Finding the right CompTIA A+ study materials can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. I’ve also been there! The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (V15) exam (220-1202) is the second of two exams required to obtain the globally recognized CompTIA A+ certification.
The exam, which will be administered on March 25, 2025, will assess your knowledge of operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Quality resources that match your learning style are critical for self-study success. The best CompTIA A+ certification study guides help you understand complex concepts.
In this blog post, we are going to explore the top CompTIA A+ certification study materials you can find for the V15 version and closely analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each option.
Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the core elements of the CompTIA A+ 220-1202 exam
- Uncovering some key differences between different formats
- Exploring the impact of self-paced study guides
- Looking at some core domains for every candidate
Understanding the CompTIA A+ 220-1202 (V15) Exam
The CompTIA A+ 220-1202 exam is the final step in your certification process. Here’s what to expect from this test.
Exam Code, Format, and Duration
The 220-1202 Core 2 exam started on March 25, 2025. You must take both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) from the same version; mixing isn’t allowed. The exam runs for 90 minutes with a maximum of 90 questions. Questions go beyond multiple-choice.
You’ll face drag-and-drop and performance-based scenarios that mirror real-life IT problems.
You need a score of 700 on a 900-point scale to pass. This score sits higher than Core 1’s 675 requirement, which indicates increased material complexity. The exam costs $265. Your certification stays valid for three years, with retirement expected in 2028.
CompTIA suggests 9-12 months of hands-on experience in IT support before taking this exam. New test-takers without experience should think about practice tests from Crucial Exams to gain confidence with question formats.
Interesting Facts
The CompTIA A+ 220-1202 (V15) is the Core 2 exam for the latest A+ version, launched in March 2025, requiring a passing score of 700/900
Core Domains: OS, Security, Troubleshooting, Procedures
The 220-1202 exam tests four vital knowledge domains:
- Operating Systems (28%) – Windows, macOS, and Linux systems installation and management are covered. You’ll need to become skilled at Windows tools like Task Manager, Command Prompt, and Disk Management. This domain tests file systems knowledge and OS upgrades too.
- Security (28%) – This domain matches Operating Systems in importance. It focuses on encryption, access controls, wireless security protocols, and malware prevention. Security has grown substantially in importance from earlier versions.
- Software Troubleshooting (23%) – The exam assesses your ability to diagnose and repair problems with operating systems, applications, mobile devices, and security.
- Operational Procedures (21%) – Documentation best practices, safety protocols, professional communication, and backup/recovery processes make up this section.
Your CompTIA A+ certification study guide should cover all four domains according to their weight distribution.
Key Differences from 220-1102
The 220-1202 exam brings major updates from its predecessor. Domain weights have changed, Security increased from 25% to 28%, now equal to Operating Systems, which dropped from 31%. This reflects security knowledge’s growing importance for entry-level IT professionals.
The new exam removes many Windows 10 elements but adds Windows 11 specifics. These include editions (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and hardware requirements like TPM and UEFI. New file systems (ReFS, XFS) and deployment scenarios appear in the content.
Security content now features modern concepts like Zero Trust models, mobile digital keys, and advanced authentication methods (TOTP, OTP, SAML). Current threats like stalkerware, fileless malware, and QR code phishing appear on the exam.
Artificial Intelligence concepts make their debut in the 220-1202 exam. The content covers application integration, usage policies, limitations, and data security concerns. Optical media troubleshooting no longer appears, showing technology’s evolution.
The 220-1202 exam demands a deeper understanding of problem-solving rationale rather than just procedures. Quality study materials should address these fundamental changes beyond technical updates.
Study guides specifically updated for the V15 version deserve your attention. Older materials might miss 20% of new content, enough to determine success or failure.
Who Should Use a Self-Paced Study Guide
Self-paced CompTIA A+ preparation works differently for everyone. My experience helping hundreds of candidates get certified shows that some people do better studying on their own. Let’s look at who gets the most value from a quality CompTIA A+ certification study guide and sets their own pace.
Ideal Candidates: Beginners and Career Changers
The CompTIA A+ certification gives two main groups a solid start. Complete beginners with little IT experience can use self-paced materials to build their knowledge from scratch. Well-organized study guides break down complex concepts into smaller chunks.
