A Study Plan for CompTIA A+ (220-1201 & 220-1202)

A+ is two exams, so the smartest plan tackles them one at a time rather than trying to study everything at once. This plan gives you a realistic, domain-weighted schedule for each core, with hands-on practice and timed mock exams built in — because both exams reward applied skill, not just reading.

A common pace is four to six weeks of focused study per core, at roughly 8–10 hours a week. Move faster if you have IT experience, slower if you're brand new. The approach matters more than the exact calendar.

Before you begin, skim the complete A+ guide and both domain breakdowns (Core 1, Core 2) so you know the target.

First: which core to start with

You can take them in either order, but most people start with Core 1 (220-1201) — the hardware and networking side is concrete and builds confidence — then move to Core 2 (220-1202) for the OS and security depth. That's the order this plan follows. If you're unsure, our Core 1 vs Core 2 guide helps you decide.

Set up a simple lab

Before you start, arrange some hands-on practice. Spare hardware to open and identify is ideal for Core 1; a virtual machine or two (Windows plus a quick look at Linux) covers a lot of Core 2. You don't need much — the point is to do things, not just read about them, so the PBQs feel familiar.

Core 1 (220-1201) — roughly 4–6 weeks

Weeks 1–2 — Hardware (25%). The largest knowledge domain. Cables and connectors, RAM, storage and RAID, motherboards, CPUs, power supplies, peripherals, and printers. Handle real components if you can.

Week 3 — Networking (23%). Ports and protocols (memorize the common ones), wireless standards, SOHO configuration, networking hardware and tools. This domain grew in V15, so give it real attention.

Week 4 — Mobile Devices (13%) and Virtualization/Cloud (11%). Two lighter domains together. Laptop and mobile hardware, connectivity, eSIM; then cloud models and client-side virtualization.

Weeks 5–6 — Troubleshooting (28%) and review. The heaviest domain, and it draws on everything above. Practice diagnosing hardware, display, printer, and network problems. Then take timed mock exams, drill weak spots, and book Core 1 when you're consistently clearing your target.

Core 2 (220-1202) — roughly 4–6 weeks

Weeks 1–2 — Operating Systems (28%). Windows editions, features, and command-line tools; the GUI and management utilities; installs and upgrades; macOS and Linux basics. Practice commands at a real prompt.

Weeks 3–4 — Security (28%). The domain that grew in V15. Malware and remediation, social engineering and attacks, authentication and MFA, wireless security, SOHO hardening, browser security, and zero trust concepts. Configure these in your VM rather than just reading.

Week 5 — Software Troubleshooting (23%). Windows, mobile, and security issue scenarios, and the malware-removal process in order. Practice reading symptoms and reasoning to a fix.

Week 6 — Operational Procedures (21%), review, and mocks. Documentation, change management, backup/recovery, safety, and professionalism — often easy points. Then take full timed mock exams, drill weak domains, and book Core 2 when you're ready.

A readiness benchmark

Because the passing scores are scaled (675 for Core 1, 700 for Core 2), don't chase a raw percentage. Aim to consistently score around 80% or higher on realistic, full-length practice tests for each core before you book — that gives you a comfortable margin above the cut.

The resources that make this work

This plan works best when you combine structured content, hands-on practice, and adaptive question drilling across both cores:

• Structured content covering both exams — the official A+ Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Learn (V15), or the CertMaster Study guide if you prefer to read.
• Adaptive practice to find weak spots and confirm readiness — A+ Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Practice (V15).
• An all-in-one option — the A+ Core 1 & 2 eLearning Bundle (V15) packages the learning, practice, and hands-on pieces together.

Not sure which combination fits you? The study resources overview compares them. As an Authorized CompTIA Partner, everything we carry is official.

FAQ

How long does it take to study for A+? Commonly four to six weeks per core at 8–10 hours a week — so roughly two to three months for both, adjusted for your experience.

Should I study both exams at once? No. Tackle one core at a time. Most people do Core 1 first, then Core 2.

Do I really need hands-on practice? Yes. Both exams include performance-based questions, and Core 1's hardware and Core 2's command-line content reward doing over reading.

When should I book each exam? When you're consistently scoring around 80% or higher on realistic full-length practice tests for that core.

Can I book Core 2 before passing Core 1? Yes, you can take them in any order and schedule them independently. You just need to pass both to certify.