Everything you need to pass both A+ exams — 220-1201 Core 1 and 220-1202 Core 2. Domain breakdowns, a 9-week study plan, the highest-priority topics, performance-based question formats, and links to every A+ concept on IT Study Hub.
A+ is unique among CompTIA certifications in that it requires passing two separate exams. Core 1 (220-1201) focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, and virtualisation. Core 2 (220-1202) focuses on operating systems, security, troubleshooting methodology, and operational procedures. Both must be passed to earn the certification.
The current A+ exams (220-1201/1202) replaced 220-1101/1102 in early 2025. The updated versions place greater emphasis on cloud computing, remote support scenarios, and modern security practices. If you're using older study materials, supplement the virtualisation/cloud and security sections with current content. The hardware and networking fundamentals remain largely unchanged.
The exam codes 220-1201 and 220-1202 are sometimes abbreviated as Core 1 and Core 2 respectively. Both must be passed — there's no combined exam.
IP addressing, ports, protocols, wireless standards, and network hardware. The A+ networking domain overlaps significantly with Network+ fundamentals — understanding how data moves across a network is essential before troubleshooting it in Domain 5.
The largest Core 1 domain — motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage, power supplies, peripherals, and display types. Hardware questions tend to be very specific: you need to know connector types, form factors, and compatibility rules.
Cloud service models (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS), deployment models (public/private/hybrid/community), and virtualisation concepts. The shared responsibility model is increasingly tested — you need to know what the customer is responsible for in each service model.
The biggest Core 1 domain at 29% — troubleshooting hardware, display, storage, and network connectivity issues. Expect scenario-based questions that give you symptoms and ask you to select the correct diagnostic step or tool.
The largest Core 2 domain at 31% — Windows 10/11 features, Windows command line tools, macOS/Linux basics, and OS installation/upgrade procedures. Know the differences between Windows editions and when to use each tool.
Malware types and removal, social engineering, Windows security settings, wireless security, and physical security. The A+ security domain is narrower than Security+ — focus on identifying attack types and applying endpoint security controls.
Troubleshooting OS, application, and security software issues — BSODs, application crashes, malware removal procedures, and mobile OS issues. Apply the 6-step methodology to every scenario.
Documentation, change management, disaster recovery, safety procedures, and professionalism. This domain tests knowledge of proper IT workplace procedures — backup types (full, incremental, differential), data destruction methods, and ticketing systems.
Most candidates need 8–12 weeks for both A+ exams. This plan covers Core 1 first (weeks 1–4), then Core 2 (weeks 5–8), with a final review week before sitting both exams close together.
Ports and protocols — tested on Core 1 Domain 2. You need to know the port number, protocol (TCP/UDP), and use case for at least 20 ports. RDP (3389), SSH (22), HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), DNS (53), DHCP (67/68), SMB (445) and SMTP (25) appear most frequently.
The 6-step troubleshooting methodology — tested on Core 2 Domain 3 and 4 repeatedly. Every scenario question that asks "what should the technician do first/next?" is testing whether you follow the methodology. Identify → Theory → Test → Plan → Implement → Document, in that order, always.
Malware types and the removal process — Core 2 Domain 2 and 3. You need to know what each type does (ransomware encrypts, RAT gives remote control, rootkit hides from OS) and the specific removal steps CompTIA expects: disconnect from network → boot to safe mode → run antivirus → remove quarantined items → remediate → patch → educate user → document.
See the best courses, practice exams, and study guides for 220-1201 and 220-1202.
Both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) are 90 questions in 90 minutes with a passing score of 700 out of 900. Each exam includes performance-based questions (PBQs) at the start — drag-and-drop, matching, or simulation-style tasks that test applied knowledge. Core 1 PBQs frequently involve hardware identification, cable type selection, and IP configuration tasks. Core 2 PBQs frequently involve malware removal procedure ordering, troubleshooting step sequencing, and OS tool selection.
A+ scenario questions are extensive — descriptions of user problems with multiple pieces of information provided, followed by "what should the technician do first?" The answer is almost always rooted in the 6-step troubleshooting methodology: gather information, form a hypothesis, test it, plan the fix, implement it, document it. Candidates who internalise the methodology as a decision-making framework rather than a memorised list perform significantly better on scenario questions.
The most common exam day surprise reported by A+ candidates: Core 2 is harder than expected. Core 1 has many knowledge-recall questions (what's the maximum cable length for Cat6a? what connector does SATA use?). Core 2 is more scenario-based and requires more applied thinking — particularly the security and troubleshooting domains. Give Core 2 at least as much preparation time as Core 1.
A+ is the starting point, not the destination. The natural progression from A+ depends on what kind of IT work you want to do. If you're drawn to networking — routers, switches, network troubleshooting — Network+ is the clear next step, followed by Cisco CCNA for vendor-specific skills. If you're drawn to security — monitoring threats, incident response, protecting infrastructure — move from Network+ to Security+. Both paths benefit enormously from parallel hands-on experience — building a home lab, working help desk, or contributing to IT projects in any capacity.
Many A+ holders find that studying for the exam reveals which parts of IT they find genuinely interesting. If you enjoyed the hardware and troubleshooting sections, field service and desktop support roles are a natural fit. If the networking sections clicked, network administration is worth pursuing. If the security sections in Core 2 were compelling, start planning your Security+ pathway immediately. A+ is deliberately broad — use it as a discovery tool as well as a credential.
The average salary range for A+-certified technicians is $40,000–$60,000 USD depending on location and role. Help desk and IT support roles are the most accessible entry points. Within 2–3 years of consistent experience combined with Network+ and Security+, it's realistic to be earning $65,000–$85,000 in IT administration, security analyst, or network engineer roles — a meaningful outcome for a certification path that can be completed in under a year of focused effort.