Study guide · Exam overview
Everything to know before you start studying for CompTIA A+: the current 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams, how they are scored, what each domain covers, the ports and commands worth memorizing, and how to approach performance-based questions.
Exam version notice: CompTIA released the A+ V15 exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), on March 25, 2025. The previous 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams retired on September 25, 2025, for English-language delivery. This overview follows the V15 objectives. If your study materials were written for the older exams, read what changed from 220-1101 and 220-1102.
CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral, entry-level IT certification that validates the skills used in IT support roles such as help desk technician, desktop support technician, field service technician, and IT support specialist. Rather than focusing on one manufacturer's products, it covers the hardware, networks, operating systems, security controls, and support procedures that technicians handle every day.
To earn the certification, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You can take them in either order, but both must come from the same exam series. The certification is valid for three years from the date you pass and can be renewed through CompTIA's continuing education program. There is no required prerequisite, although CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role.
Both exams share the same format. Core 2 requires a slightly higher passing score.
| Specification | Core 1 (220-1201) | Core 2 (220-1202) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, hardware and network troubleshooting | Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures |
| Number of questions | Maximum of 90 | Maximum of 90 |
| Question types | Multiple choice (single and multiple response) and performance-based | Multiple choice (single and multiple response) and performance-based |
| Length of test | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 675 (on a scale of 100–900) | 700 (on a scale of 100–900) |
| Recommended experience | 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role | 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role |
The passing score is a scaled score, not a percentage. A score of 675 does not mean you need exactly 75% of the questions correct, because questions can carry different weights.
Core 1 focuses on physical devices, connectivity, and diagnosing hardware and network problems.
Laptop and mobile hardware, accessories, and connectivity.
Protocols, wireless technologies, network services, and SOHO configuration.
Components, cables, displays, power, and printers.
Virtual machines, containers, and cloud service concepts.
The largest Core 1 domain, built around symptom-based scenarios.
Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security, software problems, and professional procedures.
Installing, configuring, and using Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems.
Physical and logical controls, threats, and device hardening.
Diagnosing operating system, application, and security symptoms.
Professional practices that keep support work safe, documented, and consistent.
Nodn.bat, .ps1, .vbs, .sh, .js, .py), remote access tools, and AI conceptsThe V15 exams keep the same structure, question limit, time limit, and passing scores as the previous series. The main differences are shifted domain weights and new topics. The certification you earn is the same CompTIA A+ credential; the exam version is not part of its name.
| Domain | 220-1101 / 220-1102 | 220-1201 / 220-1202 |
|---|---|---|
| Core 1 · Mobile Devices | 15% | 13% |
| Core 1 · Networking | 20% | 23% |
| Core 1 · Hardware | 25% | 25% |
| Core 1 · Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% | 11% |
| Core 1 · Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 29% | 28% |
| Core 2 · Operating Systems | 31% | 28% |
| Core 2 · Security | 25% | 28% |
| Core 2 · Software Troubleshooting | 22% | 23% |
| Core 2 · Operational Procedures | 22% | 21% |
Security is now tied with Operating Systems as the largest Core 2 domain, and Networking grew in Core 1. If your time is limited, give those areas extra attention.
Six steps that structure how a technician approaches any new problem.
In the V15 objectives, CompTIA lists this methodology as a recommended best practice rather than a formal exam objective. Troubleshooting itself remains a major part of both exams (28% of Core 1 and 23% of Core 2), and the methodology is the most reliable way to choose the right "first" or "next" step in a scenario question.
Gather information from the user and logs, identify symptoms, ask about recent changes, and reproduce the issue if possible. Back up data before making changes.
Question the obvious first, such as loose cables or a power switch. Research the knowledge base or vendor documentation if needed.
If the theory is confirmed, decide on next steps. If not, establish a new theory or escalate when the issue is beyond your scope.
Plan the fix, consider side effects and corporate policies, follow vendor instructions, and then implement the solution.
Confirm with the user that everything works, and implement preventive measures where applicable so the problem does not return.
Record the findings, lessons learned, actions taken, and outcome in the ticket or knowledge base for future technicians.
