain with those in other domains by simulating full ticketing workflows, from incident to mitigation to documentation.

Common exam scenarios

Scenarios in this domain might involve:

• Advising on safe cable routing in a server room
• Documenting a hardware swap
• Responding to a customer upset about downtime
• Selecting the right ESD protection for a repair

In general, questions often test prioritizing safety while performing IT tasks.

Study strategies

To reiterate, when studying, you want to prioritize the domains with the most weight by giving them more time than those with less weight. This also means you would spend about the same amount of time studying for Core 2’s Software Troubleshooting and Operational Procedure domains because they account for 23% and 21% respectively.

Suggested study order

Begin with Core 1 foundations: Mobile Devices, then Networking and Hardware for hardware basics to build a solid foundation. Then move to Virtualization and end with Troubleshooting, which will involve applying knowledge from several of the areas you’ve already reviewed.

Then move to Core 2, starting with Operating Systems and linking back to Core 1 hardware, before tackling Security, Software Troubleshooting and Operational Procedures.

This is a logical approach because it moves you from computing components to systems and then onto professional practices, which involve all of the above.

Next steps after mastering domains

After gaining mastery over the Core 1 and Core 2 domains, it’s time to get familiar with the registration details and get ready for test day.

Already have an awesome job in your sights? Check out this interview prep guide so you can put your best foot forward. And to dive a little deeper into your career options, check out our career resources and the entry-level cybersecurity courses and careers.