CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Study Plan for V15
A two-exam CompTIA A+ preparation framework for the current Core 1 and Core 2 pathway.
How does the current CompTIA A+ certification work?
CompTIA A+ is earned by passing two separate exams from the same active series: Core 1 and Core 2. The current V15 pathway uses 220-1201 and 220-1202. Each exam allows up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and can include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions.
Core 1 concentrates on mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware/network troubleshooting. Core 2 concentrates on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Always confirm the active codes and retirement dates on CompTIA's site before booking. Mixing study materials from different exam series is one of the easiest ways to waste preparation time.
Should you study Core 1 or Core 2 first?
Either order is possible, but most learners benefit from choosing one primary core at a time. A practical sequence is:
- Build Core 1 hardware and networking foundations.
- Take a Core 1 diagnostic and correct the gaps.
- Move to Core 2 operating systems, security, and procedures.
- Use mixed troubleshooting drills to connect both exams.
Avoid trying to memorise both objective lists simultaneously. The credential requires both exams, but each exam is scheduled and scored separately.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 study plan
Mobile devices and hardware
Practise identifying components, ports, connectors, display types, printers, and common repair considerations. Learn symptoms and safe diagnostic order, not only part names.
Networking
Cover addressing, common ports and protocols, wireless standards, small-office equipment, and basic network tools. Be able to trace a connectivity problem from physical layer to configuration.
Virtualization and cloud computing
Understand virtual machines, hypervisors, cloud service models, resource requirements, and common use cases. At A+ level, clear distinctions matter more than complex architecture.
Troubleshooting
Use CompTIA's troubleshooting methodology consistently: identify, theorize, test, plan, implement, verify, and document. A plausible technical fix can still be a weak answer if it ignores safety, data protection, or the required sequence.
CompTIA A+ Core 2 study plan
Operating systems
Compare Windows editions and tools, installation methods, file systems, command-line utilities, macOS and Linux basics, and application support. Practise choosing the right tool for a symptom.
Security
Review authentication, permissions, malware response, wireless security, device hardening, social engineering, and physical controls. Connect each threat to an appropriate prevention or remediation step.
Software troubleshooting
Work from evidence: error messages, boot behavior, resource use, application symptoms, and network state. Practise distinguishing a user-profile issue from a system-wide failure.
Operational procedures
Study safety, change management, documentation, backup, privacy, licensing, incident response, and professional communication. These topics influence what a technician should do before and after the repair.
Prepare for A+ performance-based questions
Use a safe lab, spare machine, or virtual environment to practise:
- installing and configuring an operating system;
- managing disks, accounts, permissions, and updates;
- reading IP configuration and testing connectivity;
- identifying hardware and cable types;
- applying basic endpoint security; and
- documenting a troubleshooting outcome.
For every task, narrate the diagnostic sequence. The skill being tested is often choosing the correct action under constraints, not performing random configuration steps.
A six-week A+ study schedule
- Weeks 1–2: Core 1 concepts and hands-on drills.
- Week 3: Core 1 practice test, review, and focused correction.
- Weeks 4–5: Core 2 concepts and hands-on drills.
- Week 6: Core 2 practice test, correction, then mixed troubleshooting.
Adjust the schedule to your experience. A learner already supporting Windows devices may need more hardware or networking time; someone who builds computers may need more security and operational-procedure work.
How to review CompTIA A+ practice tests
Tag misses by objective and by cause: missing fact, incorrect tool, skipped safety step, wrong troubleshooting order, or rushed reading. Retest a concept with a differently worded scenario after correction.
Do not combine the two real exams in your readiness decision. Track Core 1 and Core 2 evidence separately, even if your preparation platform offers a combined full-path simulation.
Use the CertGuru CompTIA A+ mock pathway to diagnose both cores, then follow the mock-results review workflow. Learners who find networking consistently weak can continue with the Network+ N10-009 guide.
CertGuru is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA.
Authoritative references
Confirm current exam codes, objectives, delivery policies, and retirement dates directly with CompTIA.