Looking for a comprehensive CompTIA A+ study guide for 2026? You're in the right place. Whether you're brand new to IT or finally ready to get that certification you've been putting off, this guide covers everything you need to pass both the 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) exams on your first try.
I'm not going to sugarcoat it - the A+ certification takes real effort. But here's the thing: thousands of people pass these exams every month, and with the right preparation strategy, you can too. This isn't just theory. We've helped hundreds of IT professionals achieve their CompTIA A+ certification, and this guide reflects what actually works.
What is CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard certification for entry-level IT professionals. It validates your ability to perform critical IT support tasks, troubleshoot operating systems, configure networks, and handle hardware - basically everything a help desk technician or desktop support specialist does daily.
Unlike vendor-specific certifications from Microsoft or Cisco, A+ is vendor-neutral. That means you're learning skills that apply across different manufacturers and platforms. Employers love this because it shows you can adapt to whatever technology they're using.
The certification requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You can take them in any order, though most people start with Core 1. Once you pass both, you're CompTIA A+ certified - a credential that's been trusted by employers worldwide for over 30 years.
CompTIA A+ 2026 at a Glance
- Core 1 Exam Code: 220-1201
- Core 2 Exam Code: 220-1202
- Questions per Exam: Maximum 90
- Question Types: Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based
- Time per Exam: 90 minutes
- Passing Score: 675/900 (Core 1), 700/900 (Core 2)
- Cost per Exam: $253 USD
- Total Certification Cost: $506 USD
220-1201 & 220-1202: What Changed in 2025-2026?
CompTIA launched the new 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams in early 2025, replacing the previous 220-1101 and 220-1102 versions. If you're searching for a comptia a+ study guide 2025 or 2026, make sure your materials cover these new exam codes - older resources won't fully prepare you.
The updated exams reflect current IT trends and workplace realities. Here's what's new:
Major Updates in the 2025-2026 Version
- Expanded Cloud Computing Coverage: More questions on IaaS, SaaS, PaaS, and cloud-based troubleshooting. Remote work made this essential.
- Enhanced Security Content: Stronger focus on endpoint security, malware removal, and security best practices.
- Updated Operating Systems: Coverage of Windows 11 and current macOS/Linux distributions.
- Remote Support Skills: Troubleshooting remote connections, VPNs, and collaboration tools.
- Modern Hardware: NVMe SSDs, DDR5 RAM, USB-C standards, and current mobile devices.
The good news? The overall structure remains similar. If you studied for the 1101/1102 exams, you're not starting from scratch. But don't skip the new material - CompTIA added it because employers need these skills.
A+ Exam Domains Breakdown
Understanding what each exam covers helps you prioritize your study time. Let's break down both Core 1 and Core 2 exam domains.
Core 1 (220-1201) Domains
Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, and mobile devices. It's often considered the more straightforward exam because concepts are more concrete - you're dealing with physical components and measurable specifications.
- Mobile Devices (15%): Laptops, tablets, smartphones. Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting mobile hardware and software.
- Networking (20%): TCP/IP, ports, protocols, network hardware, wireless configuration, and basic network troubleshooting.
- Hardware (25%): The biggest domain. CPUs, RAM, storage drives, motherboards, power supplies, display technologies, and peripherals.
- Virtualization and Cloud (11%): Virtual machines, hypervisors, cloud models (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS), and cloud-based connectivity.
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%): Methodical troubleshooting theory, hardware problems, network connectivity issues.
Core 2 (220-1202) Domains
Core 2 deals with operating systems, software, security, and operational procedures. Many find this exam harder because it requires more scenario-based thinking and troubleshooting complex software issues.
- Operating Systems (31%): The largest domain. Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS installation, configuration, and management.
- Security (25%): Physical security, logical security, wireless security, malware, social engineering, and incident response.
- Software Troubleshooting (22%): Resolving OS problems, application issues, and malware removal procedures.
- Operational Procedures (22%): Documentation, change management, disaster recovery, scripting basics, and remote access technologies.
