CompTIA A+ Core 2 Study Guide: Everything You Need to Pass the 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.

Exam update: This guide covers the current V15 exam, 220-1202, which launched March 25, 2025.

Exam Overview

• Certification: CompTIA A+ Core 2
• Exam Code: 220-1202
• Vendor: CompTIA
• Cost: Check the CompTIA store for current pricing
• Launched: March 25, 2025
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Questions: Up to 90 questions
• Passing Score: 700 out of 900
• Format: Multiple choice + Performance-based questions (PBQs)
• Prerequisites: None required

Domain Breakdown

These are the official domains and weights for 220-1202. Spend the most study time on the heavily weighted domains. Download the official exam objectives from CompTIA for the full objective list under each domain.

• Domain 1: Operating Systems (28%)
• Domain 2: Security (28%)
• Domain 3: Software Troubleshooting (23%)
• Domain 4: Operational Procedures (21%)

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.