CompTIA · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide written by CompTIA-certified engineers. Covers the exam format,all 4 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
220-1102
Full name
A+ Core 2
Vendor
CompTIA
Duration
90 minutes
Questions
90 items
Passing score
700/1000 (scaled)
Domains covered
4 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
No formal prerequisites; completing or studying Core 1 first is strongly recommended
Typical prep time
3–5 months
A+ Core 2 (220-1102) is the second of the two required A+ exams, covering operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile), security, software troubleshooting, and professional procedures — the day-to-day tasks of every help desk and IT support technician.
Job roles this opens
Domain percentage weights are not currently available for this exam. The checklist below is still useful for planning your study.
Weeks 1–3
Operating Systems: Windows editions, installation, settings, command-line tools
Tip: Windows editions are tested by feature: Home (no domain join, no BitLocker, no Remote Desktop host), Pro (all Home features plus domain join, BitLocker, Remote Desktop host, Group Policy Editor), Enterprise (all Pro features plus AppLocker, DirectAccess, BranchCache). Know which edition is needed for each feature.
Weeks 4–6
Security: malware types, social engineering, security controls, BitLocker, Windows Defender
Tip: The 7-step CompTIA malware removal process is tested directly: Investigate and identify the malware → Quarantine the infected system → Disable System Restore (to prevent the malware hiding in restore points) → Remediate the infected systems → Schedule scans → Re-enable System Restore → Educate the end user.
Weeks 7–9
Software Troubleshooting: Windows issues, PC security issues, mobile application problems
Tip: Software Troubleshooting (26%) is the heaviest Core 2 domain. Focus on Windows error symptoms, BSOD causes (and common stop codes), boot failure recovery (WinRE, startup repair, last known good configuration, safe mode), and profile corruption resolution.
Weeks 10–12
Operational Procedures: documentation, change management, safety, environmental controls, scripting basics
Tip: Scripting file types on Core 2: .bat/.cmd (Windows batch), .ps1 (PowerShell), .py (Python), .sh (Bash/shell), .vbs (VBScript), .js (JavaScript). Know which environment runs each file type and what scripting is primarily used for (automation, repetitive tasks).
Final 2 weeks
Full practice exams and weak-area review
Tip: Core 2 has more scenario-based questions than Core 1 — a supervisor describing a problem and asking what you should do next. Read the entire stem before looking at options; CompTIA regularly places the critical detail (a constraint, a policy, a previous step) at the end of the scenario.
File systems on Core 2: NTFS (Windows default — supports permissions, encryption, compression, files over 4 GB), FAT32 (4 GB file size limit, max 32 GB partition in Windows — used for USB drives that must work on multiple OS), exFAT (no 4 GB file limit, cross-platform — preferred for removable media), APFS (macOS default since macOS High Sierra).
BitLocker requirements: TPM 1.2 chip (or later) required for standard operation; can run without TPM using a startup USB key (requires Group Policy change). BitLocker is only available on Windows Pro and Enterprise — Home edition cannot encrypt the system drive with BitLocker.
Windows command-line tools for Core 2: sfc /scannow (scan and repair protected system files), dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth (repair Windows image), chkdsk /f /r (fix file system errors and recover readable data from bad sectors), diskpart (manage disks, partitions, volumes).
SOHO network security: know the purpose of each control — changing default credentials (prevent unauthorised admin access), disabling WPS (WPS PIN is brute-forceable), using WPA3 (WPA2 minimum), disabling SSID broadcast (minor obscurity — not a strong control), guest network (isolate untrusted devices from the main LAN).
Both A+ exams (Core 1 and Core 2) must be passed to earn the A+ certification. They can be taken in any order and on different days. A+ is valid for 3 years.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and domain analytics.