CompTIA A+ & Network+ Training
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CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Domains

Domain 1: Mobile Devices (13%) 

1.1 Given a scenario, monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques.

• Battery
• Keyboard/keys
• Random-Access Memory (RAM)
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)/Solid-State Drive (SSD)
• Wireless cards
• Physical privacy and security components
  • Biometrics
  • Near-field scanner features
• Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement
• Camera/webcam
• Microphone

1.2 Compare and contrast accessories and connectivity options for mobile devices.

• Connection methods
• Accessories
• Docking station
• Port replicator
• Trackpad/drawing pad/track points

1.3 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and provide application support.

• Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable)
  • 3G/4G/5G
  • Hotspot
  • Wi-Fi
  • Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)/eSIM
• Bluetooth
  • Enable Bluetooth
  • Enable pairing
  • Find a device for pairing
  • Enter the appropriate Personal Identification Number (PIN) code
  • Test connectivity
• Location services
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) services
  • Cellular location services
• Mobile Device Management (MDM)
  • Device configurations
  • Policy enforcement
  • Corporate applications
• Mobile device synchronization
  • Recognizing data caps
  • Calendar
  • Contacts
  • Business applications

Domain 2: Networking (23%)

2.1 Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes.

• Ports and protocols
• TCP vs. UDP

2.2 Explain wireless networking technologies.

• Frequencies
• Channels
• NFC
• Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

2.3 Summarize services provided by networked hosts.

• Server roles
• Internet appliances

Domain 3: Hardware (25%)

3.1 Compare and contrast display components and attributes.

• Types
  • Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
    • In-Plane Switching (IPS)
    • Twisted Nematic (TN)
    • Vertical Alignment (VA)
  • Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED)
  • Mini Light-Emitting Diode (Mini-LED)
• Touch screen/digitizer
• Inverter
• Attributes
  • Pixel density
  • Refresh rates
  • Screen resolution
  • Color gamut

3.2 Summarize basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.

• Peripheral cables
  • USB 2.0
  • USB 3.0
  • Serial
  • Thunderbolt
• Video cables
  • High-definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
  • DisplayPort
  • Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
  • Video Graphics Array (VGA)
  • USB-C
• Hard drive cables
  • Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)
  • External SATA (eSATA)
• Adapters
• Connector types
  • Punchdown block
  • MicroUSB
  • MiniUSB
  • USB-C
  • Molex
  • Lightning
  • DB9 3.0 Hardware

3.3 Compare and contrast RAM characteristics.

• Form factors
  • Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module (SODIMM)
  • Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM)
• Double Data Rate (DDR) iterations
• Error-Correcting Code (ECC) vs. non-ECC RAM
• Channel configurations

3.4 Compare and contrast storage devices.

• Hard drives
  • Spindle speeds
  • Form factors
    • 2.5-inch
    • 3.5-inch
• Solid-state drives
  • Communications interfaces
    • Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe)
    • SATA
    • Peripheral Component Interconnect express (PCIe)
    • Serial Attached SCSI [Small Computer System Interface] (SAS)
  • Form factors
    • M.2
    • mini-Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (mSATA)
• Drive configurations
  • Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
• Removable storage
  • Flash drives
  • Memory cards
• Optical drives

3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, Central Processing Units (CPUs), and add-on cards.

• Motherboard form factors
  • Advanced Technology Extended (ATX)
  • microATX
  • Information Technology eXtended (ITX)
• Motherboard connector types
  • Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
  • PCIe
  • Power connectors
  • SATA
  • eSATA
  • Headers
  • M.2
• Motherboard compatibility
  • CPU socket types
    • Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)
    • Intel
  • Multisocket
• BIOS/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) settings
  • Boot options
  • USB permissions
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security features
  • Fan considerations
  • Secure Boot
  • Boot password
  • BIOS password
  • Temperature monitoring
• Virtualization support
• Encryption
  • TPM
  • Hardware Security Module (HSM)
• CPU architecture
  • x86/x64
  • Advanced RISC [Reduced Instruction Set Computer] Machine (ARM)
  • Core configurations
• Expansion cards
  • Sound card
  • Video card
  • Capture card
• Cooling
  • Fans
  • Heat sink
  • Thermal paste/pads
  • Liquid

3.6 Given a scenario, install the appropriate power supply.

• Input 110–120 VAC vs. 220–240 VAC
• Output 3.3V vs. 5V vs. 12V
• 20+4 pin motherboard connector
• Redundant power supply
• Modular power supply
• Wattage rating
• Energy efficiency

3.7 Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers and settings.

