CompTIA A+ Study Guide: Core 1 and Core 2

CompTIA A+ is two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), and you need to pass both. Each has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, and Core 1 passes at 675 and Core 2 at 700, on a 100–900 scale. This guide maps everything on both exams, gives you a study path, and points you to free practice for every part of it.

How the A+ exams work

Core 1 is the hardware and networking half: mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud, and troubleshooting. Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. You can take the exams in any order, but both must come from the same exam version (currently V15). Each one mixes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based questions (PBQs). For the details, see how many questions are on the A+ exam and the A+ passing scores.

Everything on the exam: the 9 domains

CompTIA weights each domain by its share of the exam, so spend your time in proportion: the heaviest domains carry the most questions. The Core 1 objectives and Core 2 objectives pages break each domain into its objectives.

Study these in the Core 1 (220-1201) study guide. What each domain covers:

• 1.0 Mobile Devices: Checking laptop and mobile hardware health, and swapping out serviceable parts; Mobile device accessories and the ways they connect; Setting up mobile network connectivity and supporting mobile apps.
• 2.0 Networking: TCP vs. UDP, common port numbers, and what each protocol is for; Wi-Fi standards, frequencies, and other wireless technologies; Server roles and network services: DNS, DHCP, file, print, and more; IP addressing and core network configuration ideas; Routers, switches, access points, and other network gear compared; Building a small office / home office wired and wireless network; Internet connection options and network types side by side; Cable testers, crimpers, and the rest of the network toolkit.
• 3.0 Hardware: What makes up a display: panel technologies and their traits; Recognizing cables and connectors, feature by feature; RAM types and what separates them; Storage compared: SSDs, hard drives, and removable media; Installing motherboards, CPUs, and expansion cards; Choosing and installing the right power supply; Setting up printers and multifunction devices; Keeping every printer type maintained.
• 4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing: Virtualization fundamentals: VMs, hypervisors, and why they matter; Cloud computing models and characteristics.
• 5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: Diagnosing motherboard, RAM, CPU, and power problems; Troubleshooting drives and RAID arrays; Fixing video, projector, and display issues; Troubleshooting common laptop and mobile device failures; Working through wired and wireless network problems; Solving print quality, connectivity, and print job problems.

Study these in the Core 2 (220-1202) study guide. What each domain covers:

• 1.0 Operating Systems: Operating system families and where each one is used; Installing and upgrading operating systems in mixed environments; Windows editions and what separates them; Getting around Windows: built-in features and tools; Windows command-line essentials; Configuring Windows settings; Windows networking on the desktop: shares, mapping, and connections; macOS features and utilities a technician should know; Linux desktop basics and everyday commands; Installing applications: requirements and methods; Setting up cloud productivity suites and keeping them in sync.
• 2.0 Security: Physical and logical security measures and the jobs they do; Locking down Windows: users, permissions, and OS security settings; Wireless security protocols and authentication choices; Malware types, and how to detect, remove, and prevent them; Social engineering, threats, and common vulnerabilities; The malware-removal procedure, step by step; Hardening workstations: policies and best practices; Securing phones and tablets; Data destruction and safe disposal methods; Securing small office wireless and wired networks; Browser security settings and safe browsing.
• 3.0 Software Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting Windows: boot problems, crashes, and slowdowns; Troubleshooting mobile OS and app misbehavior; Spotting and fixing mobile security symptoms; Recognizing and cleaning up PC security incidents.
• 4.0 Operational Procedures: Ticketing, documentation, and knowledge management done right; Change management procedures in practice; Workstation backup and recovery strategies; Safety procedures on the bench and on site; Environmental concerns: disposal, power, and climate controls; Privacy, licensing, and policy: handling incidents and prohibited content; Customer communication and professionalism; Scripting fundamentals: file types, variables, and loops; Remote access technologies and when to use each; AI concepts every technician should know.

A study path that works

• Learn one domain at a time. Work through the objectives domain by domain, starting with whichever exam you will take first. The Core 1 and Core 2 study guides say what to focus on in each domain.
• Card the memorization-heavy topics. Port numbers, wireless standards, cable types and commands stick best as flashcards with spaced review. See how to use flashcards for A+.
• Practice the hands-on questions as you go. PBQs ask you to configure, drag, match or troubleshoot, so practice them as you finish each domain rather than saving them for the end.
• Finish with full practice exams. Take full-length practice exams under time pressure, review every miss, and drill your weak objectives until your scores are consistently above the passing line.

Most people need one to three months, depending on background and hours per week (how long to study for A+). For a week-by-week version, use the A+ exam prep plan, which runs 8 weeks by default and can be compressed to 6 or stretched to 12.

Practice the hands-on part

Performance-based questions typically open each exam, so they deserve practice of their own. ExamWizardz has free PBQ practice and hands-on A+ lab sims you can try in the browser.

Free study materials for every stage

• A free 60-question A+ practice test, plus free 10-question tests for every Core 1 and Core 2 section
• PBQ practice and A+ lab sims
• The Core 1 and Core 2 objectives in plain language
• A glossary of CompTIA terms
• The subnet calculator and number converter for the networking math

A free ExamWizardz account adds:

• First 4 sections of CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 — lessons, videos, articles, PBQs
• Unlimited section quizzes in those sections
• 1 full mock exam per month
• All flashcard decks with spaced review

Are you ready to book?

• You have studied and practiced every domain on both exams.
• Your full practice exam scores are consistently above the passing line: 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2.
• You have practiced PBQs, not just multiple choice.
• You know what the exams cost: see CompTIA A+ exam cost and vouchers.