Study Priority Tip
Spend extra time on domains with higher percentages. For Core 1, that's Hardware and Troubleshooting. For Core 2, it's Operating Systems and Security. These combined represent over half of each exam.
How Long to Study for CompTIA A+?
The most common question I get: how long does it take to prepare for CompTIA A+? The honest answer is it depends on your background. But let me give you realistic timelines based on different starting points.
Complete Beginner (No IT Experience)
If you're coming from a non-technical background, expect 4-6 months of preparation, studying 10-15 hours per week. You'll need to build foundational knowledge while learning exam content. Don't rush this - the concepts build on each other.
Some IT Experience (Help Desk User, Tech Hobbyist)
With casual tech experience - maybe you've built a PC, troubleshot family computer problems, or worked adjacent to IT - you'll likely need 8-12 weeks of focused study. You understand the basics but need to formalize that knowledge and fill gaps.
IT Professional (1-2 Years Experience)
If you're already working in IT, 6-8 weeks should be sufficient. You're not learning new concepts so much as organizing what you know and ensuring you understand CompTIA's specific terminology and approach.
Recommended Study Schedule
Here's a practical timeline for someone with some tech background:
- Weeks 1-4: Core 1 content study - hardware, networking, mobile devices
- Week 5: Core 1 practice tests and weak area review
- Week 6: Take Core 1 exam
- Weeks 7-10: Core 2 content study - operating systems, security, software troubleshooting
- Week 11: Core 2 practice tests and weak area review
- Week 12: Take Core 2 exam
Best CompTIA A+ Study Resources for 2026
Choosing the right study materials can make or break your exam prep. Here's what actually works, based on feedback from hundreds of successful candidates.
Free Resources
Professor Messer's Free A+ Course: This is the gold standard for free A+ training. Professor Messer offers comprehensive video courses covering every exam objective. His teaching style is clear, and he updates content regularly for new exam versions. Start here if you're on a budget.
CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives: Download the official exam objectives from CompTIA's website. This document lists every topic that could appear on the exam. Use it as a checklist to ensure your study materials cover everything.
Reddit r/CompTIA: The CompTIA subreddit is incredibly valuable. Real people share their exam experiences, study tips, and resource recommendations. Search for recent "passed A+" posts to see what worked for others.
Paid Resources Worth the Investment
Mike Meyers' All-in-One Exam Guide: The most popular A+ study book for good reason. Mike Meyers explains concepts in accessible, sometimes humorous ways. The book includes practice questions and comes with a discount code for additional online resources.
CompTIA CertMaster Learn: CompTIA's official learning platform. It's not cheap, but it's comprehensive and guarantees alignment with exam objectives. Good for people who want structured learning paths with progress tracking.
Jason Dion's Practice Exams (Udemy): These practice tests are frequently recommended by people who passed. They include performance-based question simulations, which many free resources lack. Wait for Udemy sales - courses regularly drop to $10-15.
Hands-On Labs
Don't underestimate hands-on practice. Reading about installing RAM is different from actually doing it. If you have access to old hardware, use it. Build a PC from spare parts. Install different operating systems. Configure a home network.
Virtual labs are helpful too. You can run VirtualBox or VMware to practice Windows, Linux, and even macOS configurations without risking your main system. The performance-based questions on the exam will feel much more manageable with real experience.
Core 1 (220-1201) Study Guide
Let's dive into specific study strategies for Core 1. This exam tests your knowledge of hardware, networking, and troubleshooting - the tangible, hands-on aspects of IT support.
Hardware Mastery (25% of Exam)
Hardware is the largest single domain. You need to know components inside and out:
- CPUs: Intel vs AMD architectures, socket types, cooling solutions, thermal paste application
- RAM: DDR4 vs DDR5, SO-DIMM vs DIMM, channel configurations, ECC memory
- Storage: SATA vs NVMe, M.2 form factors, RAID configurations, SSD vs HDD use cases
- Motherboards: Form factors (ATX, ITX), expansion slots, BIOS/UEFI configuration
- Power Supplies: Wattage calculation, connector types, efficiency ratings
- Displays: LCD technologies, resolution standards, connector types (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
- Printers: Laser vs inkjet operation, maintenance, common problems
Don't Skip Printers
Many candidates neglect printer content because it seems outdated. Big mistake. CompTIA still tests printer troubleshooting heavily. Know the imaging process for laser printers and common issues for both laser and inkjet devices.