• Properly unbox device and consider set-up location
• Use appropriate drivers for a given operating system
  • Printer Control Language (PCL) vs. postscript
• Firmware
• Device connectivity
  • USB
  • Ethernet
  • Wireless
• Public/shared devices
  • Printer share
  • Print server
• Configuration settings
  • Duplex
  • Orientation
  • Tray settings
  • Quality
• Security
  • User authentication
  • Badging
  • Audit logs
  • Secured prints
• Network scan services
  • Email
  • SMB
  • Cloud services
• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)/flatbed scanner

3.8 Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance.

• Laser
  • Maintenance: Replace toner, apply maintenance kit, caliate, and clean
• Inkjet
  • Ink cartridge, printhead, roller, and feeder
  • Maintenance: Clean printheads, replace cartridges, caliate, and clear jams
• Thermal
  • Feed assembly
  • Special thermal paper
  • Maintenance: Replace paper, clean heating element, and remove deis
• Impact
  • Multipart paper
  • Maintenance: Replace ribbon, printhead, and paper

Domain 4: Virtualization and Cloud computing (11%)

4.1 Explain virtualization concepts.

• Purpose of virtual machines
  • Sandbox
  • Test development
  • Application virtualization
    • Legacy software/OS
    • Cross-platform virtualization
• Requirements
  • Security
  • Network
  • Storage
• Desktop virtualization
  • Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
• Containers
• Hypervisors
  • Type 1
  • Type 2

4.2 Summarize cloud computing concepts.

• Common cloud models
  • Private cloud
  • Public cloud
  • Hyid cloud
  • Community cloud
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• Cloud characteristics
  • Shared resources vs. dedicated resources
  • Metered utilization
    • Ingress/egress
  • Elasticity
  • Availability
  • File synchronization
  • Multitenancy

Domain 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

5.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.

• Common symptoms
  • Power-On Self-Test (POST) beeps
  • Proprietary crash screens
  • Blank screen
  • No power
  • Sluggish performance
  • Overheating
  • Burning smell
  • Random shutdown
  • Application crashes
  • Unusual noise
  • Capacitor swelling
  • Inaccurate system date/time

5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot drive and RAID issues.

• Common symptoms
  • Light-Emitting Diode (LED) status indicators
  • Grinding noises
  • Clicking sounds
  • Bootable device not found
  • Data loss/corruption
  • RAID failure
  • Self-Monitoring and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) failure
  • Extended read/write times
  • Low performance Input/Output Operations Per Second (IOPS)
  • Missing drives in OS
  • Array missing
  • Audible alarms

5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.

• Common symptoms
  • Incorrect input source
  • Physical cabling issues
  • Burnt-out bulb
  • Fuzzy image
  • Display burn-in
  • Dead pixels
  • Flashing screen
  • Incorrect color display
  • Audio issues
  • Dim image
  • Intermittent projector shutdown
  • Sizing issues
  • Distorted image

5.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues.

• Common symptoms
  • Poor battery health
  • Swollen battery
  • oken screen
  • Improper charging
  • Poor/no connectivity
  • Liquid damage
  • Overheating
  • Digitizer issues
  • Physically damaged ports
  • Malware
  • Cursor drift/touch caliation
  • Unable to install new applications
  • Stylus does not work
  • Degraded performance

5.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printer issues.

• Lines down the printed pages
• Garbled print
• Paper jams
• Faded prints
• Paper not feeding
• Multipage misfeed
• Multiple prints pending in queue
• Speckling on printed pages
• Double/echo images on the print
• Grinding noise
• Finishing issues
  • Staple jams
  • Hole punch
• Incorrect page orientation
• Tray not recognized
• Connectivity issues
• Frozen print queue

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Domains

Domain 1: Operating Systems (31%)

1.1 Identify basic features of Microsoft Windows editions

• Windows 10 editions
  • Home
  • Pro
  • Pro for Workstations
  • Enterprise
• Feature differences
  • Domain access vs. workgroup
  • Desktop styles/user interface
  • Availability of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
  • Random-Access Memory (RAM) support limitations
  • BitLocker
  • gpedit.msc
• Upgrade paths
  • In-place upgrade

1.2 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tool

• Navigation
  • cd
  • dir
  • md
  • rmdir
  • Drive navigation inputs: M C: or D: or x:
• Command-line tools
  • chkdsk
  • format
  • xcopy
  • copy
  • robocopy
  • gpupdate
  • gpresult
  • shutdown
  • sfc
  • [command name] /?
  • diskpart
  • pathping
  • winver

1.3 Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system (OS)

