CompTIA A+ Core 2 Study Guide: Everything You Need to Pass the 220-1102 Exam

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification validates your expertise and opens doors to higher-paying roles in IT and cybersecurity. Whether you are just starting your study journey or doing a final review, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to pass the 220-1102 exam.

Exam Overview

• Certification: CompTIA A+ Core 2
• Exam Code: 220-1102
• Vendor: CompTIA
• Cost: $358 USD
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Questions: Up to 90 questions
• Passing Score: 675 out of 900
• Format: Multiple choice + Performance-based questions (PBQs)
• Prerequisites: None required

Domain Breakdown

Understanding the exam domains and their weights is critical for efficient study planning. Focus more time on heavily-weighted domains while ensuring you cover all areas.

Domain 1: Operating Systems (28%)

• 1.1 Identify basic features of Microsoft Windows editions
• 1.2 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tools
• 1.3 Given a scenario, use features and tools of Windows 11 operating system
• 1.4 Given a scenario, use common OS features and tools for macOS, Linux, and mobile OS

Key concepts: Windows 10 vs 11 Editions, Command Prompt Tools, PowerShell Basics, Task Manager, Registry Editor, Disk Management, macOS System Preferences, Linux File System

Domain 2: Security (28%)

• 2.1 Summarize various security measures and their purposes
• 2.2 Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods
• 2.3 Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware
• 2.4 Explain common social engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities
• 2.5 Given a scenario, manage and configure endpoint security

Key concepts: Malware Types (Virus, Trojan, Ransomware), Social Engineering Attacks, Phishing vs Vishing vs Smishing, Windows Firewall, WPA2 vs WPA3, BitLocker Encryption, Endpoint Security Software, Physical Security

Domain 3: Software Troubleshooting (23%)

• 3.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS problems
• 3.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common PC security issues
• 3.3 Given a scenario, use best practices for malware removal
• 3.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues

Key concepts: BSOD Troubleshooting, Boot Process Issues, Application Crashes, Slow Performance Diagnosis, Malware Removal Process, Browser Security Issues, Mobile Device Sync Errors, OS Update Problems

Domain 4: Operational Procedures (21%)

• 4.1 Given a scenario, implement best practices for workstation setup and documentation
• 4.2 Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism
• 4.3 Explain basic scripting and automation concepts
• 4.4 Given a scenario, use remote access technologies and tools

Key concepts: Change Management Best Practices, Ticketing Systems, Asset Management, Backup Types (Full, Incremental, Differential), Scripting Basics (Bash, PowerShell, Python), Remote Desktop Tools, Professionalism Standards, Environmental Controls

Recommended Study Timeline

Plan for approximately 6-10 weeks of dedicated study. Here is a suggested weekly breakdown:

• Week 1: Domain 1: Windows OS — Editions, Features, System utilities, Control Panel
• Week 2: Domain 1: Command Line & OS Tools — CMD, PowerShell, macOS, Linux basics
• Week 3: Domain 2: Security Fundamentals — Malware types, Social engineering, Firewalls
• Week 4: Domain 2: Endpoint Security — Antivirus, Encryption, MDM, Wireless security
• Week 5: Domain 3: Software Troubleshooting — Windows errors, BSOD, App crashes, Boot issues
• Week 6: Domain 3: Malware Removal & Mobile — Best practices, Mobile OS troubleshooting
• Week 7: Domain 4: Operational Procedures — Documentation, Change management, Scripting basics
• Week 8: Full Review: Practice tests, PBQ practice, Weak areas, Exam logistics

Top Study Tips

1. Start with the official exam objectives. Download them from the CompTIA website and use them as your study checklist. Every exam question maps to a specific objective.

1. Use active recall over passive reading. Instead of re-reading notes, test yourself with practice questions after each study session. This dramatically improves retention.

1. Focus on heavily-weighted domains first. Domains with higher percentages appear more on the exam. Master these before moving to lower-weighted areas.

1. Build hands-on experience. Set up a lab environment and practice the skills you are studying. Hands-on experience is especially valuable for performance-based questions.

1. Take practice exams under real conditions. Time yourself, eliminate distractions, and simulate the exam environment. Review every wrong answer and understand why it was wrong.

Practice Resources

Test your knowledge with our free tools:

Take our free CompTIA A+ Core 2 practice quiz

View the full CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification page

• CVSS Calculator — Practice scoring vulnerabilities
• Password Strength Checker — Test password security

Career Impact

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification demonstrates validated expertise to employers. Certified professionals typically see:

• Higher starting salaries compared to non-certified peers
• More interview callbacks as the certification signals commitment and competence
• Faster career progression with a recognized credential on your resume
• Access to roles that specifically require or prefer CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification

What to Study Next

After earning your CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification, consider these natural next steps:

• Deepen your specialization with an advanced certification in the same vendor track
• Broaden your skills with a certification from a complementary domain
• Visit our Career Paths page for detailed certification roadmaps

Get Organized with a Study Planner

A structured study plan makes the difference between passing and failing. Our fillable PDF study planners include domain trackers, weekly schedules, and progress tracking designed specifically for CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam prep.

---

This guide is independently created for educational purposes. CompTIA trademarks belong to their respective owners. FixTheVuln is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA.