CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2

CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognised entry-level IT support certification globally and the standard credential for help desk, desktop support, and field technician roles in South Africa. Passing both Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) earns the A+ certification — both must be passed separately. This practice set covers both exams: Core 1 (mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualisation, troubleshooting) and Core 2 (operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures).

A+ questions are scenario-based — you are described a problem and must identify the most likely cause or the correct next troubleshooting step. Always apply CompTIA's 6-step troubleshooting methodology: Identify the problem, Establish a theory, Test the theory, Establish a plan of action, Implement the solution, Verify and document. Recognising which step is being asked about immediately narrows your answer.

The Windows operating system section of Core 2 is the most content-heavy area in the entire A+ curriculum — know the key command-line tools (ipconfig, ping, netstat, tracert, sfc, chkdsk, diskpart), Task Manager functions, and the Windows Registry structure. In the South African market, A+ is the gateway certification to Network+ and Security+, which unlock significantly higher-paying roles.