Free videos plus timed tests can be enough.
One V15 candidate passed both cores on the first try by watching Professor Messer's course, then repeating free timed 90-question tests and CompTIA's official sample questions until scores were steady.
CompTIA A+ Exam Guide
Validates foundational IT support knowledge across hardware, operating systems, networking, security and troubleshooting common technical problems.
A+ tests whether you can set up, secure and troubleshoot the devices and systems an IT support technician handles. Core 1 covers hardware, mobile devices and networking. Core 2 covers operating systems, security and support procedures. Learn one core at a time with a course, practise on real hardware and software, then take timed tests before each exam.
Understand the exam
Syllabus
Weights are shares of each exam, so Core 1 and Core 2 each total 100%.
1.0Core 1 · Mobile devices13%
- 1.1Monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques.Scenario
- 1.2Compare and contrast accessories and connectivity options for mobile devices.
- 1.3Configure basic mobile device network connectivity and provide application support.Scenario
Example scenario: A user's new wireless headset will not connect to their laptop. What would you check before replacing the headset?
2.0Core 1 · Networking23%
- 2.1Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes.
- 2.2Explain wireless networking technologies.
- 2.3Summarize services provided by networked hosts.
- 2.4Explain common network configuration concepts.
- 2.5Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.
- 2.6Configure basic wired/wireless small office/home office (SOHO) networks.Scenario
- 2.7Compare and contrast internet connection types, network types, and their characteristics.
- 2.8Explain networking tools and their purposes.
Example scenario: A small office's new printer works by IP address but other PCs cannot find it by name. Which settings would you look at?
3.0Core 1 · Hardware25%
- 3.1Compare and contrast display components and attributes.
- 3.2Summarize basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.
- 3.3Compare and contrast RAM characteristics.
- 3.4Compare and contrast storage devices.
- 3.5Install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.Scenario
- 3.6Install the appropriate power supply.Scenario
- 3.7Deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers and settings.Scenario
- 3.8Perform appropriate printer maintenance.Scenario
Example scenario: A user wants to add a second SSD to a desktop PC. What would you confirm about the motherboard and power supply first?
4.0Core 1 · Virtualization and cloud computing11%
- 4.1Explain virtualization concepts.
- 4.2Summarize cloud computing concepts.
Example scenario: A developer needs to test software on three operating systems using one laptop. What would you set up, and what hardware would it need?
5.0Core 1 · Hardware and network troubleshooting28%
- 5.1Troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.Scenario
- 5.2Troubleshoot drive and RAID issues.Scenario
- 5.3Troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.Scenario
- 5.4Troubleshoot common mobile device issues.Scenario
- 5.5Troubleshoot network issues.Scenario
- 5.6Troubleshoot printer issues.Scenario
Example scenario: A PC powers on but shows nothing on screen and beeps several times. What would you check, and in what order?
1.0Core 2 · Operating systems28%
- 1.1Explain common operating system (OS) types and their purposes.
- 1.2Perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse environment.Scenario
- 1.3Compare and contrast basic features of Microsoft Windows editions.
- 1.4Use Microsoft Windows operating system features and tools.Scenario
- 1.5Use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tools.Scenario
- 1.6Configure Microsoft Windows settings.Scenario
- 1.7Configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop.Scenario
- 1.8Explain common features and tools of the macOS/desktop operating system.
- 1.9Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop operating system.
- 1.10Install applications according to requirements.Scenario
- 1.11Install and configure cloud-based productivity tools.Scenario
Example scenario: A user cannot reach a shared drive after their PC was renamed. Which Windows tools would you use to check the connection?
2.0Core 2 · Security28%
- 2.1Summarize various security measures and their purposes.
- 2.2Configure and apply basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.Scenario
- 2.3Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.
- 2.4Summarize types of malware and tools/methods for detection, removal, and prevention.
- 2.5Compare and contrast common social engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities.
- 2.6Implement procedures for basic small office/home office (SOHO) malware removal.Scenario
- 2.7Apply workstation security options and hardening techniques.Scenario
- 2.8Apply common methods for securing mobile devices.Scenario
- 2.9Compare and contrast common data destruction and disposal methods.
- 2.10Apply security settings on SOHO wireless and wired networks.Scenario
- 2.11Configure relevant security settings in a browser.Scenario
Example scenario: A user reports pop-ups and a new browser toolbar they did not install. What steps would you take, in order?