Networking Fundamentals (20% of Exam)
Networking questions trip up many candidates. Focus on these areas:
- TCP/IP basics: IP addressing, subnetting fundamentals, DHCP, DNS
- Common ports: HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), SSH (22), RDP (3389), FTP (20/21), SMTP (25/587)
- Network hardware: Routers, switches, access points, modems, firewalls
- Wireless standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, frequencies, security protocols
- Cabling: Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, fiber types, connector types
If networking feels overwhelming, start with the basics: what is an IP address, how do devices find each other on a network, what does a router do versus a switch? Build understanding from fundamentals before diving into specifics.
Troubleshooting Methodology (29% of Exam)
This is the biggest domain, and it appears throughout both exams. CompTIA loves its troubleshooting methodology:
- Identify the problem
- Establish a theory of probable cause
- Test the theory to determine cause
- Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem
- Verify full system functionality and implement preventive measures
- Document findings, actions, and outcomes
Memorize this process. Many questions present a scenario and ask "what should you do next?" The answer usually follows this methodology. If you're asked what to do after identifying the problem, the answer is "establish a theory of probable cause."
Core 2 (220-1202) Study Guide
Core 2 shifts focus to operating systems, software, and security. Many candidates find this exam harder because scenarios are more complex and answers less concrete.
Operating Systems Deep Dive (31% of Exam)
Operating systems is the largest domain. You need solid knowledge across Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Chrome OS:
Windows Focus Areas:
- Windows 10 and 11 editions and their differences
- Control Panel vs Settings app navigation
- Command-line tools: CMD and PowerShell basics
- Administrative tools: MSConfig, Task Manager, Event Viewer, Device Manager
- User account management and permissions
- File system types: NTFS features, FAT32 limitations, exFAT use cases
macOS and Linux Basics:
- macOS: Finder, System Preferences, Time Machine, Terminal basics
- Linux: Common distributions, basic commands (ls, cd, grep, chmod, sudo), file permissions
- Both: Package management concepts, user management
Security Essentials (25% of Exam)
Security content has grown significantly in recent A+ versions. Know these topics well:
- Malware Types: Viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits - know how each works and spreads
- Social Engineering: Phishing, shoulder surfing, tailgating, dumpster diving
- Physical Security: Badge readers, mantraps, security cameras, cable locks
- Wireless Security: WPA2 vs WPA3, encryption types, disabling SSID broadcast
- Authentication: MFA, biometrics, smart cards, password best practices
- Malware Removal: Safe mode, identifying symptoms, removal procedures, verification
Security Study Tip
The malware removal process appears frequently on the exam. Memorize the seven-step process: 1) Investigate symptoms, 2) Quarantine infected systems, 3) Disable System Restore, 4) Remediate, 5) Schedule scans and updates, 6) Enable System Restore, 7) Educate end users.
Software Troubleshooting (22% of Exam)
This domain tests your ability to fix common software problems. Scenarios often describe symptoms and ask for the most likely cause or best solution:
- Boot issues: BSOD errors, startup repair, recovery options
- Application crashes: Compatibility issues, missing dependencies
- Performance problems: Resource monitoring, identifying bottlenecks
- Browser issues: Clearing cache, resetting settings, extension problems
- Mobile app issues: Force stop, clear data, reinstallation
A+ Practice Tests & Exam Prep
Practice tests are essential. They reveal knowledge gaps, build exam stamina, and familiarize you with question formats. Here's how to use them effectively.
When to Start Practice Tests
Don't wait until you've finished all content to take practice tests. Start domain-specific practice after completing each section. This reinforces learning and identifies weak areas early. Save full-length practice exams for the final week before your test date.
