220-1202A+

What's on the A+ Core 2 exam

Core 2 is the software half of the A+: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and the operational procedures that make you effective on a real help desk.

4 domains  ·  36objectives  ·  in official exam order

1.0 Operating Systems

28% of the exam
  • 1.1Operating system families and where each one is used
  • 1.2Installing and upgrading operating systems in mixed environments
  • 1.3Windows editions and what separates them
  • 1.4Getting around Windows: built-in features and tools
  • 1.5Windows command-line essentials
  • 1.6Configuring Windows settings
  • 1.7Windows networking on the desktop: shares, mapping, and connections
  • 1.8macOS features and utilities a technician should know
  • 1.9Linux desktop basics and everyday commands
  • 1.10Installing applications: requirements and methods
  • 1.11Setting up cloud productivity suites and keeping them in sync

2.0 Security

28% of the exam
  • 2.1Physical and logical security measures and the jobs they do
  • 2.2Locking down Windows: users, permissions, and OS security settings
  • 2.3Wireless security protocols and authentication choices
  • 2.4Malware types, and how to detect, remove, and prevent them
  • 2.5Social engineering, threats, and common vulnerabilities
  • 2.6The malware-removal procedure, step by step
  • 2.7Hardening workstations: policies and best practices
  • 2.8Securing phones and tablets
  • 2.9Data destruction and safe disposal methods
  • 2.10Securing small office wireless and wired networks
  • 2.11Browser security settings and safe browsing

3.0 Software Troubleshooting

23% of the exam
  • 3.1Troubleshooting Windows: boot problems, crashes, and slowdowns
  • 3.2Troubleshooting mobile OS and app misbehavior
  • 3.3Spotting and fixing mobile security symptoms
  • 3.4Recognizing and cleaning up PC security incidents

4.0 Operational Procedures

21% of the exam
  • 4.1Ticketing, documentation, and knowledge management done right
  • 4.2Change management procedures in practice
  • 4.3Workstation backup and recovery strategies
  • 4.4Safety procedures on the bench and on site
  • 4.5Environmental concerns: disposal, power, and climate controls
  • 4.6Privacy, licensing, and policy: handling incidents and prohibited content
  • 4.7Customer communication and professionalism
  • 4.8Scripting fundamentals: file types, variables, and loops
  • 4.9Remote access technologies and when to use each
  • 4.10AI concepts every technician should know

This is our plain-English overview of what the exam covers, in the blueprint's order. The official objectives document — with every sub-objective — is published by CompTIA.

Get the official objectives at CompTIA.org ↗

Study every one of these topics here

ExamWizardz turns this list into a guided plan — practice tests, hands-on labs and PBQs, flashcards, and articles mapped to the A+ Core 2 exam.

CompTIA®, A+®, Network+®, and Security+® are registered trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. ExamWizardz is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by CompTIA. This overview is ExamWizardz's own summary of publicly documented exam scope.