• Task Manager
  • Services
  • Startup
  • Performance
  • Processes
  • Users
• Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in
  • Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc)
  • Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc)
  • Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc)
  • Device Manager (devmgmt.msc)
  • Certificate Manager (certmgr.msc)
  • Local Users and Groups (lusrmgr.msc)
  • Performance Monitor (perfmon.msc)
  • Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
• Additional tools
  • System Information (msinfo32.exe)
  • Resource Monitor (resmon.exe)
  • System Configuration (msconfig.exe)
  • Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr.exe)
  • Disk Defragment (dfrgui.exe)
  • Registry Editor (regedit.exe)

1.4 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft Windows 10 Control Panel utility

• Internet options
• Devices and printers
• Programs and features
• Network and sharing center
• System
• Windows Defender Firewall
• Mail
• Sound
• User accounts
• Device manager
• Indexing options
• Administrative tools
• File Explorer Options
  • Show hidden files
  • Hide extensions
  • General options
  • View options
• Power Options
  • Hibernate
  • Power plans
  • Sleep/suspend
  • Standby
  • Choose what closing the lid does
  • Turn on fast startup
  • Universal Serial Bus (USB) selective suspend
• Ease of Access

1.5 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Windows settings

• Time and language
• Update and security
• Personalization
• Apps
• Privacy
• System
• Devices
• Network and Internet
• Gaming
• Accounts

1.6 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop

• Workgroup vs. domain setup
  • Shared resources
  • Printers
  • File servers
  • Mapped drives
• Local OS firewall settings
  • Application restrictions and exceptions
  • Configuration
• File Explorer navigation – network paths
• Metered connections and limitations

1.7 Given a scenario, apply application installation and configuration concepts

• System requirements for applications
  • 32-bit vs. 64-bit dependent application requirements
  • Dedicated graphics card vs. integrated graphics card
  • Video Random-Access Memory (VRAM) requirements
  • RAM requirements
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU) requirements
  • External hardware tokens
  • Storage requirements
• OS requirements for applications
  • Application to OS compatibility
  • 32-bit vs. 64-bit OS
• Distribution methods
  • Physical media vs. downloadable
  • ISO mountable
• Other considerations for new applications
  • Impact to device
  • Impact to network
  • Impact to operation
  • Impact to business

1.8 Explain common OS types and their purposes

• Workstation OSs
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Chrome OS
• Cell phone/tablet OSs
  • iPadOS
  • iOS
  • Android
• Various filesystem types
  • New Technology File System (NTFS)
  • File Allocation Table 32 (FAT32)
  • Third extended filesystem (ext3)
  • Fourth extended filesystem (ext4)
  • Apple File System (APFS)
  • Extensible File Allocation Table (exFAT)
• Vendor life-cycle limitations
  • End-of-Life (EOL)
  • Update limitations
• Compatibility concerns between OSs

1.9 Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse OS environment

• Boot methods
  • USB
  • Optical media
  • Network
  • Solid-state/flash drives
  • Internet-based
  • External/hot-swappable drive
  • Internal hard drive (partition)
• Types of installations
  • Upgrade
  • Recovery partition
  • Clean install
  • Image deployment
  • Repair installation
  • Remote network installation
  • Other considerations M Third-party drivers
• Partitioning
  • GUID [globally unique identifier] Partition Table (GPT)
  • Master Boot Record (M)
• Drive format
• Upgrade considerations
  • Backup files and user preferences
  • Application and driver support/backward compatibility
  • Hardware compatibility
• Feature updates
  • Product life cycle

1.10 Identify common features and tools of the macOS/desktop OS

• Installation and uninstallation of applications
  • File types
    • .dmg
    • .pkg
    • .app
  • App Store
  • Uninstallation process
• Apple ID and corporate restrictions
• Best practices
  • Backups
  • Antivirus
  • Updates/patches
• System Preferences
  • Displays
  • Networks
  • Printers
  • Scanners
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Time Machine
• Features
  • Multiple desktops
  • Mission Control
  • Keychain
  • Spotlight
  • iCloud
  • Gestures
  • Finder
  • Remote Disc
  • Dock
• Disk Utility
• FileVault
• Terminal
• Force Quit

1.11 Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop OS

• Common commands
  • ls
  • pwd
  • mv
  • cp
  • rm
  • chmod
  • chown
  • su/sudo
  • apt-get
  • yum
  • ip
  • df
  • grep
  • ps
  • man
  • top
  • find
  • dig
  • cat
  • nano
• Best practices
  • Backups
  • Antivirus
  • Updates/patches
• Tools
  • Shell/terminal
  • Samba

