How to Pass the CompTIA A+ Exam in 2026 (Core 1 and Core 2)

What Is the CompTIA A+?

The CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification in the world. It validates the foundational skills needed to work as an IT support technician: hardware troubleshooting, operating systems, networking basics, security fundamentals, and operational procedures. Most entry-level help desk and IT support roles list A+ as preferred or required.

Unlike many certifications that consist of a single exam, A+ requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). You can take them in any order, but most candidates tackle Core 1 first because it covers hardware and networking concepts that provide useful context for the OS and security content in Core 2.

There are no formal prerequisites. You can register and sit the exam without any prior IT credentials, though CompTIA recommends 9-12 months of hands-on IT experience before attempting.

Exam Format: What to Expect

Both Core 1 and Core 2 follow the same basic format, with different passing scores:

• Maximum questions: 90 per exam
• Time limit: 90 minutes per exam
• Question types: Multiple choice (single and multiple answer) plus performance-based questions (PBQs)
• Core 1 passing score: 675 on a 900-point scale
• Core 2 passing score: 700 on a 900-point scale
• Delivery: Pearson VUE testing centers or online proctored
• Cost: $253 USD per exam

Performance-based questions (PBQs) simulate real IT scenarios, asking you to drag and drop components, configure settings in simulated interfaces, or match items correctly. These appear at the beginning of the exam and carry significant weight. Do not skip them.

Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Domains

• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%): The largest domain. Diagnosing hardware failures, cable issues, network connectivity problems, and component malfunctions.
• Hardware (25%): RAM types (DDR4 vs DDR5), storage technologies (HDD, SSD, NVMe, M.2), motherboard components, CPU sockets, power supply connectors, cooling solutions, and peripheral interfaces.
• Networking (20%): TCP/IP fundamentals, ports and protocols, wireless networking standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), network hardware, and basic network troubleshooting.
• Mobile Devices (15%): Laptop components, mobile device synchronization, connection types, and basic mobile device management concepts.
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%): Virtual machine concepts, cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and cloud deployment types.

Core 2 (220-1102) Exam Domains

• Operating Systems (31%): The biggest domain in Core 2. Windows 10/11 installation, features, command-line tools, Windows Registry, Linux fundamentals, macOS basics, and OS troubleshooting.
• Security (25%): Malware types and removal, social engineering attacks, wireless security protocols, physical security, and data destruction methods.
• Software Troubleshooting (22%): Diagnosing OS issues, application failures, browser problems, and malware infections.
• Operational Procedures (22%): Documentation, change management, disaster recovery, environmental safety, communication skills, and professionalism.

Must-Know Hardware Concepts for Core 1

Storage Types

HDD (Hard Disk Drive) uses spinning magnetic platters and is slower but cheaper per gigabyte. SSD (Solid State Drive) uses NAND flash with no moving parts, making it faster and more durable. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to the PCIe bus via an M.2 slot, offering dramatically faster speeds than SATA-based SSDs. Know the connector types: SATA, M.2, and mSATA. Exam questions often ask you to identify the fastest option or the right connector for a given scenario.

RAM Types

DDR4 is the most common type you will encounter. DDR5 is appearing in newer systems. Know that RAM is not backward compatible between generations. Laptops use SO-DIMM form factor. Desktops use DIMM. ECC RAM detects and corrects single-bit memory errors and is used in servers. Know the difference between single-channel and dual-channel configurations.

Power Supply Connectors

The main ATX connector is 24-pin. The CPU power connector is 4-pin or 8-pin (EPS). PCIe power connectors supply power to discrete GPUs. SATA power connectors power storage drives. Molex connectors are older large 4-pin connectors. Being able to identify these by pin count and purpose is exam-required knowledge.

Must-Know Operating System Concepts for Core 2

Windows Command-Line Tools

Memorize these commands and their functions: ipconfig (view/renew IP settings), ping (test connectivity), tracert (trace network route), netstat (show active connections), nslookup (query DNS), chkdsk (check disk for errors), sfc /scannow (scan system file integrity), diskpart (partition management), and tasklist/taskkill (process management).

Linux and macOS Basics

For Linux, know basic commands: ls (list files), cd (change directory), pwd (print working directory), chmod (change permissions), sudo (run as superuser), apt or yum (package managers), and grep (search text). For macOS, know that it is Unix-based, uses the Terminal for command-line access, and organizes system tools in the Utilities folder within Applications.

Best Study Resources for A+

• Professor Messer A+ Course (Free): The best free resource available. Professor Messer's video series covers every exam objective clearly. His study notes are also free. Start here.
• Mike Meyers' Total Seminars A+ Course: Available on Udemy, Mike Meyers is one of the original A+ prep instructors. His course is detailed and includes practical demonstrations.
• Jason Dion's Udemy A+ Course: More concise than Mike Meyers, with a strong emphasis on exam strategy and practice questions. Includes multiple practice exams.
• CompTIA Official CertMaster: CompTIA's own learning platform includes practice questions, flashcards, and performance tracking. More expensive but aligned precisely to the exam objectives.

10-Week Study Plan for Both Exams

• Weeks 1-2: Core 1 hardware domains. Study RAM, storage, motherboards, power supplies, and expansion cards. Build or disassemble a PC if possible.
• Weeks 3-4: Core 1 networking and mobile devices. Study TCP/IP, wireless standards, network hardware, and laptop components.
• Week 5: Core 1 review and practice exam. Take a timed mock exam. Review every wrong answer with an AI tutor to understand the concept, not just the answer.
• Week 6: Schedule and sit Core 1 exam. Begin Core 2 operating systems content immediately after.
• Week 7: Core 2 Windows in depth. Study installations, features, command-line tools, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Week 8: Core 2 security and software troubleshooting domains.
• Week 9: Core 2 operational procedures and Linux/macOS basics.
• Week 10: Full Core 2 practice exam, final review, and exam day.

Performance-Based Question Strategy

PBQs appear at the start of each exam and often take 5-10 minutes each. The instinct is to skip them and return later, but this approach backfires for many candidates because the time you save elsewhere does not compensate for rushing through PBQs at the end.

A better approach: read the entire PBQ scenario before touching any option. Identify exactly what is being asked. Work through it systematically. If you are completely lost, flag it and move on, then return. Practice PBQs using CompTIA's free sample questions and simulation tools.

Certify Copilot AI is particularly useful for A+ scenario questions where the correct answer depends on understanding a process, not just recalling a fact. It can explain why a specific troubleshooting step comes before another, or why one cable type is more appropriate than another for a given scenario. Read our guide on passing the Network+ exam as a logical next step after A+. If you have been struggling with practice exams, this article explains why most candidates fail certification exams and what to do about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take Core 1 or Core 2 first?

Most candidates take Core 1 first because the hardware and networking foundation it builds makes Core 2's OS and security content easier to contextualize. However, CompTIA allows you to take them in any order and there is no official recommendation.

Is A+ worth it in 2026?

Yes. A+ remains the most recognized entry-level IT credential for help desk and IT support roles. Many government agencies and defense contractors use A+ as a baseline requirement for IT positions. It is also a valid stepping stone toward Network+, Security+, and cloud certifications.