Career changers make up the second major group. Steve Manhertz’s experience shows why self-paced learning works for professionals making career moves – he went from driving buses to becoming an IT specialist through CompTIA certifications.
“I wanted a career I could expand,” Manhertz explains. “I was drawn to the tech industry because it’s challenging and there are many areas of specialization to choose from”.
Career switchers need to balance their current jobs with studying. Self-paced materials let them learn during lunch breaks, early mornings, or weekends. A candidate who succeeded shared: “Finished Sec+ in 5 weeks studying 1 hour daily. The structured curriculum kept me focused”.
Learning Styles Suited for Self-Paced Study
Self-paced learning is ideal for certain tasks. Visual learners thrive on video content, whereas readers can delve deep into detailed textbooks. Labs and practical exercises are particularly useful for hands-on learners.
Small chunks of content work great if you have attention challenges. A learner with ADHD shared: “The bite-sized lessons fit my ADHD brain perfectly. Could do 15 minutes here and there. Loved the progress tracking”.
Your study method should line up with what works best for you. Successful candidates often use these techniques:
- Creating flashcards or mind maps for difficult concepts
- Setting up virtual labs to practice troubleshooting
- Joining online forums to connect with fellow test-takers
- Using the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes studying, 5-minute breaks)
Study materials from Crucial Exams provide best CompTIA A+ 220-1202 practice questions that match the actual test format perfect for self-paced learners.
Time Commitment and Study Duration
Study time varies based on your background:
- Complete beginners without IT experience need 120-160 total study hours (60-80 hours per exam) over 3-6 months. This gives enough time to build core concepts from scratch.
- People with some IT background typically need 100-140 total study hours (50-70 hours per exam) over 1-3 months. You’ll mostly focus on strengthening weak areas instead of learning everything new.
- Experienced IT professionals might only need 20-40 total study hours (10-20 per exam) within 2-4 weeks. Your existing knowledge helps you focus mainly on exam-specific content.
- Most certification holders suggest studying at least one hour each day. Short regular sessions work better than long cramming sessions. One professional noted: “People with full-time jobs report success by making small pockets of study time throughout their day”.
- If you have many responsibilities, try a part-time approach – spread your preparation across 4-6 months with 10-15 weekly study hours. This longer timeline gives you flexibility while keeping you moving toward your goals.
- A quality CompTIA A+ study guide can cut down your preparation time substantially. Materials that match your learning style make a big difference in how quickly you learn and remember the content.
Conclusion
The right CompTIA A+ 220-1202 study materials can make the difference between passing your certification and wasting time. This piece explores options that match different learning styles and situations.
Note that the 220-1202 exam gives equal weight to Operating Systems and Security (28% each). This reflects how cybersecurity skills have become vital in the field. The exam now includes Windows 11 content, modern file systems, and AI concepts – major changes from earlier versions.
Self-paced study is beneficial for beginners, career changers, and busy professionals. Your learning style determines which resources are most effective. Goetz’s diagram-rich approach appeals to many visual learners. Students who require additional practice will benefit from Voss’s ten full-length exams.
Looking at the top guides reveals clear winners. Shawn Walker’s All-in-One Manual stands out with its AI Trainer Pro and hands-on labs. Fermin Goetz’s guide excels at performance-based questions that are vital for exam success. Drayden Voss provides progressive learning with plenty of practice tests. The Exam Cram serves as a great final review tool.
On top of that, supplemental resources can boost your preparation. Flashcards help you learn technical terms quickly. Professor Messer’s video courses offer visual learning support. Study materials from Crucial Exams provide extra practice questions that match the actual test format.
Smart shoppers should watch for discounted exam vouchers to cut certification costs. Many vendors package practice tests, study materials, and retake options together.
CompTIA A+ certification demands dedication and careful resource selection. Match study materials to your learning style and need to build confidence and skills. These guides each offer unique strengths – pick what fits your situation. Study regularly, and you’ll be ready for success.
Ans: Although there isn’t an official record of the qualification rates, many industry insiders say it’s about 70-80%.
Ans: CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+).
Ans: Yes, CompTIA certs are a respected, practical way to prove foundational IT skills in 2025.
