A+ Core 1 & 2 V15 (New Version)

CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT.

About the Certification

Start your tech career with CompTIA A+, the industry standard certification for entry-level roles. Trusted by employers worldwide, A+ builds foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, and security. The latest version, V15, is updated for today’s technology and prepares you for roles like IT support specialist and help desk technician through two exams—Core 1 and Core 2.

CompTIA A+ is the only industry-recognized credential with performance testing to prove pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks. It is trusted by employers around the world to identify the go-to person in endpoint management & technical support roles. CompTIA A+ appears in more tech support job listings than any other IT credential.

A+ Core 1 (V15) exam objectives summary

Mobile devices (13%) 

  • Hardware setup: installing components like batteries, cameras, and Wi-Fi antennas.
  • Accessory options: configuring USB, Bluetooth, NFC, and docking stations.
  • Network setup: configuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and synchronization settings.
  • Troubleshooting: identifying and fixing hardware and connectivity issues.

Networking (23%) 

  • Protocols and ports: learning about networking protocols, ports, and wireless technologies.
  • SOHO networks: setting up small office/home office networks, including IP addressing and VPNs.
  • Networking tools: troubleshooting with crimpers, cable testers, and Wi-Fi analyzers.

Hardware (25%) 

  • Component installation: setting up RAM, CPUs, and storage devices.
  • Cables and connectors: working with HDMI, Ethernet, and USB cables.
  • Peripheral devices: installing and maintaining printers, scanners, and other peripherals.
  • Motherboards and power: configuring motherboards, power supplies, and cooling solutions.

Virtualization and cloud computing (11%) 

  • Virtualization concepts: understanding virtual machines, hypervisors, and desktop virtualization.
  • Cloud models: learning about IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.

Hardware and network troubleshooting (28%) 

  • Diagnosing issues: identifying and fixing hardware, network, and connectivity problems.
  • Troubleshooting tools: using multimeters, cable testers, and loopback plugs.

A+ Core 2 (V15) exam objectives

Operating systems (28%) 

  • OS installation: working with Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems.
  • Windows tools: managing systems with Task Manager, Command Prompt, and Disk Management.
  • File systems: handling file systems, updates, and OS upgrades.

Security (28%) 

  • Security measures: using encryption, access controls, and wireless security protocols.
  • Malware prevention: detecting, removing, and preventing malware threats.

Software troubleshooting (23%) 

  • OS issues: diagnosing and resolving problems with operating systems and applications.
  • Mobile troubleshooting: addressing connectivity, app, and performance issues.
  • Security concerns: fixing unauthorized access and malware issues.

Operational procedures (21%) 

  • Documentation: using best practices for system changes and documentation.
  • Safety and communication: following safety protocols and communicating effectively.
  • Backup and recovery: setting up workstation backups and recovery processes.

Apply For This Certification

Certification Information
Category
Hardware, Services and Infrastructure
IT Management and Strategy
Network and Cloud Technologies
Level
Core
Includes

Fee Structure

Paper A+ Core 1 ( 220-1201)  
CertMaster Learn  
CertMaster Practice  
Exam Voucher  
  1,002,000/= TZS
Paper A+ Core 2 ( 220-1202)  
CertMaster Learn  
CertMaster Practice  
Exam Voucher  
CompTIA Labs  
  1,213,500/= TZS

9 skills that you master and validate with CompTIA A+

HARDWARE

Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices, including the broad knowledge about different devices that is now necessary to support the remote workforce.

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Install and support Windows OS including command line & client support. System configuration imaging and troubleshooting for Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android and Linux OS.

SOFTWARE TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues including common OS, malware and security issues.

NETWORKING

Explain types of networks and connections including TCP/IP, WIFI and SOHO.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshoot real-world device and network issues quickly and efficiently.

SECURITY

Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections.

MOBILE DEVICES

Install & configure laptops and other mobile devices and support applications to ensure connectivity for end-users.

VIRTUALIZATION & CLOUD COMPUTING

Compare & contrast cloud computing concepts & set up client-side virtualization.

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts, communication and professionalism.

 

Jobs that use A+

Help Desk Tech

Desktop Support Specialist

Field Service Technician

Help Desk Technician

Associate Network Engineer

System Support Technician

Junior Systems Administrator

 

Exam Details

Exam Codes CompTIA A+ 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2)

Candidates must complete both 1001 and 1002 to earn certification. Exams cannot be combined across the series.		 CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) 

Candidates must complete both 1101 and 1102 to earn certification. Exams cannot be combined across the series.
Launch Date January 15, 2019  April 2022 
Exam Description CompTIA A+ 220-1001 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing and network troubleshooting. 

CompTIA A+ 220-1002 covers installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.  		 CompTIA A+ 220-1101 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing. 

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 covers operating systems, security, software and operational procedures.  
 
Number of Questions Maximum of 90 questions per exam 
Type of Questions Multiple choice questions (single and multiple responses), drag and drops and performance-based 
Length of Test 90 minutes per exam 
Passing Score

220-1001: 675 (on a scale of 100-900)
220-1002: 700 (on a scale of 100-900)

 220-1101: 675 (on a scale of 900)
220-1102: 700 (on a scale of 900)
Recommended Experience 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field 
Languages English at launch. German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai and Spanish English at launch. German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai and Spanish 
Retirement October 20, 2022 TBD - Usually three years after launch 
COMPETENCIES
  • Identify cybersecurity threats
  • Configure operating system security
  • Understand security best practices
  • Troubleshoot common security issues
JOB ROLES
  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Field Service Technician
  • IT Support Technician
  • IT Administrator

Certification Features

A general expansion of baseline security topics core to the IT support role, including physical versus logical security concepts and measures, malware and more
A dramatically different approach in defining competency in operational procedures including basic disaster prevention and recovery and scripting basics
A greater dependency on networking and device connectivity