How do you study for CompTIA A+?
Study for CompTIA A+ as two exams: Core 1 on hardware, networking and mobile devices (220-1201), and Core 2 on operating systems, security and troubleshooting (220-1202). Work from the official objectives, give each exam three to four weeks, add hands-on practice with a real or virtual machine, and take timed practice tests before you book. You must pass both exams to earn the certification.
In more detail
When this page was last checked, in October 2026, CompTIA listed A+ V15: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), both launched on March 25, 2025. Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions (multiple choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based) and lasts 90 minutes. The passing score is 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2, on a scale of 900. The two exams must come from the same version, and CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience in IT support.
Troubleshooting is the biggest domain on Core 1 at 28%, and operating systems and security share the top spot on Core 2 at 28% each, so spend your hours to match. Pure recall goes on flashcards: common ports and protocols, connector and Wi-Fi types, the order of the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology and the order of steps to remove malware.
Everything else should be hands-on, because both exams include performance-based questions, which are simulations. Open an old PC and identify the parts, install Windows and Linux in a virtual machine, set up a small Wi-Fi network and use the command-line tools. Doing the task once teaches more than reading about it three times.
A+ V15 domain weights (CompTIA, October 2026)
| Exam | Domain | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core 1 (220-1201) | Mobile devices | 13% |
| Core 1 (220-1201) | Networking | 23% |
| Core 1 (220-1201) | Hardware | 25% |
| Core 1 (220-1201) | Virtualization and cloud computing | 11% |
| Core 1 (220-1201) | Hardware and network troubleshooting | 28% |
| Core 2 (220-1202) | Operating systems | 28% |
| Core 2 (220-1202) | Security | 28% |
| Core 2 (220-1202) | Software troubleshooting | 23% |
| Core 2 (220-1202) | Operational procedures | 21% |
Step by step
- 1
Download the V15 objectives for Core 1 and Core 2 from CompTIA and turn each bullet into a checklist.
- 2
Pick one exam first and study it domain by domain for three to four weeks, then take it before you start the other.
- 3
Make flashcards for ports and protocols, connectors, Wi-Fi standards, and the troubleshooting and malware-removal steps in order.
- 4
Do the hands-on work: open a PC, install an operating system in a virtual machine, set up a small Wi-Fi network and use command-line tools.
- 5
After each domain, do practice questions and read why every wrong option is wrong.
- 6
Before each exam, take a full practice test of 90 questions in 90 minutes, and book once you pass with room to spare.
How StudyPDF helps
Upload your A+ course slides, study notes or the objectives document, and StudyPDF builds flashcards, quizzes and a timed practice exam from them, split by topic, with every answer linked to the page it came from. Keep Core 1 and Core 2 as separate courses so their mastery stays apart. Every answer updates your mastery per concept, so the next quiz goes after what you still miss, and the plan spreads your sessions up to your exam date. StudyPDF is not affiliated with CompTIA. The free plan covers about 4 materials a week, no card needed.
See also
- AnswerHow do you study for a certification exam?
- AnswerHow do you study for an exam?
- AnswerCan you pass an exam without studying?
- AnswerHow do you review for an exam?
- Practice testNetwork Plus Practice Test
- Practice testCompTIA A+ Practice Test
- Practice testSecurity Plus Practice Test
- AnswerHow do you study computer science?
- StudyPDFAI Exam Generator
More questions
Which A+ exam should I take first?
Either order works, because the exams are separate and you need to pass both on the same version. Many people start with Core 1, since hardware and networking build the base, then take Core 2. Start with the one your course or job covers first, and book the second while the first is still fresh.
How long does it take to study for CompTIA A+?
Plan for about three to four weeks per exam if you study an hour or two a day, so roughly six to eight weeks for both. Someone who already works in IT support may need less, and someone new to computers more. CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience in IT support, but does not require it.
Do it on your own course
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