CompTIA A+ is the standard entry point into IT, recognized broadly enough that most help desk and desktop support job postings either require it or list it as a strong preference. As of this writing, the current exam version is 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2), which launched in March 2025 and replaced the older 220-1101/220-1102 exams. Always double-check the exam code on any study material you use — resources built around the retired version will leave real gaps.
Core 1 (220-1201) domain breakdown
| Domain | Focus |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | Laptops, tablets, mobile OS configuration and connectivity |
| Networking | Wired and wireless networking, protocols, hardware, troubleshooting |
| Hardware | PC components, peripherals, installation and configuration |
| Virtualization & Cloud Computing | Cloud service models, client-side virtualization basics |
| Hardware & Network Troubleshooting | Systematic troubleshooting methodology applied to hardware and connectivity issues |
Core 2 (220-1202) domain breakdown
| Domain | Focus |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS administration |
| Security | Security fundamentals, authentication, malware, social engineering, best practices |
| Software Troubleshooting | Diagnosing and resolving OS and application-level problems |
| Operational Procedures | Documentation, safety procedures, professionalism, communication |
What's new compared to the previous version
The 2025 update added meaningfully more emphasis on AI basics (privacy, ethical use, and limitations of AI tools), expanded security content woven throughout rather than isolated to one domain, and updated operating system content to reflect Windows 11 and current filesystem standards. If you're studying from material that predates March 2025, verify it's been updated — a surprising amount of legacy A+ content online is still built around retired exam versions.
A study approach that works
- Get the official CompTIA exam objectives document first — it's free, and everything you study should map back to it directly
- Pair reading with hands-on practice — install an OS in a virtual machine, physically build or take apart a PC if you have access to hardware
- Use practice exams to find weak areas, not just to memorize question patterns — the real exam includes performance-based questions that test actual task completion, not just recall
- Study Core 1 and Core 2 somewhat in parallel rather than fully sequentially — a lot of the security and troubleshooting content connects across both
A+ doesn't require you to be an expert — it requires broad, functional competence across a wide range of common IT support scenarios. That breadth is exactly what makes it a strong first credential.