◆ The Apprentice's Roadmap ◆
A+ Study Plan
The complete week-by-week roadmap for 220-1101 and 220-1102.
CompTIA A+ is two exams, not one. You pass Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) separately, and you have three years to do it. Each costs $253, each runs 90 minutes, and each requires a 675 on the 100–900 scaled scale to pass.
Most candidates dramatically underestimate how broad A+ is. It's not deep on any one topic, but it's wide — and the PBQs love to drag you across domains in a single question. A structured plan beats binge-watching videos every time.
Core 1 (220-1101): Hardware, Network, Cloud
- Mobile Devices (15%)
- Networking (20%)
- Hardware (25%)
- Virtualization & Cloud (11%)
- Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (29%)
Core 2 (220-1102): OS, Security, Software, Procedures
- Operating Systems (31%)
- Security (25%)
- Software Troubleshooting (22%)
- Operational Procedures (22%)
The 8-week plan (recommended)
About 12–15 hours per week. Take Core 1 at week 5, Core 2 at week 8.
- Week 1: Mobile Devices + Networking concepts. Build a port/protocol flashcard deck.
- Week 2: Hardware deep dive. Identify every connector, RAM type, and storage interface on sight.
- Week 3: Virtualization, cloud basics, and troubleshooting methodology.
- Week 4: Two full Core 1 practice exams. Review every miss.
- Week 5: Sit Core 1.
- Week 6: Operating Systems (Windows command line is the make-or-break section).
- Week 7: Security + Software troubleshooting.
- Week 8: Operational procedures + two Core 2 practice exams. Sit Core 2.
The 16-week plan (career changers)
About 6–8 hours per week. Same structure, half the daily load. Take Core 1 at week 9, Core 2 at week 16.
The flashcard rule
A+ rewards rapid recall on terminology — ports, connectors, file extensions, command flags. Spend 15 minutes per day in a spaced-repetition app from week 1. By week 6 your recall on 200+ facts will be automatic, freeing exam-day brain cycles for the troubleshooting scenarios that actually decide your scaled score.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to study for A+?+
Plan for 120–200 total hours across both Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Most candidates take 2–4 months to complete both cores.
Do I need to pass Core 1 before taking Core 2?+
No. You can take them in either order. Both must be passed within three years to earn the certification.
Is A+ worth it in 2026?+
Yes for entry-level IT, help desk, and field tech roles. It's the most-listed cert in U.S. entry IT job postings. Skip it only if you already have 2+ years of hands-on experience.
See the full A+ exam page or check your pass probability.