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About the CompTIA A+ Certification

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CompTIA A+ 220-1201 & 220-1202

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1 Introduction & Exam Overview

About the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Domains & Study Strategy

2 Core 1 Domain 1: Mobile Devices (13%)

Laptop Hardware & Components Laptop Features & Display Types Mobile Device Connectivity & Accessories Mobile Operating System Features Mobile Device Synchronization & Data Transfer

3 Core 1 Domain 2: Networking (23%)

TCP/IP Fundamentals & the OSI Model Common Ports & Protocols Wireless Networking Standards Network Hardware & Devices Network Configuration & Internet Connections Network Types & Topologies

4 Core 1 Domain 3: Hardware (25%)

Cables & Connectors RAM Types & Storage Devices Motherboards, CPUs & Power Supplies Printers & Multifunction Devices Peripheral Devices & Expansion Cards Network Cable Tools & Testing

5 Core 1 Domain 4: Virtualization & Cloud Computing (11%)

Virtualization Concepts Cloud Computing Models & Services Client-Side Virtualization in Practice

6 Core 1 Domain 5: Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (28%)

CompTIA Troubleshooting Methodology Hardware Troubleshooting Network Troubleshooting Printer Troubleshooting Display & Mobile Device Troubleshooting

7 Core 2 Domain 1: Operating Systems (28%)

Windows Editions & Features Windows Administrative Tools & Utilities Windows Command Line & PowerShell macOS & Linux Basics Windows Networking & File Sharing Windows Installation & Upgrade Methods

8 Core 2 Domain 2: Security (28%)

Physical & Logical Security Measures Malware Types & Threat Mitigation Wireless & Network Security Encryption & Data Protection

9 Core 2 Domain 3: Software Troubleshooting (23%)

Windows OS Troubleshooting Mobile OS & Application Troubleshooting Browser & Application Troubleshooting

10 Core 2 Domain 4: Operational Procedures (21%)

Documentation & Change Management Backup & Recovery Methods Safety & Environmental Procedures Scripting & Remote Access Technologies Privacy, Licensing & Organizational Policies

About the CompTIA A+ Certification

Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI

CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level IT certification, recognized by employers worldwide including Dell, HP, Intel, Ricoh, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The current version is V15: Core 1 (220-1201) covers hardware and networking, and Core 2 (220-1202) covers operating systems and security. You must pass both.

The prior version (220-1101 / 220-1102) retired on September 25, 2025; new candidates test on 220-1201 and 220-1202.

Each exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes; Core 1 passes at 675/900 and Core 2 passes at 700/900 on a 100-900 scale.

CompTIA A+ is valid for three years and renews via 20 Continuing Education (CE) units or by earning a higher CompTIA certification such as Network+ or Security+.

Last updated: October 2026

What Is CompTIA A+?

CompTIA A+ is the gold-standard entry-level IT certification published by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) . It validates the foundational knowledge a technician needs to support end users: installing and troubleshooting hardware, configuring operating systems, securing devices, supporting networks, and following operational procedures such as ticketing, change management, and safety.

Unlike vendor-specific credentials from Microsoft, Cisco, or Apple, A+ is vendor-neutral . The objectives test concepts that apply across Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android, and across hardware from any manufacturer. A technician who passes A+ should be able to walk up to an unfamiliar Dell laptop or a Lenovo desktop and apply the same systematic methodology.

Which Version Are You Studying?

This matters: CompTIA refreshes A+ roughly every three years. The current version is V15 , made up of Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) , which launched March 25, 2025 . The previous version (220-1101 / 220-1102) retired September 25, 2025 for English-language testers. If a study resource still references 220-1101/1102, it is out of date.

  • Item Retired (V14) Current (V15)
  • Core 1 code 220-1101 220-1201
  • Core 2 code 220-1102 220-1202
  • Launch 2022 Mar 25, 2025
  • Status Retired Sep 25, 2025 Active

Trap: Many free practice banks online still serve 220-1102 questions. Verify the exam code on every resource. V15 adds depth on cloud, scripting, security frameworks, and ARM/Apple-silicon devices.

Why CompTIA A+ Matters

Benefit Details

Industry recognition Accepted by Dell, HP, Intel, Ricoh, the U.S. DoD, and thousands of managed-service providers

  • DoD 8140 compliance Satisfies baseline requirements for IAT Level I cybersecurity workforce roles
  • Global reach Held by over 1.2 million professionals across 140+ countries
  • Vendor-neutral Covers Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, Android
  • Career foundation Feeds into Network+, Security+, and ultimately CySA+ or CCNA

ANSI/ISO 17024 accredited Independently accredited, which is why government and enterprise HR systems accept it

Who Should Get Certified?

A+ targets help desk technicians , desktop support specialists , field service technicians , IT support specialists , and junior systems administrators . CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role , but there are no formal prerequisites - anyone can register and sit either exam in any order.

The Two-Exam Structure & Logistics

A+ is unusual in requiring two exams . You must pass both 220-1201 and 220-1202 to be certified; passing only one earns nothing.

  • Exam Code Focus Questions Time Passing Score
  • Core 1 220-1201 Hardware, networking, mobile, virtualization, troubleshooting Up to 90 90 min 675 / 900
  • Core 2 220-1202 OS, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures Up to 90 90 min 700 / 900

The score scale runs 100-900 , and it is scaled, not a raw percentage - you cannot simply divide. Each exam costs $274 USD ( $548 for both) at CompTIA's published U.S. retail price; bundles and authorized resellers can lower the cost, and actively registered students at eligible U.S. institutions can get 35-55% off in the CompTIA Store. Exams are delivered at Pearson VUE test centers or via online proctoring.

Worked Example: Reading the Score Report

Suppose you finish Core 1 and the report shows 690 . Because the scale is 100-900 and 675 is passing , you passed Core 1 - but the same 690 on Core 2 would fail , because Core 2 requires 700 . This is the single most common scoring confusion: the two exams have different cut scores even though both use the 900-point scale. A near-miss like 670 on Core 1 means a retake. CompTIA imposes no waiting period before your first retake (the second attempt) - you may rebook immediately - but you must wait 14 calendar days before the third and any subsequent attempt of the same exam.

Certification Renewal

A+ is valid for three years from the date you pass your second exam. Maintain it by earning 20 CE units in that window:

  • Pass a higher CompTIA cert (Network+, Security+) - auto-renews A+
  • Complete CompTIA-approved training or industry courses
  • Attend qualifying conferences, webinars, or CompTIA CertMaster activities
  • Publish IT articles, white papers, or teach/mentor
  • Earn certain non-CompTIA industry certifications mapped in the CE program

The CE fee for A+ is $75 for the three-year cycle , separate from CE-activity costs; CompTIA does not require it to be paid annually, but it must be paid by the expiration date when you renew with CE units. Let it lapse and the certification moves to expired status, requiring you to retake both current exams from scratch - so track CE units in the CompTIA portal from day one.

Common Misconceptions

  • Myth Reality
  • "A+ is one exam" It is two exams (220-1201 and 220-1202), both required
  • "You can take them in a fixed order" Either order is allowed, though Core 1 first is common
  • "Passing is 70%" Scores are scaled 100-900; 675 and 700 are the cut points
  • "It never expires" It is valid three years and needs CE renewal
  • "Old 220-1102 dumps are fine" V14 retired Sep 25, 2025; study 220-1201/1202 only