CompTIA A+ (V15) — Complete Objectives Guide for Core 1 (220-1201) & Core 2 (220-1202)

CompTIA A+ V15 contains two companion exams — Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) — that together validate the practical, entry-level IT skills employers expect from help-desk technicians and IT support specialists. This guide breaks down each domain, highlights what you must know, and maps those topics to real-world tasks so you can plan study time and build a hands-on practice plan.

What A+ V15 tests: a quick overview

A+ V15 focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security, troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Each exam uses a mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. Core 1 centers on physical devices, networking, and troubleshooting; Core 2 emphasizes operating systems, software troubleshooting, security, and workplace procedures. Knowing the domain weights helps you prioritize study hours effectively.

Core 1 (220-1201) — Mobile, Networking, Hardware & Troubleshooting

Weighted focus: mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, and hands-on troubleshooting.

Mobile devices (≈13%) — Configure and diagnose portable tech

You will install and configure components such as batteries, cameras, and Wi-Fi antennas. Expect tasks that cover accessory pairing (USB, Bluetooth, NFC), docking stations, and device sync settings. Troubleshooting scenarios ask you to identify connectivity faults, battery issues, or accessory incompatibilities and apply step-by-step fixes.

Keywords to master: mobile device setup, accessory pairing, wireless troubleshooting, device synchronization.

Networking (≈23%) — Build and troubleshoot SOHO networks

Study networking protocols and common ports, learn IP addressing basics, and practice setting up small office/home office (SOHO) networks including NAT and basic VPNs. You’ll use physical and wireless diagnostic tools like crimpers, cable testers, and Wi-Fi analyzers to isolate wiring faults and signal problems.

Keywords to master: TCP/UDP ports, DHCP, NAT, VPN setup, network diagnostics.

Hardware (≈25%) — Install, maintain, and upgrade components

Core 1 tests your ability to install RAM, CPUs, storage, and peripheral devices. Know cable and connector types (HDMI, Ethernet, USB) and how to configure motherboards, power supplies, and cooling solutions. Hands-on practice swapping components and configuring BIOS/UEFI options will pay off.

Keywords to master: component installation, motherboard configuration, PSU sizing, peripheral maintenance.

Virtualization & Cloud (≈11%) — Concepts you must understand

You don’t need deep cloud admin skills, but you should explain hypervisors, virtual machines, desktop virtualization, and basic cloud models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).

Keywords to master: VM basics, hypervisor types, cloud service models.

Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (≈28%) — Apply a methodical approach

Troubleshooting dominates Core 1. Learn to use multimeters, cable testers, and loopback plugs. Follow a repeatable workflow: identify the symptom, form a hypothesis, test, implement a solution, verify results, and document the fix.

Keywords to master: diagnostic workflow, hardware diagnostics, connectivity testing.

Core 2 (220-1202) — Operating Systems, Security & Procedures

Weighted focus: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and professional operational procedures.

Operating Systems (≈28%) — Install, manage, and repair OSes

Core 2 covers installing and maintaining Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OSes. Expect to use OS tools such as Task Manager, Command Prompt/PowerShell, Disk Management, and basic Linux commands. Understand file systems, update strategies, and upgrade paths.

Keywords to master: OS installation, system utilities, file system management, patching.

Security (≈28%) — Protect systems and respond to threats

A significant portion of Core 2 covers encryption basics, access controls, wireless security protocols, and malware prevention. You should demonstrate safe removal of malware, implement authentication best practices, and apply simple encryption and patch-management steps.

Keywords to master: encryption, access control, malware removal, wireless security.

Software Troubleshooting (≈23%) — Resolve app and OS problems

Software troubleshooting tests how you diagnose crashes, performance issues, and app failures across desktop and mobile platforms. Practice isolating driver issues, corrupt system files, and application conflicts, and learn to restore system stability with rollbacks, safe mode, and targeted repairs.

Keywords to master: app diagnostics, driver conflicts, system recovery, mobile app troubleshooting.

Operational Procedures (≈21%) — Documentation, safety & recovery

This domain tests workplace skills: documentation, change-management best practices, ESD and electrical safety, communication with end users, and backup/recovery procedures. Employers value technicians who follow clear procedures and keep accurate logs.

Keywords to master: incident documentation, ESD precautions, backup strategies, change control.

Exam logistics & recommended preparation

Exam codes: 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2).
Format: Up to 90 questions per exam; multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance tasks.
Length: 90 minutes per exam.
Passing scores: Core 1 — 675/900; Core 2 — 700/900.
Experience recommended: ~12 months of hands-on IT support experience.
Lifecycle: Expect a multi-year support window for each exam version; plan recertification accordingly.

Practical study plan & tips

Prioritize by weight: Spend more lab time on higher-weighted domains (troubleshooting, OS, hardware).
Build a lab: Use spare parts and virtual machines to practice installations, repairs, and malware removal in a safe environment.
Practice performance items: Simulate real-world fixes under time constraints to mirror the exam’s performance-based tasks.
Use mixed resources: Combine official objectives, video courses, hands-on labs, and timed practice exams.
Document your fixes: Practice writing brief, clear incident reports and change logs — it helps with operational procedures questions.

Outcomes — what you’ll be able to do

After passing both Core 1 and Core 2 you will confidently install and maintain hardware, configure wired and wireless networks, manage multiple operating systems, detect and remove malware, and follow industry best practices for safety and documentation. These skills map directly to entry-level roles like help-desk technician, technical support specialist, and junior system administrator — and they form a strong foundation for Network+, Security+, or further specialization.

Treat A+ V15 as a hands-on skills check: build, break, fix, and document — and you’ll convert study time into practical competence and a career-launching credential.