Domain 2: Security (25%)

2.1 Summarize various security measures and their purposes

• Physical security
  • Access control vestibule
  • Badge reader
  • Video surveillance
  • Alarm systems
  • Motion sensors
  • Door locks
  • Equipment locks
  • Guards
  • Bollards
  • Fences
• Physical security for staff
  • Key fobs
  • Smart cards
  • Keys
  • Biometrics
    • Retina scanner
    • Fingerprint scanner
    • Palmprint scanner
  • Lighting
  • Magnetometers
• Logical security
  • Principle of least privilege
  • Access Control Lists (ACLs)
  • Email
  • Hard token
  • Soft token
  • Short Message Service (SMS)
  • Voice call
  • Authenticator application
• Mobile Device Management (MDM)
• Active Directory
  • Login script
  • Domain
  • Group Policy/updates
  • Organizational units
  • Home folder
  • Folder redirection
  • Security groups

2.3 Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using the appropriate tools and methods

• Malware
  • Trojan
  • Rootkit
  • Virus
  • Spyware
  • Ransomware
  • Keylogger
  • Boot sector virus
  • Cryptominers
• Tools and methods
  • Recovery mode
  • Antivirus
  • Anti-malware
  • Software firewalls
  • Anti-phishing training
  • User education regarding common threats
  • OS reinstallation

2.4 Explain common social-engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities

• Social engineering
  • Phishing
  • Vishing
  • Shoulder surfing
  • Whaling
  • Tailgating
  • Impersonation
  • Dumpster diving
  • Evil twin
• Threats
  • Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
  • Denial of Service (DoS)
  • Zero-day attack
  • Spoofing
  • On-path attack
  • ute-force attack
  • Dictionary attack
  • Insider threat
  • Structured Query Language (SQL) injection
  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Vulnerabilities
  • Non-compliant systems
  • Unpatched systems
  • Unprotected systems (missing antivirus/missing firewall)
  • EOL OSs

2.5 Given a scenario, manage and configure basic security settings in the Microsoft Windows OS

• Defender Antivirus
  • Activate/deactivate
  • Updated definitions
• Firewall
  • Activate/deactivate
  • Port security
  • Application security
• Users and groups
  • Local vs. Microsoft account
  • Standard account
  • Administrator
  • Guest user
  • Power user
• Login OS options
  • Username and password
  • Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  • Fingerprint
  • Facial recognition
• NTFS vs. share permissions
  • File and folder attributes
  • Inheritance
• Run as administrator vs. standard user
  • User Account Control (UAC)
• BitLocker
• BitLocker To Go
• Encrypting File System (EFS)

2.6 Given a scenario, configure a workstation to meet best practices for security

• Password best practices
  • Complexity requirements
    • Length
    • Character types
  • Expiration requirements
  • Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) passwords
• End-user best practices
  • Use screensaver locks
  • Log off when not in use
  • Secure/protect critical hardware (e.g., laptops)
  • Secure Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and passwords
• Account management
  • Restrict user permissions
  • Restrict login times
  • Disable guest account
  • Use failed attempts lockout
  • Use timeout/screen lock
• Change default administrator’s user account/password
• Disable AutoRun
• Disable AutoPlay

2.7 Explain common methods for securing mobile and embedded devices

• Screen locks
  • Facial recognition
  • PIN codes
  • Fingerprint
  • Pattern
  • Swipe
• Remote wipes
• Locator applications
• OS updates
• Remote backup applications
• Failed login attempts restrictions
• Antivirus/anti-malware
• Firewalls
• Policies and procedures

2.8 Given a scenario, use common data destruction and disposal methods

• Physical destruction
  • Drilling
  • Shredding
  • Degaussing
  • Incinerating
• Recycling or repurposing best practices
  • Erasing/wiping
  • Low-level formatting
  • Standard formatting
• Outsourcing concepts
  • Third-party vendor
  • Certification of destruction/recycling

2.9 Given a scenario, install and configure owsers and relevant security settings

• owser download/installation
  • Trusted sources
    • Hashing
  • Untrusted sources
• Extensions and plug-ins
  • Trusted sources
  • Untrusted sources
• Password managers
• Settings
  • Pop-up blocker
  • Clearing owsing data
  • Clearing cache
  • Private-owsing mode
  • Sign-in/owser data synchronization
  • Ad blockers

Domain 3: Software Troubleshooting (22%)

