CompTIA’s A+ exam: 220-1102

The CompTIA A+ credential offers several paths to fulfilling positions, including computer user support specialist, help desk technician or field service technician. Demand for these roles is rising, bringing rewarding pay, with average tech salaries breaking the six-figure mark, for IT professionals seeking to break into the industry and fill any of these available jobs.

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Getting certified allows you to demonstrate to potential employers your specific knowledge or skill to do the job and can make you stand out from the competition, whether applying for a new position or being considered for promotion.

To obtain the CompTIA A+ certification, a candidate must pass both the recently-released (April 2022) CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exams that, together, cover legacy and new technologies and skills IT pros need to support today’s hybrid workforce. The updated objectives ensure that the test reflects changes in the work practices of IT support professionals.

The credential is vendor-neutral and covers support to end-user devices and software, connectivity problems, mitigation of security risks, troubleshooting common issues, and demonstrating basic knowledge of scripting, cloud, and virtualization. It verifies that the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required of an entry-level A+ certification holder.  

The refreshed A+ Core Series has expanded coverage of mobile and cloud computing as well as virtualization services, addressed enhanced security and advanced software troubleshooting procedures across all operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android and Linux OS.

An overview of exam 220-1102

To be eligible for the CompTIA A+ certification, a candidate should have 12 months of hands-on experience in a help desk support, desktop support technician, or field service technician role. The candidate must then pass two core exams: currently the 220-1101 and 220-1102.

The New CompTIA A+ 1100 Series ensures that the topics covered keep pace with what’s happening in IT for a number of different jobs. Are you ready to take the leap and attempt the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) exam?

Test details

• Maximum of 90 questions
• Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
• Length of test is 90 minutes
• Passing score is 700 (on a scale of 100-900)

Note: The old A+ exam series 220-1002 will be retired on October 20, 2022. If you have already passed the 220-1001 exam or are currently studying for it, you will want to also take and pass 220-1002 before October 20 because CompTIA will not allow you to mix exams from two different series. In fact, to get CompTIA A+ certified, you must pass two exams from the same series – either 220-1001 and 220-1002 or 220-1101 and 220-1102.

One voucher per exam is required (select the voucher for 220-1001 or 220-1002 or for  220-1101 and 220-1102) to schedule your test on the Pearson VUE website.

Overview of the A+ exam domains

The weighting of domains for the A+ exam was refreshed. Here’s a breakdown of each exam’s version for comparison:

Core 2, 220-1002

• Operating systems (27%)
• Security (24%)
• Software troubleshooting (26%)
• Operational procedures (23%)

Core 2, 220-1102

• Operating systems (31%)
• Security (25%)
• Software troubleshooting (22%)
• Operational procedures (22%)

As you can see, the areas covered by the domains have not changed. What has changed is the percentage assigned to each topic to better reflect what is really important in today’s workplaces.

The 220-1102 exam covers the knowledge and skills required to install and configure operating systems, to secure mobile and embedded devices, to provide the best security for small or home offices (SOHO), to secure browsers, to carry out software and troubleshooting, to act upon standard operating procedures, and to support users as necessary.

1. Operating systems
1. Identify basic features of Microsoft Windows editions.
2. Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tool
3. Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system (OS)
4. Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft Windows 10 Control Panel utility
5. Given a scenario, use the appropriate Windows settings.
6. Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop
7. Given a scenario, apply application installation and configuration concepts
8. Explain common OS types and their purposes
9. Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse OS environment
10. Identify common features and tools of the macOS/desktop OS
11. Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop OS
2. Security
1. Summarize various security measures and their purposes
2. Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods
3. Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using the appropriate tools and methods
4. Explain common social-engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities
5. Given a scenario, manage and configure basic security settings in the Microsoft Windows OS
6. Given a scenario, configure a workstation to meet best practices for security
7. Explain common methods for securing mobile and embedded devices
8. Given a scenario, use common data destruction and disposal methods
9. Given a scenario, configure appropriate security settings on small office/home office (SOHO) wireless and wired networks
10. Given a scenario, install and configure browsers and relevant security settings
3. Software troubleshooting
1. Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues
2. Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal
3. Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues
4. Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues
4. Operational procedures
1. Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management
2. Explain basic change-management best practices
3. Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods
4. Given a scenario, use common safety procedures
5. Summarize environmental impacts and local environmental controls
6. Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts
7. Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism
8. Identify the basics of scripting
9. Given a scenario, use remote access technologies

It is important to review in detail the Core 2 exam objectives to clearly understand what is covered by the exam and focus your learning. You can also use CompTIA’s practice tests to get examples of the type of questions you might face on exam day.

Earn your A+ certification, guaranteed!

Enroll in a CompTIA A+ Boot Camp and earn one of the most popular entry-level certifications — guaranteed.

Get Pricing

Prepare before the exam

The Official CompTIA A+ eBook Core 1 and Core 2 Student Guide (Exams 220-1101 and 220-1102) includes videos and practice questions and provides 100% coverage of the exam objectives. This interactive online version offers access to all material within 3-4 hours of purchase.

CompTIA’s CertMaster Practice for A+ Core 2 (220-1102) can quickly assess what you already know and what you still need to learn with performance-based questions. An access code along with instructions will be sent after your purchase is complete.

Pearson IT Certifications' CompTIA A+ Exam Cram Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) all-inclusive study guide focuses on the updated versions of the CompTIA A+ exams. The premium edition is a digital-only certification preparation product combining an eBook with an enhanced practice test.

There are, of course, several other training options for professionals who would rather participate in on-site classes, bootcamps or online learning. CompTIA’s Delivery Partner Program learning resources from Authorized Training Providers can help you in your learning path toward a career as help desk, field service technician or other support role.

For more on the CompTIA A+ certification, view our CompTIA A+ certification hub.

Sources:

• A+, CompTIA
• A+ Core 2 exam objectives, CompTIA
• What’s New on CompTIA A+?, CompTIA
• Is CompTIA A+ Certification Worth It?, CompTIA
• Can I Make Six Figures Working in Tech? […], CompTIA
• The New CompTIA A+: Your Questions Answered, CompTIA
• A+ Core 1 & Core 2 Exam Objectives Comparison, CompTIA
• CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) Exam Cram, Pearson IT Certification