3.0Core 2 · Software troubleshooting23%
- 3.1Troubleshoot common Windows OS issues.Scenario
- 3.2Troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues.Scenario
- 3.3Troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues.Scenario
- 3.4Troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues.Scenario
Example scenario: A laptop has become very slow since an update last night. Where would you look first?
4.0Core 2 · Operational procedures21%
- 4.1Implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management.Scenario
- 4.2Apply change management procedures.Scenario
- 4.3Implement workstation backup and recovery methods.Scenario
- 4.4Use common safety procedures.Scenario
- 4.5Summarize environmental impacts and local environment controls.
- 4.6Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
- 4.7Use proper communication techniques and professionalism.Scenario
- 4.8Explain the basics of scripting.
- 4.9Use remote access technologies.Scenario
- 4.10Explain basic concepts related to artificial intelligence (AI).
Example scenario: A manager asks you to roll out a new Windows setting to every PC tomorrow. What would you need before making the change?
Official A+ Core 1 exam objectives · 220-1201 and 220-1202 (V15)
Format
- Questions
- Up to 90 per exam
- Duration
- 90 min per exam
- Passing score
- 675 / 900 (Core 1)
- Delivery
- Test centre or online
- Languages
- English, German, Japanese
Question types
Choose the best answer from the options, or the stated number of answers when a question asks for more than one.
CertUp example
A laptop shows the office Wi-Fi network but will not connect after the router password was changed. What should the technician do first?
Show answer
B. The saved profile still holds the old password, so it needs updating. Replacing hardware or resetting the laptop is unnecessary.
Drag items to the matching place, such as a connector to its typical use.
CertUp example
Match each connector to its typical use: monitor, wired network, internal drive, keyboard.
Show answer
HDMI → monitor, RJ45 → wired network, SATA → internal drive, USB → keyboard.
Complete a hands-on task in a simulated environment, such as configuring a setting or putting steps in order.
CertUp example
A desktop PC does not power on. Put these checks in a sensible order.
Show answer
Check the power cable and wall outlet, reseat the RAM modules, test with a known-good power supply, replace the motherboard. Start with the cheapest, least invasive checks.
Make a study plan
Read the objectives for Core 1 and try a short set of questions. Study and book one core at a time, then repeat for the other.
Plan for 100–180 hours. Plan for the low end if you already fix PCs or work in support; plan for the high end if IT is new to you. The range covers both exams, Core 1 and Core 2.
- 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.8 h
- 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.89 h
- 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.45 h
- 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.8 h
Learn the core concepts
Use one course as your main resource and the objectives as your checklist. Professor Messer's videos are free and numbered to match the objectives.
Best free courseFree CompTIA A+ Training (220-1201 and 220-1202)
Best paid video courseTOTAL: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Course + Practice Exam
Best for employer-fundedCertMaster Learn for A+ (Core 1 and 2)Practise on real equipment. Open up an old PC, install Windows and Linux in virtual machines, run command-line tools and set up a home router as you study each topic.
Practice with mock exams
Start with CompTIA's free sample questions, then use full timed exams for each core. Review why each answer is right or wrong and go back to the matching objective.
Best free optionA+ Practice Tests (220-1201 and 220-1202)Best valueProfessor Messer A+ Practice Exams
Best on mobileCompTIA A+ Question BankAre you ready?
- You can explain every objective for the core you are booking.
- You can work through a troubleshooting scenario in a logical order.
- You can finish a timed 90-question test with time left to review.
Prepare for exam day
Buy one voucher per exam and schedule each with Pearson VUE. You can take Core 1 and Core 2 on different days.
At a test centre
Testing from home
- Bring the identification listed in your appointment confirmation, with the same name as your booking.
- Arrive at the time specified in your confirmation and store personal belongings as instructed.
- Use the exam tutorial before the 90-minute timer starts.
- Run the OnVUE system test on the computer and connection you will use.
- Prepare a private room and clear your desk.
- Have your accepted ID ready and begin check-in at the time stated in your confirmation.
Advice from exam takers
Use practice tests to find gaps.
Commenters advise reviewing every missed question until you understand why each option is right or wrong. One Core 2 candidate scored between 64% and 81% on practice tests and passed with 845.
Don't get stuck on the first PBQs.
A widely shared pass report recommends flagging the performance-based questions at the start, answering the multiple-choice questions, then returning to the PBQs.