CompTIA A+ 220-1201 & 220-1202 Study Guide (2025)

The CompTIA A+ certification is the gold standard entry-level IT credential. With the updated 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) exams released in March 2025, the exam objectives have been refreshed to reflect current technology. Here's everything you need to know to pass.

What's on the A+ Core 1 (220-1201)?

Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, and infrastructure. You'll need to know:

• Mobile Devices (15%) — Laptop components, display types, mobile device connectivity, and accessories.
• Networking (20%) — TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, ports and protocols, wireless standards, and network troubleshooting.
• Hardware (25%) — Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage drives, power supplies, and peripheral devices.
• Virtualization & Cloud (11%) — Virtual machines, cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and cloud deployment types.
• Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (29%) — The largest domain. Systematic troubleshooting methodology for hardware, networking, and storage issues.

What's on the A+ Core 2 (220-1202)?

Core 2 covers software, security, and operations:

• Operating Systems (30%) — Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS installation, configuration, and management.
• Security (25%) — Malware types, social engineering, encryption, authentication methods, and physical security.
• Software Troubleshooting (22%) — OS issues, application crashes, browser problems, and malware removal.
• Operational Procedures (23%) — Documentation, change management, disaster recovery, scripting basics, and professionalism.

Study Strategy That Works

1. Start with the objectives

Download the official CompTIA exam objectives and use them as your checklist. Every question on the exam maps to a specific objective. Our Certification Readiness page tracks your mastery across each domain as you practice.

2. Focus on your weak areas

Don't study everything equally. Take practice quizzes to identify which domains need the most work, then target those areas. Our quiz generator shows you a domain breakdown after every quiz so you know exactly where to focus.

3. Get hands-on experience

Reading about hardware isn't enough — you need to touch it. Build a PC, take one apart, configure a home network, or install different operating systems in a virtual machine.

4. Use practice tests strategically

Practice tests serve two purposes: identifying knowledge gaps and building exam stamina. Take timed practice tests to simulate exam conditions. Our Test Mode lets you practice under realistic time pressure.

5. Study in blocks, not marathons

Research shows that spaced repetition — studying a topic, then revisiting it days later — is far more effective than cramming. Aim for 1-2 hours of focused study per day rather than 8-hour weekend sessions.

Passing Score and Exam Details

• Core 1 passing score: 675 out of 900
• Core 2 passing score: 700 out of 900
• Questions per exam: Up to 90
• Time limit: 90 minutes per exam
• Question types: Multiple choice and performance-based questions (PBQs)

You must pass both exams to earn your A+ certification. There's no required order — take whichever you feel more prepared for first.

How Long Should You Study?

Most candidates need 4-8 weeks of dedicated study per exam. If you have hands-on IT experience, you may need less. If you're completely new to IT, plan for the longer end.

The key is consistency over intensity. Daily practice with targeted quizzes will get you certified faster than sporadic cramming sessions.