CompTIA A+ certification is a recognized entry-level authoritative certificate for IT operations in the European and American markets. The 2026 exam is still divided into two core subjects: Core 1: 220-1101 and Core 2: 220-110. 2. The knowledge system fully conforms to the desktop support of European and American enterprises, meets the actual needs of IT operations technicians and other positions, and has no vendor lock-in attributes.

The CompTIA A+ exam covers five core modules including hardware, software, security, troubleshooting, and customer service. The following is a detailed breakdown of the knowledge framework:

1. Core 1 (220-1101): Hardware and Network Fundamentals Core Knowledge

This subject focuses on hardware installation, configuration, maintenance, and basic network applications, serving as the foundational capability support for IT operations. The 2026 exam syllabus includes new content on adapting to European and American market trends, such as IoT devices and low-power hardware. The core knowledge includes:

(1) Mobile Device Hardware and Management

Master the disassembly, assembly, and troubleshooting of core hardware components for smartphone, tablet, and laptop 2-in-1 devices

Familiar with the hardware adaptation rules of iOS and Android, as well as the operation process of device synchronization, backup, and recovery

Understanding the configuration and troubleshooting of security hardware for mobile devices is a high-frequency requirement for personal consumption and corporate office scenarios in Europe and America.

(2) Desktop and laptop core hardware

Proficient in model matching, installation process, and compatibility judgment of core components such as CPU, motherboard, memory, storage devices, graphics card, power supply, etc., such as slot types for CPUs of different generations, RAM frequency and motherboard support range, advantages and deployment of NVMe protocol storage

Master the maintenance skills of laptop specific hardware

Can identify and solve common hardware faults, such as unresponsive startup, blue screen crashes, memory compatibility errors, etc.

(3) Peripheral installation and troubleshooting

Familiar with the types and maintenance points of mainstream peripherals in the European and American markets, including installation, driver configuration, consumables replacement, and troubleshooting of laser/inkjet/thermal printers

Interface matching and color calibration of displays

Troubleshooting of connection and driver issues for input devices such as keyboards, mice, and scanners

Simultaneously master the basic debugging skills of office equipment.

(4) Basic network hardware and protocols

Master the selection and wiring specifications of Ethernet cable specifications, parameter configuration and signal optimization of Wi Fi standards

Familiar with basic operations of network devices such as routers, switches, APs, etc

Understand the basic concepts of IPv4/IPv6 addresses, introductory knowledge of subnet partitioning, and the working principles of DHCP and DNS protocols

Being able to solve common network failures, such as inability to connect to the network, weak Wi Fi signals, IP address conflicts, etc., is an essential ability for office network operation and maintenance in European and American enterprises.

(5) Emerging Hardware and IoT Fundamentals

The 2026 exam syllabus will add knowledge on the operation and maintenance of IoT devices, including the installation, networking configuration, and troubleshooting of smart cameras, smart thermostats, smart home gateways, and other devices

Understand the advantages and deployment scenarios of low-power hardware

Master the introductory knowledge of hardware virtualization, such as the hardware resource allocation rules of virtual machines.

2. Core 2 (220-1102): Core Knowledge of Operating Systems, Security, and Customer Service

This subject focuses on software management, security protection, troubleshooting, and customer communication, directly connecting with the daily work of IT support positions in Europe and America. The core knowledge includes:

(1) Mainstream operating system management

Proficient in configuring and maintaining commonly used operating systems in the European and American markets, including user profiles for Windows 10/11 and macOS, APFS file system, Time Machine backup, and Linux desktop version

Familiar with enterprise level management functions of mobile operating systems, such as device configuration file push and application permission control

Master the installation process of the operating system, including creating USB bootable disks, partition planning, and driver installation

(2) Software deployment and compliance management

Master the installation, uninstallation, and version upgrade of office software, antivirus software, and remote support tools

Understanding the management rules of software licenses, including genuine laboratory certificates and batch authorization deployment, is a key compliance requirement for European and American enterprises

Can solve software compatibility issues, such as old software not being able to run on new systems, program crashes, and other malfunctions.

(3) Network Security and Privacy Protection

This is the key module of the 2026 exam syllabus, which conforms to European and American data compliance standards. It is necessary to master the identification and defense of common types of security threats, including viruses, trojans, ransomware, phishing attacks, and malicious software

Familiar with the use of basic security tools, such as firewall, antivirus software, and VPN configuration

Understand access control rules, such as the division of permissions between administrator accounts and standard accounts, strong password policies, and deployment of multi factor authentication (MFA)

Master data encryption techniques such as BitLocker, FileVault activation and management, as well as user privacy data protection standards.

(4) Methodology for System Troubleshooting

Master the general troubleshooting process for IT operations: identify problems, collect information, develop solutions, test and verify, record and archive

Can solve common system failures such as blue screen crashes, startup failures, system lag, and driver errors

Familiar with the troubleshooting steps for network failures, such as using ping commands, ipconfig/ifconfig commands, locating network blockages, DNS resolution failures, and other issues

Master the skills of distinguishing hardware and software faults, and quickly locate the root cause of faults.

(5) Customer Service and Professional Ethics

CompTIA A+ certification places great emphasis on this ability, as IT support positions in Europe and America require direct communication with end users. Professional communication skills are required, such as actively listening to user needs, explaining issues in non-technical language, and managing user expectations

Have a good sense of service, such as responding on time, patiently answering questions, and following up on the progress of problem-solving

Adhere to professional ethical standards, such as keeping customer data confidential, respecting user privacy, and not disclosing internal company information.

Summary: The knowledge system of CompTIA A+ certification in 2026 is centered around the full chain entry-level ability of "hardware operation + system management + security protection + customer service," which fully matches the needs of entry-level IT positions in Europe and America.

Whether you are a zero foundation career change or a fresh graduate, mastering these knowledge not only enables certification, but also directly qualifies you for positions such as desktop support and help desk specialist, making it the best starting point for entering the IT industry in Europe and America.