The nine A+ domains at official weight
A+ splits across two exams. CompTIA fixes the domain weighting for each. Core 1 (220-1101) has five domains and Core 2 (220-1102) has four, for nine domains in total. The weights below are the official percentages, and the question-count column shows roughly how many of a 90-item exam fall into each domain when you apply that weighting per core.
- Core 1, Domain 1.0, Mobile Devices: 15% (about 14 questions on the 90-item Core 1 exam).
- Core 1, Domain 2.0, Networking: 20% (about 18 questions).
- Core 1, Domain 3.0, Hardware: 25% (about 23 questions).
- Core 1, Domain 4.0, Virtualization and Cloud Computing: 11% (about 10 questions).
- Core 1, Domain 5.0, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: 29% (about 26 questions).
- Core 2, Domain 1.0, Operating Systems: 31% (about 28 questions on the 90-item Core 2 exam).
- Core 2, Domain 2.0, Security: 25% (about 23 questions).
- Core 2, Domain 3.0, Software Troubleshooting: 22% (about 20 questions).
- Core 2, Domain 4.0, Operational Procedures: 22% (about 20 questions).
Core 1 Domain 1.0: Mobile Devices (15%)
Where many support calls start. It covers laptop and mobile hardware, display components, accessories, mobile connectivity, and application support. The items lean practical: configuring connectivity, installing components, and recognizing which accessory or setting a device needs.
At 15% of Core 1 it is a mid-weight domain. Lock the concrete details, the connectors, the connectivity types, and the common configuration steps, because the exam tests specifics rather than definitions.
Core 1 Domain 2.0: Networking (20%)
Concrete ports, connectors, and settings. It covers ports and protocols, network hardware, wireless standards, SOHO router configuration, and network services. This is a recall-and-apply domain: you need to know specific TCP and UDP ports, cable and connector types, and which single setting achieves a stated networking outcome.
At 20% of Core 1 it is a real slice of the exam. Memorize the common ports cold and practice reading a SOHO scenario and picking the exact setting change that meets the requirement.
Core 1 Domain 3.0: Hardware (25%)
The heaviest Core 1 knowledge domain. It covers cables and connectors, RAM and storage types, motherboards and CPUs, power supplies, and installing peripherals. This is where raw recall pays off: you need to recognize components, match connectors to ports, and know the right part for a stated need.
At 25% it is a quarter of Core 1. Build a mental catalog of connectors, RAID levels, RAM types, and expansion interfaces, and drill it until recognition is automatic.
Core 1 Domain 4.0: Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
The lightest Core 1 domain by count. It covers cloud models and characteristics and client-side virtualization: what a hypervisor needs, and the difference between the common cloud service and deployment models.
At 11% it is the smallest slice of Core 1, so do not over-invest, but it is a reliable source of easy points. Learn the cloud model vocabulary and the client-side virtualization requirements and bank those questions.
Core 1 Domain 5.0: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)
The largest single Core 1 domain. It covers diagnosing hardware, storage, display, mobile, and network problems using the correct troubleshooting methodology. The questions reward the correct ORDER of steps and choosing the best NEXT step among several valid-sounding actions.
At 29% it is nearly a third of Core 1. Know the troubleshooting method cold, identify the problem, establish a theory, test, plan, verify, document, and practice picking the earliest, least-invasive correct action rather than the eventual fix.
Core 2 Domain 1.0: Operating Systems (31%)
The single largest domain across both cores. It covers Windows features and tools, command-line utilities, installation and configuration, and macOS and Linux basics. The items are heavily applied: which utility, which command, which setting achieves the stated result.
At 31% of Core 2 it is more than a quarter of that exam on its own. Prioritize Windows tools and command-line utilities, and practice matching a task to the exact utility or command that performs it.
Core 2 Domain 2.0: Security (25%)
Where support meets protection. It covers physical and logical security, malware detection and removal, social engineering, wireless security, and workstation and mobile-device hardening. Many items hinge on the documented, safe procedure rather than the fastest technical fix.
At 25% it is a quarter of Core 2. Learn the malware-removal process in order and know the hardening steps for workstations and mobile devices, because the exam rewards the correct procedure, not the quick hack.
Core 2 Domain 3.0: Software Troubleshooting (22%)
The Core 2 counterpart to Core 1 troubleshooting. It covers diagnosing operating-system, application, and malware problems and mobile-device software issues, in the correct order. Like its Core 1 sibling, it rewards the best NEXT step, not the eventual outcome.
At 22% it is roughly a fifth of Core 2. Practice reading a software-symptom scenario and choosing the correct next diagnostic or remediation step, especially for malware and OS boot issues.
Core 2 Domain 4.0: Operational Procedures (22%)
The policy-and-procedure domain that trips up hands-on candidates. It covers documentation, change management, safety and PPE, environmental controls, incident response, and professional communication. The best answer is often the documented, compliant action rather than the fastest one.
At 22% it is a fifth of Core 2. Technically strong candidates underestimate it because it is about process and judgment. Learn the change-management steps, the safety and disposal procedures, and the professional-communication expectations the same way you learned the hardware catalog.
How the weighting should shape your study plan
Study in weight order within each core. In Core 1, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting and Hardware together account for more than half the exam, so they earn the most points per hour. In Core 2, Operating Systems and Security lead. Virtualization and Cloud Computing is the lightest Core 1 domain but is a quick source of easy points, so lock it early rather than skipping it.
Each core is scored on its own 100 to 900 scale, Core 1 at 675 to pass and Core 2 at 700, with no minimum you must hit in any single domain. That means the smart move is to protect your points in the two heavy domains of whichever core you are sitting rather than chasing perfection in a light one.
Because A+ is two exams, plan your prep core by core, and do not let a strong Core 1 lull you into neglecting Core 2. The fastest way to see where you actually stand across both cores is a timed diagnostic that reports your score by domain. That turns this weighting map into a personal priority list instead of a generic one.