Interpreting Practice Test Scores
Aim for consistent scores of 80% or higher before scheduling your actual exam. Here's how to interpret your results:
- Below 60%: More content study needed. Review weak domains thoroughly.
- 60-70%: You know the material but have gaps. Focus on incorrect answers.
- 70-80%: Getting close. Fine-tune weak areas and keep practicing.
- 80%+: Ready to schedule the exam. Continue light practice until test day.
Performance-Based Question Practice
Performance-based questions (PBQs) simulate real IT tasks. You might configure network settings, partition a disk, or troubleshoot within a virtual environment. These take longer than multiple-choice questions, so time management matters.
Many candidates recommend skipping PBQs initially, answering all multiple-choice questions first, then returning to PBQs with remaining time. This ensures you don't run out of time on easier questions.
Exam Day Tips & Strategies
You've studied for weeks. Now it's exam day. Here's how to maximize your performance.
Before the Exam
- Get a good night's sleep - cramming the night before rarely helps
- Eat a normal breakfast; avoid excessive caffeine
- Arrive early (testing center) or set up early (online proctoring)
- Bring two forms of ID to the testing center
- For online testing: Clear your desk, close unnecessary programs, test your webcam and microphone
During the Exam
- Read each question carefully - CompTIA loves trick wording like "BEST" or "MOST likely"
- Flag questions you're unsure about and return to them later
- On multiple-select questions, the exam tells you how many answers to choose - use that information
- Never leave questions blank - there's no penalty for wrong answers
- Watch your time, especially on PBQs - don't spend 15 minutes on one question
PBQ Strategy
Performance-based questions typically appear at the beginning of the exam. Many test-takers get stuck and waste valuable time. Here's the strategy most successful candidates use:
- Read the PBQ scenario quickly
- If you know exactly how to solve it, complete it
- If you're unsure, flag it and move on to multiple-choice questions
- Return to flagged PBQs after finishing multiple-choice with remaining time
Need Help Passing? We're Here for You
Look, not everyone has 3-4 months to dedicate to exam prep. Maybe you're working full-time, handling family responsibilities, or dealing with exam anxiety that makes traditional testing difficult. We get it.
At ComptiaHelp, we've assisted hundreds of IT professionals in achieving their CompTIA A+ certification. Whether you need one-on-one tutoring, intensive exam prep, or comprehensive assistance, our expert team is ready to help.
Struggling with the networking concepts in Core 1? We can help. Finding Core 2's operating system questions overwhelming? We've got you covered. Our pass rate speaks for itself, and every engagement comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Ready to Get Certified?
Don't let exam stress hold back your IT career. Our team has helped hundreds of candidates pass their A+ certification. Whether you need study guidance or comprehensive exam support, contact us today to discuss your options.
What Comes After A+?
Once you're A+ certified, the question becomes: what's next? The answer depends on your career goals.
Network-Focused Path: If you want to specialize in networking, the logical next step is CompTIA Network+. It builds directly on A+ networking content and qualifies you for network technician roles.
Security-Focused Path: Interested in cybersecurity? CompTIA Security+ is your next milestone. It's DoD-approved and opens doors to security analyst positions.
Cloud/Infrastructure Path: For cloud and systems administration, Linux+ or Cloud+ certifications make sense. Both are increasingly valuable as organizations migrate to cloud infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This
The CompTIA A+ certification isn't easy, but it's absolutely achievable. Thousands of people pass these exams every month, and with the right preparation strategy, you can join them.
Remember: it's not about being perfect. The passing scores are 675 and 700 out of 900 - you don't need to know everything. Focus on the high-percentage domains, practice consistently, and don't neglect hands-on experience with actual hardware and operating systems.
Whether you're studying on your own, using our comprehensive resources, or working with our CompTIA A+ exam assistance team, the important thing is to start. Your IT career is waiting on the other side of that certification.
Good luck with your CompTIA A+ journey. And if you need any help along the way - we're just a message away.