CompTIA A+ (220-1201 & 220-1202) Study Guide
CompTIA A+ is the recognized starting point for an IT career. It validates the core support skills employers expect for help desk, desktop support, and field technician roles. A+ is a two-exam certification: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)—you must pass both.
Overview
Level
Foundation
Vendor
CompTIA
Audience
Career changers entering IT, students, help desk and desktop support hopefuls, and anyone who wants the employer-recognized baseline for their first IT job. No prior experience required.
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+
Get A+ first if you're entering IT with little or no experience and want a support, help desk, or technician role. If you already have hands-on IT experience, you may be able to skip straight to Network+ or Security+—but A+ is rarely a wasted step, and it's a prerequisite mindset for the whole CompTIA path (A+ → Network+ → Security+). If your goal is purely networking or security and you have some background, weigh going directly to those instead.
Exam details
Exam Quick Reference
- Exam Code
- 220-1201 & 220-1202
- Vendor
- CompTIA
- Level
- Foundation
- Duration
- 90 minutes per exam (two exams)
- Format
- Up to 90 questions per exam: multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based. Passing scores: 675/900 (Core 1), 700/900 (Core 2). You must pass both.
- 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+.
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. Udemy prices reflect typical sale 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
Each A+ exam (Core 1 and Core 2) is about $253 USD, so both total roughly $506. CompTIA sometimes offers voucher + retake bundles—check the official store for current pricing.
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?
Each exam is about $253 USD, so both together total roughly $506. CompTIA occasionally bundles vouchers with retake insurance—check the official store before buying.
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+.
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.