CompTIA A+ is the most common starting point for an IT career. It proves you can support computers, mobile devices, operating systems and networks: the skills needed for help desk, desktop support and field technician roles.
This guide explains how A+ works, what each exam covers, and how to prepare efficiently.
Check the exam version. At the time of writing, the current A+ exams are 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2), which replaced the 220-1101 and 220-1102 series. Always confirm the current codes and download the official exam objectives from CompTIA before buying study material.
How A+ works: two exams
To earn A+, you must pass both exams:
- Core 1 (220-1201): hardware, mobile devices, networking, virtualization and cloud, and hardware and network troubleshooting.
- Core 2 (220-1202): operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.
You can take them in either order, but most people start with Core 1. Each exam has up to 90 questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs), with a 90-minute time limit. Exams are delivered at Pearson VUE test centers or online with remote proctoring. Check CompTIA's site for current passing scores and prices.
What Core 1 covers
- Mobile devices: laptop hardware and components, mobile device configuration, connectivity and accessories.
- Networking: TCP and UDP, common ports and protocols, wireless standards, network devices, IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6), DHCP, DNS and small office networks.
- Hardware: cables and connectors, RAM, storage (HDD, SSD, NVMe, RAID), motherboards, CPUs, power supplies, printers and peripherals.
- Virtualization and cloud computing: virtual machines, hypervisors, and cloud models and characteristics.
- Hardware and network troubleshooting: a structured troubleshooting method, and diagnosing problems with storage, displays, power, mobile devices, printers and networks.
What Core 2 covers
- Operating systems: Windows editions, installation, command-line tools, settings and administrative tools, plus the essentials of macOS and Linux.
- Security: physical and logical security, wireless security, malware removal, social engineering, account and data protection, and securing mobile devices and small networks.
- Software troubleshooting: Windows problems, application issues, mobile OS and app issues, and security-related symptoms.
- Operational procedures: documentation, change management, backups, safety, environmental controls, privacy and licensing, communication and professionalism, and basic scripting and remote access.
The weighting of each domain is listed in CompTIA's official objectives. Troubleshooting is heavily tested in both exams.
The CompTIA troubleshooting method
This six-step method appears in many A+ questions, and it's how professional technicians work:
- Identify the problem.
- Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious).
- Test the theory to determine the cause.
- Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
- Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures.
- Document findings, actions and outcomes.
Learn it in order. Questions often ask "what should the technician do NEXT?"
A 10-week study plan for both exams
Plan for about 8 hours per week.
| Week | Exam | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Core 1 | Hardware: motherboards, CPUs, RAM, power supplies |
| 2 | Core 1 | Storage, cables and connectors, printers |
| 3 | Core 1 | Networking: ports, protocols, IP addressing, wireless |
| 4 | Core 1 | Mobile devices, virtualization and cloud |
| 5 | Core 1 | Troubleshooting; practice tests; book and sit Core 1 |
| 6 | Core 2 | Windows installation, settings, command-line tools |
| 7 | Core 2 | macOS, Linux, and operational procedures |
| 8 | Core 2 | Security and malware removal |
| 9 | Core 2 | Software troubleshooting; scripting basics |
| 10 | Core 2 | Practice tests and review; sit Core 2 |
If you're completely new to computers, add two or three weeks at the start to get comfortable with basic hardware and Windows.
Build a simple home lab
Hands-on practice makes A+ far easier and prepares you for PBQs:
- Virtual machines: install free hypervisor software and practice installing Windows and Linux, creating users, setting permissions and using command-line tools.
- An old PC: take it apart and rebuild it; identify each component.
- Your home network: log into your router, look at the DHCP settings, change the Wi-Fi security and practice basic commands like
ipconfig,ping,tracertandnslookup.
Must-memorize lists
Create flashcards for:
- Common ports: 20/21 FTP, 22 SSH, 23 Telnet, 25 SMTP, 53 DNS, 67/68 DHCP, 80 HTTP, 110 POP3, 143 IMAP, 443 HTTPS, 3389 RDP and others in the objectives.
- Wi-Fi standards and their frequency bands.
- RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 10) and what each provides.
- Windows command-line tools and what each does.
- Cable types and connectors.
Exam tips
- PBQs first or last: decide in advance. Many candidates skip PBQs initially, answer multiple choice, then return.
- Read for keywords: "BEST", "FIRST", "MOST likely".
- Think like a technician: the right answer is usually the least disruptive, safest, most methodical one.
- Watch the clock: about one minute per question on average.
What jobs does A+ lead to?
A+ is commonly listed for:
- Help desk / service desk technician
- Desktop support technician
- Field service technician
- IT support specialist
- Junior systems administrator (with experience)
Many people follow A+ with Network+ and then Security+. See our Network+ study guide and Security+ study plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pass both exams?
Yes. A+ is awarded only after you pass Core 1 and Core 2.
How long does A+ take to study for?
Most people need 8 to 16 weeks for both exams, depending on experience and weekly study time.
Is A+ worth it?
For entry-level IT support roles it's one of the most widely requested certifications, and it gives you a structured foundation for later certifications.
How long is A+ valid?
Three years. You renew through CompTIA's continuing education program or by earning a qualifying higher certification.
Get a personal study plan
We build A+ study plans around your schedule and experience, offer one-to-one tutoring on difficult topics, and run exam-readiness reviews. You sit the exams yourself; we help you get ready for them.