CompTIA A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102) Certification: Complete Guide
Start your IT career with CompTIA A+. Full guide to the 220-1101 Core 1 and 220-1102 Core 2 exams: domains, costs, study plan, and practice questions.
CompTIA A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102) Certification: Complete Guide
CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching an IT career. It is the certification most help desk, desktop support, and field technician roles ask for. To earn it, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102).
Who Should Take A+
- Aspiring help desk and IT support technicians
- Career changers entering IT with little prior experience
- Students who want a recognized first credential before Network+ or Security+
Exam Overview
| Aspect | Core 1 (220-1101) | Core 2 (220-1102) |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | Maximum 90 | Maximum 90 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 675 of 900 | 700 of 900 |
| Cost | Around 253 USD each | Around 253 USD each |
You must pass both to become A+ certified. The credential is valid for 3 years.
Core 1 (220-1101) Domains
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 13% |
| Networking | 23% |
| Hardware | 25% |
| Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% |
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 28% |
Core 2 (220-1102) Domains
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 28% |
| Security | 28% |
| Software Troubleshooting | 22% |
| Operational Procedures | 22% |
Key Topics to Master
- PC hardware components, connectors, and the troubleshooting methodology
- Networking fundamentals: IP addressing, ports, protocols, and wireless standards
- Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS administration
- Security best practices, malware removal, and social engineering awareness
Networking shows up on both exams. Practicing subnet and address math with an IP to Binary converter builds the intuition you need for the networking domain.
Study Plan
- Weeks 1-2: Core 1 hardware and networking
- Week 3: Core 1 virtualization, mobile, and troubleshooting, then take Core 1
- Weeks 4-5: Core 2 operating systems and security
- Week 6: Core 2 software troubleshooting and procedures, then take Core 2
Sample Questions
Sample Question 1
Which connector is used for modern wired Ethernet networking?
A) RJ11
B) RJ45
C) BNC
D) SC
Answer: B - RJ45 is the standard connector for twisted-pair Ethernet.
Sample Question 2
A user reports their laptop will not charge. What should a technician check first?
A) Reinstall the operating system
B) Replace the motherboard
C) Verify the AC adapter and power source
D) Update the BIOS
Answer: C - Always start with the simplest and least invasive check.
Recommended Resources
- CompTIA A+ Official Page
- CompTIA CertMaster and official study guide
- Hands-on practice building or repairing a PC
Practice with ExamCert
The best way to get exam-ready is realistic practice. Try the free CompTIA A+ (220-1101) question bank on ExamCert, with exam-style questions and detailed explanations so you learn from every miss.
👉 CompTIA A+ (220-1101) practice test
Conclusion
CompTIA A+ is your launchpad into IT. Pass both Core 1 and Core 2 with a steady study plan and plenty of practice exams, and you will be ready for your first IT role.