CompTIA A+ Study Guide 2025: Pass Core 1 & Core 2 on Your First Try

The CompTIA A+ certification is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification in the world. It validates that you can troubleshoot hardware, configure software, support networks, and handle cybersecurity basics — the foundational skills needed for help desk support, IT technician, and desktop support roles. This guide covers everything you need to pass both exam components (Core 1 and Core 2) on your first attempt.

What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification?

CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification maintained by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association). It's required by many employers for entry-level IT roles and is recognized by major companies including Dell, Intel, HP, and thousands of managed service providers (MSPs). Many government agencies also accept it for IT positions.

• Exam structure: Two exams — Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102)
• Exam cost: ~$253 per exam; $506 total (check for voucher discounts)
• Question format: Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, performance-based (simulation) questions
• Passing score: 675/900 for Core 1; 700/900 for Core 2
• Time limit: 90 minutes per exam
• Prerequisites: None official; 9–12 months of IT experience recommended by CompTIA

Core 1 (220-1101): What's Covered

Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and cloud computing:

• Mobile Devices (15%): Smartphones, tablets, laptops; installing, configuring, supporting
• Networking (20%): TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, ports, protocols, wireless, switches, routers
• Hardware (25%): Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage (HDD, SSD, NVMe), power supplies, printers
• Virtualization and Cloud (11%): Virtual machines, cloud models (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS), hypervisors
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%): The largest domain; troubleshooting methodology, common failures

Core 2 (220-1102): What's Covered

Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures:

• Operating Systems (31%): Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux/Chrome OS basics; installation, configuration, maintenance
• Security (25%): Malware types, physical security, data destruction, wireless security, SOHO networks
• Software Troubleshooting (22%): Application issues, OS problems, common error messages
• Operational Procedures (22%): Documentation, ticketing systems, backup procedures, ITIL concepts, professionalism

Best Study Resources for CompTIA A+

Study Plan: Pass in 90 Days

If you can dedicate 1–2 hours per day, this timeline works well:

1. Weeks 1–5: Core 1 content study
   • Watch Professor Messer's Core 1 videos in order (free)
   • Take notes; build flashcards for ports, protocols, and connector types
   • Do hands-on labs: disassemble an old computer, build a virtual network
2. Week 6: Core 1 practice exams
   • Take 3–4 full practice exams from Jason Dion or Professor Messer
   • Review every wrong answer — understand why each correct answer is correct
   • Target: consistently scoring 80%+ before scheduling the exam
3. Week 7: Take Core 1 exam
4. Weeks 8–12: Core 2 content study + practice
5. Week 13: Take Core 2 exam

Exam Day Tips

• Performance-based questions (simulations) appear first — if you get stuck, skip them and come back after answering multiple choice questions
• Read each question carefully — many wrong answers are designed to sound correct
• Watch for qualifiers like "MOST likely," "BEST," or "FIRST" — they change which answer is correct
• Don't leave any question blank — there's no penalty for guessing
• Budget your time: 90 minutes / ~90 questions = ~1 minute per question

Once you have your A+, the natural next step is Network+ and Security+ to build toward a $75,000–$90,000/year IT career path.