Core 1: Mobile Devices
13%Laptop hardware, displays, cameras, microphones, batteries, docking stations, mobile accessories, wireless connections, mobile device synchronization, and mobile device support scenarios.
CertVectorCompTIA A+ study guide
A six-week path across A+ Core 1 and Core 2 readiness.
A+ is broad because support work is broad. Use this plan to move from physical devices and networking into operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and support workflow.
A+ domain weights
Core 1: Networking
23%Ports, protocols, IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, cabling, connectors, network hardware, wireless standards, SOHO configuration, network services, and connectivity basics.
Core 1: Hardware
25%Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage, power supplies, cables, connectors, peripherals, displays, printers, multifunction devices, consumables, and component replacement decisions.
Core 1: Virtualization and Cloud Computing
11%Cloud service models, common cloud characteristics, hosted resources, virtual machines, client-side virtualization, resource requirements, snapshots, networking, and security considerations.
Core 1: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
28%Troubleshooting PCs, mobile devices, storage, displays, printers, wired networks, wireless networks, connectivity symptoms, hardware failures, and practical technician next steps.
Core 2: Operating Systems
28%Windows editions and installation, Windows tools, command-line utilities, macOS and Linux basics, OS features, networking settings, cloud productivity tools, and operating system management.
Core 2: Security
28%Physical security, logical security, authentication, authorization, encryption, malware, social engineering, browser security, wireless security, workstation hardening, mobile device security, and data destruction.
Core 2: Software Troubleshooting
23%Troubleshooting Windows, applications, mobile operating systems, mobile apps, security symptoms, malware infections, performance problems, startup problems, and structured remediation.
Core 2: Operational Procedures
21%Documentation, change management, disaster recovery, backups, safety, environmental controls, communication, professionalism, scripting basics, remote access, licensing, policies, and support workflow.
Weekly progression
Keep Core 1 and Core 2 connected instead of studying them as unrelated lists of terms.
Week 1
Mobile Devices, Networking, and Hardware Baseline
Review laptop components, mobile accessories, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, synchronization, ports, protocols, IP addressing, cabling, network devices, RAM, storage, power, displays, and peripherals.
Week 2
Printers, Cloud, Virtualization, and Core 1 Troubleshooting
Practice printer symptoms, consumables, virtualization requirements, cloud service models, VM snapshots, hardware troubleshooting, mobile troubleshooting, and wired or wireless connectivity issues.
Week 3
Operating Systems
Study Windows editions, installation, updates, settings, Control Panel, Task Manager, Event Viewer, Device Manager, command-line tools, macOS basics, Linux basics, and cloud productivity sync.
Week 4
Security
Tighten least privilege, authentication, malware, social engineering, workstation hardening, wireless security, mobile security, encryption, browser security, physical security, and data destruction.
Week 5
Software Troubleshooting and Procedures
Work through application crashes, OS startup issues, malware remediation, mobile app symptoms, change management, documentation, backups, safety, remote access, scripting basics, licensing, and communication.
Week 6
Two-Exam Readiness
Run mixed Core 1 and Core 2 drills, review missed explanations, retest weak domains, then complete timed simulations for both sides of the A+ workflow.
Use the plan inside the product
Start with mixed A+ drills, inspect your weak domains, then use missed-question review to turn broad support topics into reliable troubleshooting decisions.