Should I study Core 1 or Core 2 flashcards first?

If you're taking Core 1 first (the most common order), focus on hardware, networking, and mobile device cards. Save OS and security cards for Core 2 preparation.

How do I memorize all the hardware specs?

Focus on patterns and categories rather than individual items. Our cards group similar concepts (DDR generations, USB versions) to show relationships.

Are troubleshooting steps the same for both exams?

The six-step methodology (identify, theory, test, plan, verify, document) is a best practice, but CompTIA does not test it as an objective on 220-1201 or 220-1202. Core 1 tests hardware and network troubleshooting scenarios, while Core 2 tests software troubleshooting.

Do I need to memorize Windows registry paths?

No. The 220-1202 objectives list the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) as a tool, not specific registry paths. Know what regedit is for and when to use it; our flashcards cover the tool and the Windows features it controls.

CompTIA A+ · 220-1201 & 220-1202

A+ Flashcards

Memorize hardware specs, ports, and troubleshooting steps. Flip through 10 real cards from our 500+ card A+ deck.

Study the full deckSpaced repetition tracks what you know

Card 1 of 10

10 A+ terms to know

PoE: Delivers power over network cable. Standards: 802.3af (15.4W), 802.3at/PoE+ (30W), 802.3bt/PoE++ (60W Type 3, 90W Type 4). Powers APs, cameras, phones. Simplifies installation.
SSD: Storage using flash memory, no moving parts. Much faster than HDD (550 MB/s SATA, 7000+ MB/s NVMe). More durable, silent, lower power. Higher cost per GB.
RAID: Combines multiple drives for performance or redundancy. RAID 0: striping (fast, no redundancy). RAID 1: mirroring. RAID 5: striping + parity. RAID 10: mirror + stripe.
NFC: Very short-range wireless (4 cm). Tap to connect. Used for contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), quick pairing, transit cards. Secure due to proximity requirement.
ITX: Small motherboard form factors. Mini-ITX: 6.7 x 6.7 in (170 x 170 mm), popular for compact builds. Nano-ITX and Pico-ITX even smaller. Limited expansion but great for small cases.
MBR: Legacy partition scheme. Max 2TB drive, 4 primary partitions. First sector contains bootloader. Being replaced by GPT.
GPT: Modern partition scheme replacing MBR. Supports drives over 2TB, 128+ partitions. Required for UEFI boot. Backup table at disk end.
AUP: Policy defining permitted use of IT resources. Covers internet, email, software, data handling. Employees sign acknowledging rules. Basis for enforcement.
DMARC: Email policy for handling failed SPF/DKIM. Options: none, quarantine, reject. Provides authentication reports. Works with SPF and DKIM.
AAA: Security framework: Authentication (who are you?), Authorization (what can you access?), Accounting (what did you do?). Used in RADIUS and TACACS+ for network access control.

What's in the A+ deck

CompTIA A+ covers an enormous range of topics across two exams. Our flashcard system breaks it down into manageable chunks - hardware components for Core 1, operating systems for Core 2, and hardware, network, and software troubleshooting across both. Build the vocabulary and knowledge base you need to succeed.

Hardware Components

CPUs, RAM types, storage devices, motherboard components, and specs

100+

Ports & Connectors

USB types, video ports, audio jacks, and peripheral connectors

60+

Networking Basics

IP addressing, common ports, network hardware, and protocols

50+

Operating Systems

Windows features, Linux commands, macOS concepts, and mobile OS

80+

Troubleshooting

Error codes, symptoms, methodology steps, and common fixes

70+

Security Concepts

Malware types, security best practices, and authentication methods

50+

Core 1 / Core 2 Split

Study cards specific to each exam or mix them for comprehensive review. Focus your energy where you need it most.

Hardware Specs

Memorize RAM speeds, CPU sockets, connector types, and cable specs. These details appear frequently on Core 1.

Troubleshooting Steps

Learn the systematic troubleshooting approach. Cards cover common symptoms and their likely causes.

Command Reference

Windows, Linux, and command-line tools organized for quick memorization and reference.

Frequently asked questions

Should I study Core 1 or Core 2 flashcards first?: If you're taking Core 1 first (the most common order), focus on hardware, networking, and mobile device cards. Save OS and security cards for Core 2 preparation.
How do I memorize all the hardware specs?: Focus on patterns and categories rather than individual items. Our cards group similar concepts (DDR generations, USB versions) to show relationships.
Are troubleshooting steps the same for both exams?: The six-step methodology (identify, theory, test, plan, verify, document) is a best practice, but CompTIA does not test it as an objective on 220-1201 or 220-1202. Core 1 tests hardware and network troubleshooting scenarios, while Core 2 tests software troubleshooting.
Do I need to memorize Windows registry paths?: No. The 220-1202 objectives list the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) as a tool, not specific registry paths. Know what regedit is for and when to use it; our flashcards cover the tool and the Windows features it controls.

Practice A+ PBQs

Performance-based questions (PBQs) are the hands-on simulations on the real exam. Practice them in our PBQ labs.

CompTIA A+ 220-1201 PBQ Practice

Core 1 simulations: connector types, port matching, RAID, wireless standards and troubleshooting

CompTIA A+ 220-1202 PBQ Practice

Core 2 simulations: Windows and Linux commands, malware removal, diskpart and troubleshooting

More A+ resources

A+ practice exam

Free exam-style questions with explanations

A+ study guide

Study plan, domain breakdown and exam tips

A+ exam overview

Exam details, domains and career paths

Memorize A+ faster

Study the full 500+ card deck with spaced repetition, plus practice questions and mock exams.

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