How to Study for CompTIA A+: Complete Strategy Guide | LearnByTeaching.ai
The CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification, validating hands-on skills in hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting across two separate exams. A focused study strategy is important because the exam covers an enormous breadth of IT topics and includes performance-based questions that require practical skills, not just memorization.
Exam Overview
Format
Two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Each has up to 90 questions including multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs) requiring hands-on simulation.
Duration
90 minutes per exam (3 hours total for both exams)
Scoring
Scaled score of 100-900 per exam.
Passing Score
Core 1: 675/900. Core 2: 700/900.
| Section | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core 1: Mobile Devices | 15% | Laptop hardware, mobile device connectivity, and accessories |
| Core 1: Networking | 20% | TCP/IP, ports, protocols, network devices, and wireless standards |
| Core 1: Hardware | 25% | Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage, power supplies, and peripherals |
| Core 1: Virtualization and Cloud | 11% | Cloud computing concepts, virtual machines, and cloud service models |
| Core 1: Troubleshooting | 29% | Hardware, networking, mobile, and storage troubleshooting methodology |
| Core 2: Operating Systems | 31% | Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS installation, configuration, and management |
| Core 2: Security | 25% | Physical and logical security, malware types, and social engineering |
| Core 2: Software Troubleshooting | 22% | OS, application, and security troubleshooting |
| Core 2: Operational Procedures | 22% | Safety, environmental impacts, documentation, and change management |
Study Phases
Core 1 Content Review
Weeks 1-4Goals
- Cover all Core 1 topics: hardware, networking, mobile, virtualization, troubleshooting
- Set up a virtual lab for hands-on practice
- Begin practice questions
Daily Schedule
2 hours: 1 hour of video lectures, 30 minutes of hands-on practice/labs, 30 minutes of practice questions
Resources
- Professor Messer A+ Core 1 videos (free)
- Mike Meyers CompTIA A+ All-in-One Guide
- CompTIA CertMaster Practice
Techniques
Core 1 Practice and Exam
Weeks 5-6Goals
- Complete 500+ Core 1 practice questions
- Score 80%+ on practice tests
- Take and pass Core 1 exam
Daily Schedule
2-3 hours: Full practice exams and targeted review of weak topics. PBQ practice on alternate days.
Resources
- Jason Dion Core 1 practice exams (Udemy)
- Professor Messer practice tests
- CompTIA CertMaster Labs
Techniques
Core 2 Content Review
Weeks 7-10Goals
- Cover all Core 2 topics: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures
- Practice Windows, Linux, and macOS commands in a virtual lab
- Begin Core 2 practice questions
Daily Schedule
2 hours: 1 hour of video lectures, 30 minutes of OS/CLI practice, 30 minutes of practice questions
Resources
- Professor Messer A+ Core 2 videos (free)
- Mike Meyers All-in-One Guide (Core 2 sections)
- Virtual lab with Windows and Linux VMs
Techniques
Core 2 Practice and Exam
Weeks 11-12Goals
- Complete 500+ Core 2 practice questions
- Score 80%+ on practice tests
- Take and pass Core 2 exam
Daily Schedule
2-3 hours: Full practice exams and targeted review. Security and troubleshooting scenario practice.
Resources
- Jason Dion Core 2 practice exams
- Professor Messer practice tests
- Security concept flashcards
Techniques
Section Strategies
Core 1: Hardware and Troubleshooting
54% combined
Core 1: Hardware and Troubleshooting
54% combinedTime Allocation
Dedicate 50-55% of Core 1 study time to these domains.
Key Topics
Study Approach
These two domains make up over half of Core 1. Focus on identifying hardware components, understanding specifications, and applying the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology. Hands-on experience or virtual labs are invaluable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not knowing specific hardware specifications (e.g., DDR4 vs DDR5 pin counts)
- ✗Skipping the troubleshooting methodology steps in PBQs
- ✗Confusing RAID levels and their fault tolerance characteristics
Core 1: Networking
20%
Core 1: Networking
20%Time Allocation
Dedicate 20-25% of Core 1 study time.
Key Topics
Study Approach
Memorize common port numbers and protocols — they appear on every exam. Understand how network devices function and where they operate in the OSI model. Practice identifying cable types and connectors from images.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not memorizing port numbers (they are tested heavily)
- ✗Confusing similar wireless standards
- ✗Not understanding basic IP addressing and subnetting
Core 2: Operating Systems
31%
Core 2: Operating Systems
31%Time Allocation
Dedicate 30-35% of Core 2 study time.
Key Topics
Study Approach
This is the highest-weighted Core 2 domain. Practice using Windows, Linux, and macOS in virtual machines. Know the differences between Windows editions and be comfortable with both GUI and command-line management.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not practicing Linux commands (many candidates are Windows-only)
- ✗Confusing Windows editions and their features
- ✗Not knowing the correct command-line tool for specific tasks
Core 2: Security
25%
Core 2: Security
25%Time Allocation
Dedicate 25% of Core 2 study time.
Key Topics
Study Approach
Know the different types of malware and social engineering attacks, including how to identify and remediate each. Understand authentication concepts and wireless security. Many questions present a scenario and ask you to identify the threat or recommend a countermeasure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Confusing similar malware types
- ✗Not understanding the differences between WPA2 and WPA3
- ✗Mixing up physical security measures and their purposes
Score Improvement Tactics
- Complete a full video course (Professor Messer or Mike Meyers)
- Focus on hardware identification and port numbers — high-yield memorization topics
- Complete at least 500 practice questions per exam
Est. 150h of study
- Drill your weakest domains based on practice test results
- Practice PBQ-style scenarios until they feel routine
- Review troubleshooting methodology — it appears in many questions
Est. 80h of study
- Focus on edge cases and less common topics
- Perfect PBQ performance with timed practice
- Review any remaining weak spots using targeted practice questions
Est. 40h of study
Test Day Tips
- 1
Skip the performance-based questions (PBQs) at the beginning of the exam and answer all multiple-choice questions first. Return to PBQs with your remaining time.
- 2
PBQs may offer partial credit — complete as much as you can even if you are unsure about one part of the task.
- 3
With 90 questions in 90 minutes, budget about 1 minute per MCQ and save 15-20 minutes for PBQs at the end.
- 4
Read each question carefully — CompTIA often asks for the 'BEST' or 'MOST likely' answer, meaning multiple choices may seem correct but one is most appropriate.
- 5
For troubleshooting questions, mentally walk through the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology: identify, research, establish theory, test, resolve, verify, document.
- 6
Bring a valid government-issued ID and your confirmation email. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete check-in procedures.
- 7
If you are unsure about an answer, eliminate obviously wrong choices first. Even eliminating one option significantly improves your odds when guessing.
Pro Tips
The A+ is an entry-level exam, but it covers an incredibly wide range of topics. Breadth of study matters more than depth — make sure you touch every exam objective at least once.
Professor Messer's free YouTube video series covers every exam objective and is sufficient as a primary study resource for many candidates. Supplement with practice exams for the best results.
Build a virtual lab using VirtualBox (free) with Windows and Linux VMs. Practicing command-line tools in a real environment is far more effective than memorizing commands from a book.
Performance-based questions are worth more points than standard MCQs. Invest time in PBQ practice — they simulate real IT tasks like configuring network settings, setting up email, or managing partitions.
Use the teach-back method: explain IT concepts like RAID levels, TCP vs. UDP, or the troubleshooting methodology as if teaching a non-technical person. This reveals whether you truly understand the material or are just recognizing keywords.
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