CompTIA A+ (220-1201 & 220-1202) Study Guide
CompTIA A+ is the entry-level IT support certification and appears in more support job listings than any other credential. The current version is V15: two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) for hardware, networking, mobile devices and troubleshooting, and Core 2 (220-1202) for operating systems, security, software and operational procedures. Both launched on 25 March 2025, each runs 90 minutes with a maximum of 90 questions, and you must pass both — in either order — to be certified. V15 is expected to run until roughly 2028.
Overview
Level
Foundation
Vendor
CompTIA
Audience
People with no IT experience who want a first credential, career changers, and support technicians whose employer or government contract asks for it by name. CompTIA recommends around twelve months of hands-on experience in an IT support role; in practice most candidates pass it as their first certification, with lab time and a home PC standing in for the job. It is also DoD 8140 approved for technical support specialist, system administrator and cyber defense infrastructure support roles.
Why get A+
A+ is the cert that gets you your first IT job. It is the most widely recognized entry-level IT credential, and it appears explicitly in a huge share of help desk, desktop support, and IT support postings. Unlike single-topic certs, A+ proves broad practical competence across hardware, operating systems, networking basics, security, and troubleshooting—exactly the mix a tier-1 support role demands. Because it is vendor-neutral, the skills travel with you regardless of the employer's stack. For someone with no IT work history, A+ is the clearest, most credible way to signal 'job-ready' to a hiring manager.
Salary expectations
Typical salary range
$40,000 – $65,000
A+ is a door-opener more than a salary driver. Entry-level help desk and IT support roles typically start around $40K–$55K. With 1–2 years of experience, desktop support and junior technician roles commonly reach $55K–$65K. A+ pays off most when paired with hands-on experience and stacked toward Network+ and Security+, which open higher-paying networking and security paths.
When to get A+
Take A+ when you want the fastest credible route into help desk or desktop support, or when postings you are reading list it. It is the standard first rung, and the one certification where "start here" is genuinely the right advice for a beginner. Two caveats worth knowing before you commit. First, it is two exams, so budget for both — and take them from the same version, because CompTIA does not allow mixing V15 with an older Core. Second, if you already work in IT and are aiming at networking or security, Network+ or Security+ will move a hiring decision further than A+ will; A+ earns its place when you have nothing else on the resume yet.
Exam details
Exam Quick Reference
- Exam Code
- 220-1201 & 220-1202
- Vendor
- CompTIA
- Level
- Foundation
- Duration
- 90 minutes per exam (two exams)
- Format
- Maximum of 90 questions per exam: multiple choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop, and performance-based. 90 minutes each. Passing scores: 675/900 (Core 1) and 700/900 (Core 2). Both exams must come from the same version — no mixing V15 with an older Core. Offered in English, German and Japanese.
- Questions
- Up to 90 questions per exam
Renewal: A+ is valid for 3 years. Renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program by earning CEUs, or by passing a higher-level CompTIA exam—no need to retake A+.
Facts on this page last verified September 24, 2026 against official CompTIA sources.
Skills covered
Core 1 (220-1201): Hardware (25%)
- Installing and configuring PC components, RAM, and storage
- Power supplies, motherboards, CPUs, and cooling
- Cables, connectors, and peripheral devices
- Printers and multifunction device maintenance
- Custom PC configurations for specific use cases
Core 1 (220-1201): Networking & Troubleshooting (51%)
- TCP/IP, ports, protocols, and IP addressing basics
- Wireless standards, SOHO networks, and network hardware
- Mobile device hardware and connectivity
- Virtualization and cloud computing concepts
- Troubleshooting hardware, networks, and printers methodically
Core 2 (220-1202): Operating Systems
- Windows installation, configuration, and command line
- macOS and Linux fundamentals
- Mobile OS configuration and management
- Application installation and OS troubleshooting
- Workstation and account management
Core 2 (220-1202): Security
- Physical and logical security measures
- Malware detection, removal, and prevention
- Securing workstations, mobile devices, and SOHO networks
- Social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities
- Data destruction and disposal
Core 2 (220-1202): Software Troubleshooting & Operational Procedures
- Troubleshooting OS, application, and security issues
- Documentation, change management, and ticketing
- Safety, environmental, and disposal procedures
- Communication, professionalism, and incident response basics
- Scripting and remote-access technology fundamentals
Step-by-step study path
This sequence reflects what consistently works. Follow it in order—don't skip ahead.
- 1
Download both sets of exam objectives
Get the official 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) objectives from CompTIA. A+ is broad—knowing exactly what each exam covers keeps you from over-studying niche topics.
- 2
Start with Professor Messer's free course
Professor Messer's free A+ video series covers every objective for both exams. It's the most-recommended free starting point. Watch a section, then reinforce it before moving on.
- 3
Add a structured paid course for depth
A paid Core 1 and Core 2 course (for example, Jason Dion's on Udemy) adds labs, demos, and performance-based question (PBQ) practice that free videos don't fully cover. See the paid resources section.
- 4
Get hands-on with real hardware and OSes
A+ rewards practical familiarity. Take apart an old PC, install Windows and Linux in virtual machines, configure a home router. PBQs simulate real tasks—reps make them easy.