These port numbers are listed in the Core 1 networking objectives and appear across both exams.
| Port | Protocol | Transport | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20, 21 | FTP | TCP | File transfer (20 for data, 21 for control) |
| 22 | SSH | TCP | Encrypted remote command-line access |
| 23 | Telnet | TCP | Unencrypted remote command-line access |
| 25 | SMTP | TCP | Sending and relaying email |
| 53 | DNS | UDP, TCP | Resolving names to IP addresses |
| 67, 68 | DHCP | UDP | Automatic IP address assignment (67 server, 68 client) |
| 80 | HTTP | TCP | Unencrypted web traffic |
| 110 | POP3 | TCP | Downloading email from a server |
| 137–139 | NetBIOS / NetBT | UDP, TCP | Legacy Windows name, datagram, and session services |
| 143 | IMAP | TCP | Accessing email that stays synchronized on the server |
| 389 | LDAP | TCP, UDP | Querying directory services such as Active Directory |
| 443 | HTTPS | TCP | Encrypted web traffic |
| 445 | SMB / CIFS | TCP | Windows file and printer sharing |
| 3389 | RDP | TCP, UDP | Windows Remote Desktop |
Core 2 expects you to choose the right command for a scenario, such as releasing an IP address, mapping a network drive, or repairing system files. Learn what each tool does and the problem it solves, not just its name. For deeper Linux practice, see the Linux CLI Fundamentals study topic.
| Category | Windows | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation and files | cd dir md rmdir robocopy | ls pwd cp mv rm find grep |
| Networking | ipconfig ping tracert pathping netstat nslookup net use | ip ping traceroute dig curl |
| Disks and file systems | chkdsk format diskpart | fsck mount df du |
| System information | hostname whoami winver net user [command] /? | man top ps cat |
| Administration | sfc gpupdate gpresult | sudo su chmod chown apt dnf nano |
PBQs test whether you can apply knowledge, not just recall it.
Performance-based questions are interactive tasks, such as simulations, drag-and-drop matching, or ordering steps. Candidates commonly report seeing them near the start of the exam. Typical scenarios include:
Core 2 asks you to apply CompTIA's best-practice procedure for removing malware from a SOHO computer. Questions often ask which step comes first or next.
A practical sequence that works for most first-time candidates.
Download the 220-1201 and 220-1202 objectives from CompTIA and use them as your checklist. Every topic on the exam maps back to one of them.
Many candidates start with Core 1 because its hardware and networking concepts support Core 2 topics, but either order is allowed.
Spend the most time on the heaviest domains: troubleshooting and hardware for Core 1, and operating systems and security for Core 2.
Use a virtual machine, a spare PC, or a home router to practice installations, settings, and commands. Hands-on work makes PBQs much easier.
Ports, Wi-Fi frequencies, RAID levels, cable types, file systems, and command-line tools are easiest to master with short, repeated recall sessions.
Use original practice questions with explanations, review every miss, and return to your notes on weak domains before booking the exam.
The overview and core notes are published. Flashcards and practice exams are still being prepared.
Exam format, scoring, domain weights, V15 changes, key ports and commands, and exam strategy.
Technical reference notes for ports, Wi-Fi, IP addressing, RAID, RAM, cloud, commands, and security procedures.
Focused recall prompts for ports, standards, commands, and other high-yield facts.
Original practice questions with explanations and a clearly stated scope. No release date is promised.
The current series is V15: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), released on March 25, 2025. The previous 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams retired on September 25, 2025, for English-language delivery.
Yes. You must pass both Core 1 and Core 2 to earn CompTIA A+. You can take them in either order, but both must come from the same exam series.
Core 1 requires 675 and Core 2 requires 700, both on a scaled range of 100–900. A scaled score is not the percentage of questions answered correctly.
There is no required prerequisite. CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role.
CompTIA A+ is valid for three years from the date you pass. You can renew it through CompTIA's continuing education program.
In the V15 objectives, CompTIA presents the six-step methodology as a recommended best practice rather than a formal exam objective. Troubleshooting itself is still heavily tested: it is 28% of Core 1 and 23% of Core 2.
Much of the content carries over, but the V15 objectives add topics such as AI concepts, Zero Trust, eSIM, 6 GHz Wi-Fi, and the ReFS and XFS file systems. Use older materials only alongside the current official objectives.
Exam policies, pricing, and availability can change. Always confirm current details on the official CompTIA A+ page before you book an exam.
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