3.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS problems

• Common symptoms
• Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD)
• Sluggish performance
• Boot problems
• Frequent shutdowns
• Services not starting
• Applications crashing
• Low memory warnings
• USB controller resource
• warnings
• System instability
• No OS found
• Slow profile load
• Time drift
• Common troubleshooting steps
• Reboot
• Restart services
• Uninstall/reinstall/update applications
• Add resources
• Verify requirements
• System file check
• Repair Windows
• Restore
• Reimage
• Roll back updates
• Rebuild Windows profiles

3.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues

• Common symptoms
• Unable to access the network
• Desktop alerts
• False alerts regarding antivirus protection
• Altered system or personal files
• M Missing/renamed files
• Unwanted notifications within
• the OS
• OS update failures
• owser-related symptoms
• Random/frequent pop-ups
• Certificate warnings
• Redirection

3.3 Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal

• Investigate and verify malware symptoms
• Quarantine infected systems
• Disable System Restore in Windows
• Remediate infected systems
  • Update anti-malware software
  • Scanning and removal techniques (e.g., safe mode, preinstallation environment)
• Schedule scans and run updates
• Enable System Restore and create a restore point in Windows
• Educate the end user

3.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues

• Common symptoms
  • Application fails to launch
  • Application fails to close/crashes
  • Application fails to update
  • Slow to respond
  • OS fails to update
  • Battery life issues
  • Randomly reboots
  • Connectivity issues
  • Screen does not autorotate

3.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues

• Security concerns
  • Android Package (APK) source
  • Developer mode
  • Root access/jaileak
  • Bootleg/malicious application
    • Application spoofing
• Common symptoms
  • High network traffic
  • Sluggish response time
  • Data-usage limit notification
  • Limited Internet connectivity
  • No Internet connectivity
  • High number of ads
  • Fake security warnings
  • Unexpected application behavior
  • Leaked personal files/data

Domain 4: Operational Procedures (22%)

4.1 Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management

• Ticketing systems
  • User information
  • Device information
  • Description of problems
  • Categories
  • Severity
  • Escalation levels
  • Clear, concise written communication
    • Problem description
    • Progress notes
    • Problem resolution
• Asset management
  • Inventory lists
  • Database system
  • Asset tags and IDs
  • Procurement life cycle
  • Warranty and licensing
  • Assigned users
• Types of documents
  • Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
  • Network topology diagram
  • Regulatory compliance requirements
    • Splash screens
  • Incident reports
  • Standard operating procedures
    • Procedures for custom installation of software package
  • New-user setup checklist
  • End-user termination checklist
• Knowledge base/articles

4.2 Explain basic change-management best practices

• Documented business processes
  • Rollback plan
  • Sandbox testing
  • Responsible staff member
• Change management
  • Request forms
  • Purpose of the change
  • Scope of the change
  • Date and time of the change
  • Affected systems/impact
  • Risk analysis
    • Risk level
  • Change board approvals
  • End-user acceptance

4.3 Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods

• Backup and recovery
  • Full
  • Incremental
  • Differential
  • Synthetic
• Backup testing
  • Frequency
• Backup rotation schemes
  • On site vs. off site
  • Grandfather-Father-Son (GFS)
  • 3-2-1 backup rule

4.4 Given a scenario, use common safety procedures

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) straps
• ESD mats
• Equipment grounding
• Proper power handling
• Proper component handling and storage
• Antistatic bags
• Compliance with government regulations
• Personal safety
  • Disconnect power before repairing PC
  • Lifting techniques
  • Electrical fire safety
  • Safety goggles
  • Air filtration mask

4.5 Summarize environmental impacts and local environmental controls

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/documentation for handling and disposal
  • Proper battery disposal
  • Proper toner disposal
  • Proper disposal of other devices and assets
• Temperature, humidity-level awareness, and proper ventilation
  • Location/equipment placement
  • Dust cleanup
  • Compressed air/vacuums
• Power surges, under-voltage events, and power failures
  • Battery backup
  • Surge suppressor

4.6 Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts

• Incident response
  • Chain of custody
  • Inform management/law enforcement as necessary
  • Copy of drive (data integrity and preservation)
  • Documentation of incident
• Licensing/Digital Rights Management (DRM)/End-User License Agreement (EULA)
  • Valid licenses
  • Non-expired licenses
  • Personal use license vs. corporate use license
  • Open-source license
• Regulated data
  • Credit card transactions
  • Personal government-issued information
  • PII
  • Healthcare data
  • Data retention requirements