- 5
Use a study guide as your reference
Keep a comprehensive book (such as the Sybex A+ Complete Study Guide) on hand to go deeper on topics a video glosses over. Use it to fill gaps, not as your only resource.
- 6
Drill performance-based questions
Both exams include PBQs—simulations that ask you to perform a task. Practice them specifically. They carry more weight than a single multiple-choice question and trip up unprepared candidates.
- 7
Take practice exams for each core
Use full-length practice exams for Core 1 and Core 2 separately. Aim to score consistently above 85% on each before booking. Review every miss until you understand why.
- 8
Schedule and pass both exams
Register through Pearson VUE. Many candidates take Core 1 first, then Core 2 a few weeks later. You hold the certification only once both are passed—plan your booking accordingly.
Ready for a structured course?
A top-rated course covers every A+ exam domain in order. See the paid resources section below for options and pricing.
View course options →Free resources
The official objectives for both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Your study roadmap—download both.
A complete, free A+ video course covering every objective for both exams. The single most-recommended free A+ resource.
Short animated explainers that make A+ hardware and networking concepts click. Great for visual learners.
Free topic-by-topic practice questions for both A+ cores. Useful for finding weak areas before you pay for full practice exams.
Active community with study advice and recent A+ pass reports. Search before posting—most beginner questions are already answered.
Paid resources
The resources below are the most commonly recommended for the 220-1201 & 220-1202 exam. Prices reflect typical pricing—discounts run frequently.
| Provider | Type | Price | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Udemy – Jason Dion A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Course | Video Course | ~$15–$20 (on sale) | Core 1 prep – hardware, networking, mobile, virtualization, and troubleshooting with PBQ practice | |
| Udemy – Jason Dion A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Course | Video Course | ~$15–$20 (on sale) | Core 2 prep – operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures | |
| CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide, 2-Volume Set (Sybex) | Book | ~$50–$70 | Candidates who want a thorough written reference covering both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) |
Udemy – Jason Dion A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Course
Video Course · ~$15–$20 (on sale)
Core 1 prep – hardware, networking, mobile, virtualization, and troubleshooting with PBQ practice
Jason Dion's courses are scenario-focused and include practice exams. Pair with the free Professor Messer videos.
Udemy – Jason Dion A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Course
Video Course · ~$15–$20 (on sale)
Core 2 prep – operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures
The companion to Core 1. Buy both—A+ requires passing both exams. Frequently discounted.
CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide, 2-Volume Set (Sybex)
Book · ~$50–$70
Candidates who want a thorough written reference covering both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)
Docter & Buhagiar's two-volume Sybex set covers both exams with online practice. Best used alongside video courses.
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Vouchers & exam cost
A+ is two separate exams, so you buy two vouchers. CompTIA publishes voucher pricing only inside its own store checkout — confirm both prices there before budgeting, and compare against the bundles, which pair vouchers with retake assurance and CertMaster Practice.
Frequently asked questions
Is CompTIA A+ worth it for beginners?
Yes. A+ is the most recognized entry-level IT certification and is specifically requested in help desk and IT support job postings. For someone with no IT work history, it's the clearest way to prove you're job-ready to a hiring manager.
How many exams is CompTIA A+?
Two: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You must pass both to earn the certification. Most people take them a few weeks apart.
How much does the CompTIA A+ cost?
A+ is two exams, so you buy two vouchers. CompTIA publishes voucher pricing only inside its own store checkout, so price both there before budgeting — and compare against the bundles, which pair vouchers with retake assurance and CertMaster Practice and are usually cheaper than buying a second attempt after a fail.
How long does it take to study for A+?
Most beginners spend 2 to 4 months part-time across both exams. Those with some hands-on PC experience may move faster. Hands-on practice with real hardware and operating systems matters as much as video courses.
Do I need experience before taking A+?
No formal experience is required. CompTIA suggests around 12 months of hands-on IT experience as a guideline, but many candidates pass through self-study and lab practice alone, with no prior job experience.
What certification should I get after A+?
Network+ is the usual next step for networking-focused roles, and Security+ for cybersecurity. The classic CompTIA path is A+ → Network+ → Security+. If you've found a specialty, you can branch from there.
Does CompTIA A+ expire?
Yes. A+ is valid for three years. Renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education program by earning CEUs or by passing a higher-level CompTIA exam—you don't have to retake A+.
Jobs where A+ shows up
4 roles in our Career Navigator list A+ as worth having. Each page covers what the job involves day to day, its honest downside, and the typical pay.
- Field / Infrastructure EngineerEntry-level · Start hereHardware fundamentals, and it is widely recognised.
- Help Desk TechnicianEntry-level · Start hereThe recognised entry credential for support roles.
- Systems AdministratorEntry-level · Start hereThe recognised first credential if you have no IT experience yet.
- Systems EngineerSecond step · FoundationOnly if you are starting from zero hardware and OS knowledge.
Not sure which of these fits you? Take the free Navigator assessment →
More CompTIA certifications
Ready to study?
Start with the free resources above, then add a top-rated course and practice exams when you're ready to test yourself.