CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Study Guide

This comprehensive guide covers the four major domains of the Core 2 (220-1102) CompTIA A+ certification exam. Perfect for aspiring help desk technicians, field service techs, and IT support professionals.

🎥 Complete Exam Overview

Watch our comprehensive video explanation of all CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam objectives. Perfect for visual learners who want to understand the key concepts before diving into detailed study.

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Domains Covered

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Exam Objectives

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Pro Tip

Watch the video first to get a high-level understanding of all exam domains, then use the detailed sections below to dive deeper into each topic. This approach helps you see how all the concepts connect together.

🖥️ 1.0 Operating Systems

31%

Windows editions: Home, Pro, Enterprise, features like BitLocker, RDP, domain joining.

CLI tools: ipconfig, chkdsk, net user, sfc, etc.

Control Panel & Settings: Configure Firewall, Power Options, Device Manager.

OS management: Use Task Manager, Event Viewer, MMC snap-ins, msconfig.

Networking: VPN setup, proxy, static/dynamic IPs, private vs. public networks.

Application installation: Requirements, distribution methods, OS compatibility.

OS types: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome OS.

Install methods: Clean, recovery, dual boot, image deployment.

macOS tools: Keychain, Disk Utility, Terminal, System Preferences.

Linux tools: sudo, apt-get, grep, nano, chown, etc.

🔒 2.0 Security

25%

Physical security: Locks, biometrics, motion sensors, video surveillance. SANS Institute ↗

Logical security: MFA, ACLs, AD groups, principle of least privilege. NIST Framework ↗

Wireless security: WPA3, WPA2, RADIUS, TACACS+. Wi-Fi Alliance ↗

Malware tools: Remove trojans, ransomware, keyloggers, rootkits. Kaspersky Resources ↗

Social engineering: Phishing, whaling, tailgating, impersonation. CISA Guide ↗

Threat mitigation: DDoS, spoofing, SQLi, XSS, zero-day vulnerabilities. OWASP ↗

Windows security: BitLocker, UAC, group policies, file permissions. Microsoft Docs ↗

Device hardening: Screen locks, MDM, failed login lockouts, encryption. CIS Security ↗

🔧 3.0 Software Troubleshooting

22%

Windows issues: BSOD, slow boot, failed services, profile errors.

Security symptoms: Popups, antivirus alerts, file changes, browser redirects.

Malware removal: Safe mode scan, restore, reimage, user education.

Mobile OS problems: Crashing apps, connectivity issues, screen not rotating.

Mobile security: APK concerns, fake apps, performance slowdown, data leaks.

⚙️ 4.0 Operational Procedures

22%

Documentation: Tickets, asset tags, AUPs, network diagrams, SOPs.

Change management: Approvals, rollback plans, scope and risk.

Backup: Full, incremental, differential; rotation strategies; 3-2-1 rule.

Safety: ESD protection, lifting, fire safety, power safety. OSHA ↗

Environmental: Ventilation, proper disposal of e-waste, surge protection. EPA Guide ↗

Policy & law: Chain of custody, DRM, EULA, PII regulations. GDPR Info ↗

Communication: Listen, avoid jargon, professionalism, follow-up. MindTools ↗

Scripting: .bat, .ps1, .sh for automation and task execution. Codecademy ↗

Remote access: VPN, SSH, MSRA, VNC, third-party remote tools. Cisco VPN ↗

💡 Study Tips & Success Strategy

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Practice Hands-On

Set up virtual machines and practice the commands and procedures

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Focus on Weak Areas

Spend extra time on domains where you score lower in practice tests

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Time Management

Practice with timed mock exams to improve your pace