4.7 Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism

• Professional appearance and attire
  • Match the required attire of the given environment
    • Formal
    • Business casual
• Use proper language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and slang, when applicable
• Maintain a positive attitude/project confidence
• Actively listen, take notes, and avoid interrupting the customer
• Be culturally sensitive
  • Use appropriate professional titles, when applicable
• Be on time (if late, contact the customer)
• Avoid distractions
  • Personal calls
  • Texting/social media sites
  • Personal interruptions
• Dealing with difficult customers or situations
  • Do not argue with customers or be defensive
  • Avoid dismissing customer problems
  • Avoid being judgmental
  • Clarify customer statements
  • Do not disclose experience via social media outlets
• Set and meet expectations/time line and communicate status with the customer
  • Offer repair/replacement options, as needed
  • Provide proper documentation on the services provided
  • Follow up with customer/user at a later date to verify satisfaction
• Deal appropriately with customers’ confidential and private materials
  • Located on a computer, desktop, printer, etc.

4.8 Identify the basics of scripting

• Script file types
  • .bat
  • .ps1
  • .vbs
  • .sh
  • .js
  • .py
• Use cases for scripting
  • Basic automation
  • Restarting machines
  • Remapping network drives
  • Installation of applications
  • Automated backups
  • Gathering of information/data
  • Initiating updates
• Other considerations when using scripts
  • Unintentionally introducing malware
  • Inadvertently changing system settings
  • owser or system crashes due to mishandling of resources

CompTIA Network+ Course Curriculum

Domain 1: Networking Concepts (23%)

1.1 Explain concepts related to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model

• Layer 1 – Physical
• Layer 2 – Data link
• Layer 3 – Network
• Layer 4 – Transport
• Layer 5 – Session
• Layer 6 – Presentation
• Layer 7 – Application

1.2 Compare and contrast networking appliances, applications, and functions 

• Physical and virtual appliances
  • Router
  • Switch
  • Firewall
  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS)/ Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
  • Load balancer
  • Proxy
  • Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
  • Storage Area Network (SAN)
  • Wireless
    • Access Point (AP)
    • Controller
• Applications
  • Content Delivery Network (CDN)
• Functions
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • Quality of Service (QoS)
  • Time to Live (TTL)

1.3 Summarize cloud concepts and connectivity options

• Network Functions Virtualization (NFV)
• Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)
• Network security groups
• Network security lists
• Cloud gateways
• Cloud connectivity options
• Scalability
• Elasticity
• Multitenancy

1.4 Explain common networking ports, protocols, services, and traffic types

• Protocols
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
  • Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
  • Secure Shell (SSH)
  • Telnet
  • Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
  • Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
  • Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP)
  • Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
  • Network Time Protocol (NTP)
  • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
  • Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
  • Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
  • Server Message Block (SMB)
  • Syslog
  • Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Secure (SMTPS)
  • Lightweight Directory Access Protocol over SSL (LDAPS)
  • Structured Query Language (SQL) Server
  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
  • Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
• Internet Protocol (IP) types
• Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
• Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)
• Internet Protocol Security (IPSec)
  • Authentication Header (AH)
  • Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP)
  • Internet Key Exchange (IKE)
• Traffic types
  • Unicast
  • Multicast
  • Anycast
  • oadcast

1.5 Compare and contrast transmission media and transceivers

• Wireless
  • 802.11 standards
  • Cellular
  • Satellite
• Wired
  • 802.3 standards
  • Single-mode vs. multimode fiber
  • Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable
    • Twinaxial cable
  • Coaxial cable
  • Cable speeds
  • Plenum vs. non-plenum cable
• Transceivers
  • Protocol
    • Ethernet
    • Fie Channel (FC)
  • Form factors
    • Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP)
    • Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP)
• Connector types
  • Subscriber Connector (SC)
  • Local Connector (LC)
  • Straight Tip (ST)
  • Multi-fiber Push On (MPO)
  • Registered Jack (RJ)11
  • RJ45
  • F-type
  • Bayonet Neill Concelman (BNC)

1.6 Compare and contrast network topologies, architectures, and types

• Mesh
• Hyid
• Star/hub and spoke
• Spine and leaf
• Point to point
• Three-tier hierarchical model
  • Core
  • Distribution
  • Access
• Collapsed core
• Traffic flows
  • North-south
  • East-west

1.7 Given a scenario, use appropriate IPv4 network addressing

• Public vs. private
  • Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA)
  • RFC1918
  • Loopback/localhost
• Subnetting
  • Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM)
  • Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR)
• IPv4 address classes
  • Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E

