CompTIA A+ V15 Study Guide: Core 1 and Core 2

CompTIA A+ V15 requires two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). CompTIA says the two exams must come from the same version, so do not combine a V15 exam with retired V14 material.

This guide was reviewed against CompTIA’s current A+ certification page, Core 1 V15 page, and Core 2 V15 page.

CompTIA A+ V15 Overview

You must pass both V15 exams to earn A+. Each exam allows a maximum of 90 questions and 90 minutes. CompTIA lists multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions.

CompTIA’s current pages do not show a fixed voucher price in the exam-details section. Check the official store for your country before budgeting, and remember that training products and retake bundles are separate purchases.

Core 1 (220-1201) Domains

Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization and cloud concepts, and troubleshooting:

• Mobile devices: 13%
• Networking: 23%
• Hardware: 25%
• Virtualization and cloud computing: 11%
• Hardware and network troubleshooting: 28%

Use the official Core 1 page for the current objectives summary. Download the detailed exam objectives from CompTIA before choosing a course or book.

Core 2 (220-1202) Domains

Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures:

• Operating systems: 28%
• Security: 28%
• Software troubleshooting: 23%
• Operational procedures: 21%

Use the official Core 2 page for the current objectives summary. Check that every resource you use explicitly covers 220-1202.

Build a Study Schedule

Start with a diagnostic review of both objective lists. Mark each objective as familiar, needs review, or needs hands-on practice, then build sessions around the gaps.

An example sequence:

1. Cover Core 1 hardware and networking while identifying components and configuring a small test network.
2. Practice Core 1 troubleshooting with safe, repeatable scenarios.
3. Cover Core 2 operating systems and security in virtual machines.
4. Practice Core 2 troubleshooting and operational procedures.
5. Use original practice questions to find remaining gaps, then return to the objective list and primary documentation.

The schedule may take more or less than eight weeks. Your experience, weekly availability, and practice results are more useful than a universal completion promise.

Study Resources and Labs

Start with CompTIA’s objective lists and product documentation. Third-party books and videos can add explanation, but confirm that they target 220-1201 and 220-1202 rather than V14.

Useful lab ideas include:

• Identify hardware components and connector types on equipment you can handle safely.
• Create Windows and Linux virtual machines to practice installation, permissions, command-line tools, updates, backup, and recovery.
• Configure a lab router or isolated virtual network rather than changing a production or shared network.
• Write a troubleshooting log that records the symptom, hypothesis, test, result, and resolution.

Reading alone does not demonstrate the performance tasks described in the objectives. Use labs to practice the actions, but follow safety guidance and avoid dismantling equipment you do not own.

Exam-Day Preparation

• Review CompTIA’s current candidate agreement and testing policies.
• Confirm that both appointments are for V15.
• If testing online, run the vendor’s system check and prepare the workspace exactly as instructed.
• Use the exam tutorial to understand navigation and performance-based item controls.
• Allocate time based on your own practice rather than assuming one question order works for everyone.

Conclusion

The current A+ path is V15: 220-1201 and 220-1202. Build your plan from those official objectives, practice troubleshooting in safe lab environments, and verify exam details before purchasing or scheduling. A+ can validate foundational support skills, but it does not guarantee a job, salary, or exam result.