CompTIA A+ Study Guide 2026: Pass Core 1 and Core 2

CompTIA A+ is the certification we most often recommend to South Africans entering the IT industry without a formal computer science qualification. When we analysed the South African IT job market specifically, we found A+ validates exactly the skills that entry-level help desk, IT support, and field technician roles require — and it is the certification that hiring managers at South African companies recognise most immediately at the entry level. This guide covers what the exam actually tests and how to prepare efficiently.

Two exams, not one: understanding Core 1 and Core 2

CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Both must be passed to earn the A+ certification — passing one does not grant partial certification. You can write them in any order, but most candidates write Core 1 first as it covers foundational hardware and networking that Core 2 builds on. You have 90 minutes for each exam, with a maximum of 90 questions per exam. The passing score is 675 out of 900 for Core 1 and 700 out of 900 for Core 2.

Core 1 (220-1101): domain breakdown

Core 1 covers five domains: Mobile Devices (15%) — laptop components, mobile device types, connection methods, and accessories; Networking (20%) — ports and protocols, network types (LAN, WAN, WLAN, MAN), network hardware (routers, switches, access points), TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN; Hardware (25%) — cable types, connectors, RAM types, storage devices, CPU characteristics, power supplies, BIOS/UEFI; Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%) — cloud computing concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), virtualisation types; Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%) — the largest domain, covering systematic troubleshooting of hardware and network problems.

The troubleshooting domain (29%) is the most important for exam success and for real-world job performance. CompTIA's troubleshooting methodology is a 6-step process: identify the problem, establish a theory of probable cause, test the theory, establish a plan of action, implement the solution, and verify full system functionality and document findings. This process appears in A+ exam questions repeatedly and is directly applicable to daily IT support work.

Core 2 (220-1102): domain breakdown

Core 2 covers four domains: Operating Systems (31%) — the largest domain, covering Windows (installation, features, command line tools, registry, Task Manager, Event Viewer), macOS basics, Linux basics, mobile OS features, and OS troubleshooting; Security (25%) — physical security, logical security, wireless security, malware types and removal, social engineering, data destruction, SOHO network security; Software Troubleshooting (22%) — application issues, OS issues, security issues, mobile OS troubleshooting; Operational Procedures (22%) — documentation, change management, disaster recovery, scripting basics, remote access tools, professionalism.

The Windows operating system section of Core 2 is the most content-heavy section in the entire A+ curriculum. You need to know Windows 10 and Windows 11 features, settings locations, command-line tools (ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat, nslookup, diskpart, sfc, chkdsk, gpupdate, gpresult), file system concepts (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT), user account management, and the Windows registry structure. In South Africa, Windows is the dominant enterprise desktop OS — this knowledge is directly applicable to most IT support roles.

Performance-based questions: the format most candidates underestimate

Both Core 1 and Core 2 include performance-based questions (PBQs) — interactive simulations that require you to complete a task in a virtual environment. Common PBQ types: cable a network rack, configure a wireless router, match ports to their protocols, use Windows settings to solve a problem, or follow a troubleshooting flowchart. PBQs cannot be answered from memorisation alone — they require applied knowledge of how to actually perform tasks.

PBQs typically appear at the beginning of the exam and take longer than standard multiple-choice questions. Budget 3 to 5 minutes per PBQ. If you are stuck on a PBQ, flag it and move through the multiple-choice questions first — do not let one difficult PBQ consume the time you need for 20 standard questions. Return to flagged PBQs with remaining time.

Study plan: from zero to certified

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Core 1 study. Work through each domain systematically. For hardware content: physically handle the components if possible — touching RAM, identifying ports, connecting cables builds a different kind of memory than reading about them. For networking: draw network diagrams and trace data paths. For troubleshooting: work through scenario-based problems, not just definitions.

Phase 2 (Weeks 5-8): Core 1 practice and exam. Complete at least 3 full practice exams (90 questions, 90 minutes, strict time limit). Identify weak domains and target revision. Aim for 80% or above on practice exams before booking — the real exam pass mark is 675/900 (approximately 75%), but practising to a higher standard gives buffer for exam-day pressure. Write Core 1.

Phase 3 (Weeks 9-14): Core 2 study and exam. Same approach as Core 1. Pay particular attention to Windows operating systems and security — these two domains together account for 56% of Core 2 marks. Write Core 2.

South African market context

In the South African IT job market, CompTIA A+ is most valuable for roles at IT managed service providers (MSPs), corporate IT support departments, and field service companies. Companies like Dimension Data, BCX, Wipro South Africa, NTT Data South Africa, and hundreds of smaller IT support businesses hire A+-certified technicians regularly. The certification also serves as a foundation for higher-value certifications like Network+ and Security+, which unlock better-paying roles.

The A+ exam can be written at Pearson VUE test centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth. Online proctored exams are also available. As of 2026, each A+ exam costs approximately R3,000 to R3,500 through Pearson VUE at current exchange rates. If you fail an exam, there is no mandatory waiting period for the first retake; subsequent retakes require a 14-day waiting period between attempts.