1.8 Summarize evolving use cases for modern network environments

• Software-Defined Network (SDN) and Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
  • Application aware
  • Zero-touch provisioning
  • Transport agnostic
  • Central policy management
• Virtual Extensible Local Area Network (VXLAN)
  • Data Center Interconnect (DCI)
  • Layer 2 encapsulation
• Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
  • Policy-based authentication
  • Least privilege access
• Secure Access Secure Edge (SASE)/ Security Service Edge (SSE)
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
  • Automation
    • Playbooks/templates/ reusable tasks
    • Configuration drift/compliance
    • Upgrades
    • Dynamic inventories
  • Source control
    • Version control
    • Central repository
    • Conflict identification
    • anching
• IPv6 addressing
  • Mitigating address exhaustion
  • Compatibility requirements
    • Tunneling
    • Dual stack
    • NAT64

Domain 2: Network Implementation (20%)

2.1 Explain characteristics of routing technologies

• Static routing
• Dynamic routing
  • Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
  • Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
  • Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
• Route selection
  • Administrative distance
  • Prefix length
  • Metric
• Address translation
  • NAT
  • Port Address Translation (PAT)
• First Hop Redundancy Protocol (FHRP)
• Virtual IP (VIP)
• Subinterfaces

2.2 Given a scenario, configure switching technologies and features

• Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
  • VLAN database
  • Switch Virtual Interface (SVI)
• Interface configuration
  • Native VLAN
  • Voice VLAN
  • 802.1Q tagging
  • Link aggregation
  • Speed
  • Duplex
• Spanning tree
• Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU)
  • Jumbo frames

2.3 Given a scenario, select and configure wireless devices and technologies

• Channels
  • Channel width
  • Non-overlapping channels
  • Regulatory impacts (802.11h)
• Frequency options
  • 2.4GHz
  • 5GHz
  • 6GHz
  • Band steering
• Service set identifier (SSID)
  • Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID)
  • Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID)
• Network types
• Encryption
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
  • WPA3
• Guest networks
  • Captive portals
• Authentication
  • Pre-Shared Key (PSK) vs. Enterprise
• Antennas
  • Omnidirectional vs. directional
• Autonomous vs. lightweight access point

2.4 Explain important factors of physical installations

• Important installation implications
  • Locations
    • Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF)
    • Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
  • Rack size
  • Port-side exhaust/intake
  • Cabling
    • Patch panel
    • Fiber distribution panel
  • Lockable
• Power
• Environmental factors

Domain 3: Network Operations (19%)

3.1 Explain the purpose of organizational processes and procedures

• Documentation

• • • Physical vs. logical diagrams
    • Rack diagrams
    • Cable maps and diagrams
    • Network diagrams
    • IP Address Management (IPAM)
    • Service-Level Agreement (SLA)
    • Wireless survey/heat map

• Life-cycle management

• • • End-of-Life (EOL)
    • End-of-Support (EOS)
    • Software management
    • Decommissioning

• Configuration management

• • Production configuration
  • Backup configuration
  • Baseline/golden configuration

3.2 Given a scenario, use network monitoring technologies.

• Methods
  • SNMP
    • Traps
      • Management Information Base (MIB)
      • Versions ‣ v2c ‣ v3
    • Community strings
    • Authentication
  • Flow data
  • Packet capture
  • Baseline metrics
    • Anomaly alerting/notification
  • Log aggregation
    • Syslog collector
    • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  • Application Programming Interface (API) integration
  • Port mirroring
• Solutions
  • Network discovery
    • Ad-hoc
    • Scheduled
  • Traffic analysis
  • Performance monitoring
  • Availability monitoring
  • Configuration monitoring

3.3 Explain Disaster Recovery (DR) concepts

• DR metrics
  • Recovery Point Objective (RPO)
  • Recovery Time Objective (RTO)
  • Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)
  • Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
• DR sites
  • Cold site Warm site Hot site
• High-availability approaches
  • Active-active and Active-passive
• Testing
  • Tabletop exercises
  • Validation tests

3.4 Given a scenario, implement IPv4 and IPv6 network services

• Dynamic addressing
  • DHCP
    • Reservations
    • Scope
    • Lease time
    • Options
    • Relay/IP helper
    • Exclusions
  • Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC)
• Name resolution
  • DNS
    • Domain Name Security Extensions (DNSSEC)
    • DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT)
    • Record types
      • Address (A)
      • AAAA
      • Canonical name (CNAME)
      • Mail Exchange (MX)
      • Text (TXT)
      • Nameserver (NS)
      • Pointer (PTR)
    • Zone types
      • Forward
      • Reverse
    • Authoritative vs. non-authoritative
    • Primary vs. secondary
    • Recursive
  • Hosts file
• Time protocols
  • NTP
  • Precision Time Protocol (PTP)
  • Network Time Security (NTS)

