CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Exam Objectives Explained

A+ Core 2 is the software half of the CompTIA A+ certification — operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and the professional procedures of IT support. This guide breaks down all four official domains of the current 220-1202 exam, plus logistics and study tips.

Exam Logistics at a Glance

The Four Domains

Core 2's blueprint mirrors a support technician's actual week: most of your time goes to operating systems and keeping them secure, the rest to fixing software problems and following proper IT procedures. Two domains at 28% each means over half the exam is OS + security.

Operating Systems 28%

What it covers: Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OSes from a support perspective — installation, configuration, features, and the command-line and GUI tools technicians use daily.

Key topics to study:

• Windows editions and features: what distinguishes Home, Pro, and Enterprise; upgrade paths
• Installation types: clean install, upgrade, repair installation, image deployment concepts
• Control Panel vs. Settings, and where key configuration lives in modern Windows
• Command-line tools: ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat, nslookup, chkdsk, sfc, DISM, diskpart, format, shutdown, and their common switches
• macOS and Linux fundamentals: file systems, permissions concepts, common utilities, package management basics
• Mobile operating systems: Android vs. iOS/iPadOS features, settings, and management basics
• Virtualization on the desktop: client-side hypervisors and their requirements

Why it matters: 28% — tied for the largest domain — and the one where PBQs feel most at home (simulated desktops, command prompts, settings screens). Fluency with the command-line tools is non-negotiable: know what each does and when you'd reach for it.

Security 28%

What it covers: the other 28% — threats, vulnerabilities, and the defensive measures a technician deploys and maintains. This domain has grown with every A+ revision, reflecting how central security is to even entry-level roles.

Key topics to study:

• Threats: malware types (viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, keyloggers), phishing, social engineering, insider threats
• Physical and logical security measures: locks, badges, encryption, access controls
• Wireless security: WPA2 vs. WPA3, authentication protocols, securing SOHO networks
• Malware removal: the best-practice remediation process — investigate, quarantine, remediate, schedule scans, educate the user
• Windows security features: Defender, firewalls, User Account Control, BitLocker concepts
• Authentication: passwords, MFA, biometrics, smart cards — and password best practices
• Common security vulnerabilities and basic mitigation

Why it matters: tied for the biggest domain, and the questions are often scenario-driven: a user clicked a suspicious link — what's your first step? Learn the malware-removal process in order; the exam tests the sequence, not just the tools.

Software Troubleshooting 23%

What it covers: diagnosing and resolving OS, application, and mobile software problems — the "my computer is acting weird" domain that fills a helpdesk queue.

Key topics to study:

• Common Windows symptoms: BSODs, slow performance, boot failures, application crashes, update problems
• Recovery tools and approaches: Safe Mode, System Restore, recovery environments, startup repair
• Application issues: installation failures, compatibility problems, crashes on launch
• Mobile OS problems: app crashes, connectivity issues, battery and performance symptoms, factory reset as a last resort
• Best-practice methodology applied to software: identify, theorize, test, resolve, verify, document

Why it matters: nearly a quarter of the exam and deeply practical. The questions reward structured thinking: which symptom points where, which tool addresses it, and what you try before the drastic option (reinstall, factory reset) — always last.

Operational Procedures 21%

What it covers: the professional side of IT support — safety, documentation, communication, change management, and the legal and ethical basics. The domain candidates most often neglect.

Key topics to study:

• Safety: ESD precautions, proper tool use, handling equipment, environmental controls, incident response basics
• Documentation and ticketing: why you document, what goes in a ticket, knowledge bases, asset management
• Communication: dealing with difficult users, setting expectations, active listening, professionalism — yes, this is tested
• Change management: purpose, process, and documentation of changes
• Privacy and licensing: PII handling, software licensing models, acceptable use policies
• Scripting and remote access basics: why technicians use scripts, common remote tools

Why it matters: 21% is a lot of points for material that requires no technical background — just careful reading. These questions have clearly "most professional" answers. Read each scenario as a customer-service situation, not a technical one.

Study Tips That Actually Work

• Drill command-line tools with flashcards. Tool name on one side, purpose and key switches on the other. Core 2 tests whether you reach for the right tool — chkdsk vs. sfc vs. DISM is a classic decision point.
• Learn the malware-removal steps in order. The exam loves asking "what do you do first/next?" — memorize the sequence, not just the individual actions.
• Use virtual machines. Free virtualization software lets you install operating systems, break things, and practice recovery in a safe sandbox — ideal Core 2 preparation.
• Don't dismiss the "soft" domain. Operational Procedures questions are straightforward if you've read the material, and at 21% they're too valuable to leave to chance.
• Use the 1200-series objectives. Double-check that every study resource targets 220-1201/220-1202. Retired 1100-series material will waste your time on outdated objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take Core 1 or Core 2 first?

Either order works — you need both for the certification. Candidates comfortable with software and operating systems sometimes start with Core 2; hardware-first learners usually start with Core 1.

Are the 220-1101/220-1102 exams still available?

No. The 1100 series retired on September 25, 2025. Current candidates must take the 1200 series (220-1201 and 220-1202).

How long should I study for Core 2?

Six to ten weeks of consistent study is typical. If you use Windows, macOS, or Linux daily, the Operating Systems domain will feel familiar and the timeline shrinks.

Is Core 2 harder than Core 1?

It depends on your background. Hardware tinkerers often find Core 1 easier; people who live in operating systems and enjoy security topics often prefer Core 2. The pass rates are comparable.

Do I need to memorize every command-line switch?

Know each tool's purpose cold and the most common switches (like chkdsk /r or sfc /scannow). The exam tests tool selection more than obscure flags.

Does A+ expire?

Yes — CompTIA certifications are valid for three years. Renew through continuing education credits, a higher-level CompTIA certification, or retaking the exams.