CompTIA
CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ Certification (Core 1 220-1101 and Core 2 220-1102)
The industry-standard entry credential for IT support and help desk roles, covering hardware, operating systems, networking basics, security, and troubleshooting. Earned by passing two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102).
What's on the exam
220-1101 / 220-1102 (2022 series, both cores combined; weights halved to sum 100)
Mobile Devices (Core 1)
15% of Core 1Laptop hardware and components · Mobile device display components · Device accessories and ports · Mobile connectivity and application configuration
Networking (Core 1)
20% of Core 1TCP/UDP ports and protocols · Networking hardware · Wireless standards · SOHO network configuration · Network services (DHCP, DNS)
Hardware (Core 1)
25% of Core 1Cabling and connectors · RAM and storage devices · Motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards · Power supplies · Printers and multifunction devices
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (Core 1)
11% of Core 1Cloud models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) · Cloud characteristics · Client-side virtualization · Virtual machine requirements
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (Core 1)
29% of Core 1Troubleshooting methodology · Storage and RAID issues · Video and display issues · Wired and wireless network issues · Printer issues
Operating Systems (Core 2)
31% of Core 2Windows editions and upgrade paths · Windows command-line tools · OS installation and configuration · macOS and Linux basics · Windows networking configuration
Security (Core 2)
25% of Core 2Physical and logical security · Wireless security protocols · Malware detection and removal · Workstation hardening · Social engineering threats
Software Troubleshooting (Core 2)
22% of Core 2Windows OS issues · PC security issues · Malware removal best practices · Mobile OS and application issues
Operational Procedures (Core 2)
22% of Core 2Documentation and ticketing systems · Change management · Backup and recovery · Safety and environmental controls · Scripting basics · Remote access technologies
Frequently asked questions
How much does the CompTIA A+ cost?
Fees vary. Two exam vouchers required (one per core), roughly $250 each — confirm current pricing with CompTIA.
How long is the CompTIA A+ and how many questions does it have?
Up to 90 questions per exam — 90 minutes per exam.
What do you need to pass the CompTIA A+?
Core 1: 675/900; Core 2: 700/900 (scaled).
Can you retake the CompTIA A+?
No wait for first retake; 14 days between subsequent attempts.
What is the best way to study for the CompTIA A+?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Mobile Devices (Core 1) 15% of Core 1, Networking (Core 1) 20% of Core 1, Hardware (Core 1) 25% of Core 1, Virtualization and Cloud Computing (Core 1) 11% of Core 1, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (Core 1) 29% of Core 1, Operating Systems (Core 2) 31% of Core 2, Security (Core 2) 25% of Core 2, Software Troubleshooting (Core 2) 22% of Core 2, Operational Procedures (Core 2) 22% of Core 2). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
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