CompTIA A+ Domain by Domain: A Study Breakdown
The CompTIA A+ certification splits into two exams, Core 1 and Core 2, and each one weights its content differently. If you spend equal study time on every topic, you waste hours on domains worth a small fraction of your score and under-prepare for the domains worth the most. This breakdown shows you where the test points sit, exam by exam, so you build a study plan around the real weight of each domain.
If you’re weighing a structured path into IT, a training path consultation gives you a plan built around your background and timeline, before you commit study hours to one domain over another.
The Two Exams You Need to Pass
To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, you pass two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). CompTIA released this version, V15, in March 2025, replacing the older 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams. Each exam runs up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, scored on a 100-to-900 scale. Core 1 requires a score of 675. Core 2 requires 700.
Core 1 (220-1201): Devices, Networks, and Hardware
Core 1 tests your hands-on knowledge of physical equipment and networks. Troubleshooting carries the heaviest weight, more than double Virtualization and Cloud Computing.
| Domain | Exam Weight | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 28% | Diagnosing and repairing device and connectivity problems |
| Hardware | 25% | Motherboards, storage, memory, power supplies, and peripherals |
| Networking | 23% | IP addressing, network hardware, wireless standards, and protocols |
| Mobile Devices | 13% | Laptop, tablet, and mobile device connectivity and configuration |
| Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% | Cloud service models, virtual machines, and client-side virtualization |
Hardware and troubleshooting together account for more than half of Core 1. If your study plan gives cloud computing the same number of hours as troubleshooting, you’re studying against the test, not with it.
Core 2 (220-1202): Software, Security, and Operations
Core 2 splits its weight more evenly across four domains. Operating Systems and Security tie for the top spot, so plan for roughly equal depth on both.
| Domain | Exam Weight | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 28% | Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS installation and management |
| Security | 28% | Malware, authentication, physical security, and wireless protocols |
| Software Troubleshooting | 23% | Diagnosing OS, application, and security-related software issues |
| Operational Procedures | 21% | Documentation, safety practices, and professional communication |
How to Build a Study Plan Around These Weights
Use the domain weights to decide where your hours go, not only which topics appear on the outline.
- Give the troubleshooting domains in each exam the most repetition. These sections combine theory with applied scenarios, and they carry the most points on both tests.
- Treat Virtualization and Cloud Computing as a supporting domain for Core 1, not a core focus, given its 11 percent weight.
- Split Core 2 study time close to evenly between Operating Systems and Security, since neither one outweighs the other.
Practice on real hardware and lab environments whenever possible. The exam objectives test applied skill, not memorized definitions, and hands-on repetition builds the pattern recognition you need under time pressure.
Where CompTIA A+ Fits in Your IT Career Path
CompTIA A+ works as a foundation certification, not a career destination on its own. Employers treat it as proof you handle desktop support, hardware repair, and basic troubleshooting without close supervision. Government of Canada labour data shows steady demand for computer network and support roles across the country, with certification listed as an advantage for employment prospects.
From here, most Career Starters move toward CompTIA Network+ or Security+, depending on whether they want a networking or security focus next. Full exam objectives are published directly by CompTIA and worth reviewing before you schedule either test.
Where Ultimate IT Courses Fits In
Ready to turn a study plan into a certification? Explore CompTIA training options at Ultimate IT Courses, or book a training path consultation to build your first certification roadmap around these domain weights.
