CompTIA · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide written by CompTIA-certified engineers. Covers the exam format,all 29 blueprint domains, a week-by-week study plan, and proven tips for passing first time.
3–5 months
Prep time
Beginner
Difficulty
90
Exam questions
700/1000
Pass mark
Exam code
220-1202
Full name
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
Vendor
CompTIA
Duration
90 minutes
Questions
90 items
Passing score
700/1000 (scaled)
Domains covered
29 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
No formal prerequisites; recommended after passing or studying for 220-1201
Typical prep time
3–5 months
220-1202 is the second of the two required A+ exams. It covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and professional procedures — the daily tasks of every help desk and IT support role.
Job roles this opens
Official CompTIA blueprint weights — study time should roughly match these percentages.
Weeks 1–3
Operating Systems: Windows editions, installation, settings, command-line tools
Tip: Windows editions and their feature differences are tested directly: Home vs Pro vs Enterprise — Pro adds BitLocker, domain join, Remote Desktop host, and Group Policy. Enterprise adds AppLocker, DirectAccess, and BranchCache.
Weeks 4–6
Security: malware types, social engineering, security controls, BitLocker, Windows Defender
Tip: The malware removal process has 7 steps in the CompTIA methodology: Investigate/identify → Quarantine → Disable system restore → Remediate → Schedule scan → Enable system restore → Educate user. Know this sequence — it appears in scenario questions.
Weeks 7–9
Software Troubleshooting: Windows issues, PC security issues, mobile application problems
Tip: Software troubleshooting (26%) is the heaviest domain on Core 2. Focus on Windows error codes, boot failure symptoms, BSOD causes, and profile corruption. Know what safe mode does and when to use it vs WinRE vs startup repair.
Weeks 10–12
Operational Procedures: documentation, change management, safety, environmental controls, scripting basics
Tip: Scripting questions on 220-1202 are introductory but do appear. Know what .bat, .ps1, .py, .sh, and .vbs file extensions indicate, and what each scripting environment is typically used for.
Final 2 weeks
Full practice exams and weak-area reinforcement
Tip: Core 2 has more scenario-based questions than Core 1. Read the entire question stem before looking at answer options — CompTIA frequently includes a detail near the end of the scenario that eliminates two or three distractors immediately.
Windows command-line tools are tested by name and function: ipconfig, ping, tracert, nslookup, netstat, net use, sfc /scannow, dism, chkdsk, diskpart. Know what each command does and its key flags.
File system differences matter: NTFS supports permissions, encryption, compression, and files over 4GB. FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit. exFAT is for removable media without the 4GB limit. APFS is the macOS file system.
BitLocker requires TPM 1.2 or higher by default and is available only on Windows Pro and Enterprise. Recovery keys should be stored in Active Directory or a USB — not on the encrypted drive.
SOHO network security on 220-1202 covers changing default credentials, disabling WPS, using WPA3 (or WPA2 minimum), MAC filtering, and guest network segmentation. Know the purpose of each control.
Both A+ exams (220-1201 and 220-1202) must be passed to earn the certification. CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years and renews through continuing education or retaking the current exams.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and domain analytics.