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CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Study Guide

CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) is the second of the two exams for the A+ certification. It covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. It suits people starting a career in IT support, and you pass both Core 1 and Core 2 to earn A+.

  • Exam code 220-1202
  • Entry level
  • 4 exam domains

This guide is free, with no sign-up. It explains every CompTIA A+ 220-1202 exam topic in plain English, one chapter at a time. Read them in order or jump straight to the topic you need.

  • 4chapters
  • 42topics
  • 13diagrams and exhibits
  • 2 h 58 minfast track
Start with Operating Systems
  • Every topic follows the same simple pattern: what it is, how it works, common mistakes
  • Diagrams and real command output where a picture explains it best
  • Exam tips and worked subnetting and IPv6 practice, with answers

How the exam is weighted

Each domain is worth this share of the exam, so spend your study time in proportion. Select a domain to open its chapter.

Chapters

Open a chapter to see its topics and how long each takes.

1Operating Systems15 topics · 1 h 5 min fast trackOS types, installation, Windows editions, tools, commands, settings, networking, macOS and Linux.
  1. 1Operating System Types and File Systems5 min
  2. 2OS Installations and Upgrades5 min
  3. 3Windows Editions and Upgrade Paths5 min
  4. 4Task Manager and Monitoring Tools4 min
  5. 5Management Consoles and Disk Management4 min
  6. 6System Utilities and the Registry4 min
  7. 7Windows File and Disk Commands4 min
  8. 8Windows Network and System Commands4 min
  9. 9Windows Settings and Control Panel4 min
  10. 10Windows Network Connections4 min
  11. 11Sharing, Workgroups and Domains4 min
  12. 12macOS Features and Tools5 min
  13. 13Linux Commands and Tools5 min
  14. 14Application Requirements and Impact4 min
  15. 15Cloud Productivity Tools4 min
Read the chapter overview →
2Security13 topics · 55 min fast trackPhysical and logical controls, Windows security, wireless, malware, social engineering, hardening and browsers.
  1. 1Physical Security Measures5 min
  2. 2Logical Security and Active Directory5 min
  3. 3Windows Accounts and NTFS Permissions4 min
  4. 4Defender, Firewall and Encryption4 min
  5. 5Wireless Security and Authentication4 min
  6. 6Malware Types and Protection4 min
  7. 7Social Engineering, Threats and Vulnerabilities4 min
  8. 8SOHO Malware Removal Procedure5 min
  9. 9Workstation Security and Hardening4 min
  10. 10Securing Mobile Devices4 min
  11. 11Data Destruction and Disposal4 min
  12. 12SOHO Wireless and Wired Security4 min
  13. 13Browser Security Settings4 min
Read the chapter overview →
3Software Troubleshooting5 topics · 20 min fast trackWindows boot and performance faults, mobile OS and app issues, and PC and phone security.
  1. 1Windows Boot and Crash Problems4 min
  2. 2Windows Performance and Service Problems4 min
  3. 3Mobile OS and App Problems4 min
  4. 4Mobile Security Problems4 min
  5. 5PC Security Problems4 min
Read the chapter overview →
4Operational Procedures9 topics · 38 min fast trackDocumentation, change control, backups, safety, privacy, people skills, scripting, remote access.
  1. 1Documentation and Ticketing Systems4 min
  2. 2Change Management Procedures5 min
  3. 3Workstation Backup and Recovery4 min
  4. 4Safety and Environmental Controls4 min
  5. 5Privacy, Licensing and Policy5 min
  6. 6Communication and Professionalism4 min
  7. 7Scripting Basics4 min
  8. 8Remote Access Technologies4 min
  9. 9Artificial Intelligence Basics4 min
Read the chapter overview →

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The full CompTIA A+ 220-1202 question bank has 835 questions, with timed practice exams and an explanation for every answer.

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