3.5 Compare and contrast network access and management methods

• Site-to-site VPN
• Client-to-site VPN
  • Clientless
  • Split tunnel vs. full tunnel
• Connection methods
• Jump box/host
• In-band vs. out-of-band management

Domain 4: Network Security (14%)

4.1 Explain the importance of basic network security concepts

• Logical security
  • Encryption
    • Data in transit and Data at rest
  • Certificates
    • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
    • Self-signed
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM)
    • Authentication
      • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
      • Single Sign-On (SSO)
      • Remote Authentication Dialin User Service (RADIUS)
      • Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)
      • Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus (TACACS+)
      • Time-based authentication
    • Authorization
      • Least privilege
      • Role-based access control
  • Geofencing
• Deception technologies
  • Honeypot and Honeynet
• Common security terminology
  • Risk
  • Vulnerability
  • Exploit
  • Threat
  • Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) triad
• Audits and regulatory compliance
  • Data locality
  • Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS)
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Network segmentation enforcement
  • Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), industrial control System (ICS), Operational Technology (OT)
  • Guest
  • ing Your Own Device (BYOD)

4.2 Summarize various types of attacks and their impact to the network

• VLAN hopping
• Media Access Control (MAC) flooding
• Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) poisoning
• ARP spoofing
• DNS poisoning
• DNS spoofing
• Rogue devices and services
  • DHCP
  • AP

4.3 Given a scenario, apply network security features, defense techniques, and solutions

• Device hardening
  • Disable unused ports and services
  • Change default passwords
• Network Access Control (NAC)
  • Port security
  • 802.1X
  • MAC filtering
• Key management
• Security rules
  • Access Control List (ACL)
  • Uniform Resource Locator (URL) filtering
  • Content filtering
• Zones
  • Trusted vs. untrusted
  • Screened subnet

Domain 5: Network troubleshooting (24%)

5.1 Explain the troubleshooting methodology

• Identify the problem
  • Gather information
  • Question users
  • Identify symptoms
  • Determine if anything has changed
  • Duplicate the problem, if possible
  • Approach multiple problems individually
• Establish a theory of probable cause
  • Question the obvious
  • Consider multiple approaches
    • Top-to-bottom/bottomto-top OSI model
    • Divide and conquer
• Test the theory to determine the cause
  • If theory is confirmed, determine next steps to resolve problem
  • If theory is not confirmed, establish a new theory or escalate
• Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and identify potential effects
• Implement the solution or escalate as necessary
• Verify full system functionality and implement preventive measures if applicable
• Document findings, actions, outcomes, and lessons learned throughout the process

5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common cabling and physical interface issues

• Cable issues
  • Incorrect cable
    • Single mode vs. multimode
    • Category 5/6/7/8
    • Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) vs. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
  • Signal degradation
    • Crosstalk
    • Interference
    • Attenuation
  • Improper termination
  • Transmitter (TX)/Receiver (RX) transposed
• Interface issues
  • Increasing interface counters
    • Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)
    • Runts
    • Giants
    • Drops
  • Port status
    • Error disabled
    • Administratively down
    • Suspended
• Hardware issues
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE)
    • Power budget exceeded
    • Incorrect standard
  • Transceivers
    • Mismatch
    • Signal strength

5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common issues with network services

• Switching issues
  • STP
    • Network loops
    • Root idge selection
    • Port roles
    • Port states
  • Incorrect VLAN assignment
  • ACLs
• Route selection
  • Routing table
  • Default routes
• Address pool exhaustion
• Incorrect default gateway
• Incorrect IP address
  • Duplicate IP address
• Incorrect subnet mask

5.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common performance issues

• Congestion/contention
• Bottlenecking
• Bandwidth
  • Throughput capacity
• Latency
• Packet loss
• Jitter
• Wireless
  • Interference
    • Channel overlap
  • Signal degradation or loss
  • Insufficient wireless coverage
  • Client disassociation issues
  • Roaming misconfiguration

5.5 Given a scenario, use the appropriate tool or protocol to solve networking issues

• Software tools
  • Protocol analyzer
  • Command line
    • ping
    • traceroute/tracert
    • nslookup
    • tcpdump
    • dig
    • netstat
    • ip/ifconfig/ipconfig
    • arp
  • Nmap
  • Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)/Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)
  • Speed tester
• Hardware tools
  • Toner
  • Cable tester
  • Taps
  • Wi-Fi analyzer
  • Visual fault locator
• Basic networking device commands
  • show mac-address-table
  • show route
  • show interface
  • show config
  • show arp
  • show vlan
  • show power