CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Exam Questions 2025

CompTIA 220-1102 Exam

The CompTIA A+ 220-1102 exam is one of two required tests (alongside 220-1101) to earn the latest CompTIA A+ Core Series certification. This exam validates the real-world skills needed by IT support professionals to configure and maintain operating systems, implement cybersecurity controls, troubleshoot software, and provide customer support. It focuses on the “software side” of IT support: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

Who Should Take This Exam?

CompTIA 220-1102 is aimed at entry-level and early-career IT professionals. Typical candidates include:

• Help desk technicians and desktop support specialists who handle everyday OS and software troubleshooting.
• Field service technicians working on-site to set up and secure end-user devices.
• Technical support specialists providing remote or in-person assistance.
• IT support analysts and system support staff seeking to validate foundational skills for career growth.

A good fit is someone with 9-12 months of hands-on IT experience or equivalent practical exposure through labs, internships, or home projects.

Prerequisites and Recommendations

• Official prerequisites: None. Anyone can register and attempt the exam.
• Practical recommendations:
  • 6–12 months of experience supporting operating systems and end-user devices.
  • Familiarity with Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS basics.
  • Basic knowledge of networking and security fundamentals.
  • Prior certifications such as CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) or even CompTIA Network+ can be helpful but are not required

Exam Objectives and Domains

CompTIA defines four major domains for 220-1102:

1. Operating Systems – 31%
2. Security – 25%
3. Software Troubleshooting – 22%
4. Operational Procedures – 22%

Operating Systems

• Install and configure Windows (various editions) and macOS.
• Command-line tools and scripting basics (PowerShell, Bash).
• Manage system utilities, device drivers, and control panel settings.
• Virtualization concepts and client-side cloud management.
• Configure and troubleshoot Linux and mobile operating systems.

Security

• Apply best practices for workstation and mobile device hardening.
• Manage user permissions, accounts, and secure sign-on methods.
• Implement physical security controls and multifactor authentication.
• Recognize malware types, social engineering, and secure browsing practices.
• Configure firewalls, anti-malware tools, and data encryption.

Software Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and fix common application crashes and OS errors.
• Resolve slow performance, boot failures, and compatibility issues.
• Identify causes of security warnings and pop-ups.
• Recover and back up data, including cloud-based restore scenarios.

Operational Procedures

• Apply safety, environmental, and ergonomics best practices.
• Follow change-management processes and disaster-recovery steps.
• Use documentation, ticketing systems, and remote access tools effectively.
• Deliver professional customer service and communicate technical details clearly.

What Changed in This Version

The 220-1102 exam replaces 220-1002 and reflects today’s technology:

• More cloud and virtualization topics to mirror remote and hybrid work trends.
• Stronger cybersecurity focus, including social engineering and mobile security.
• Updated Windows 10/11 and macOS coverage, removing older OS versions.
• Slightly higher weighting on security and operating systems; reduced emphasis on legacy procedures.

Registration and Scheduling

• Create a Pearson VUE account, select the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) exam, and choose either a testing center or online proctoring.
• Exams are available year-round, and you can reschedule up to 24 hours in advance.

Pricing and Vouchers

• Standard price: about $246 USD per attempt (varies by country).
• Student discounts: Up to 40% off with valid academic email or student ID.
• Military discounts: CompTIA provides special pricing for U.S. military personnel and veterans.
• Voucher programs: Bulk and corporate vouchers can reduce costs for teams.

Policies You Should Know

• You must present valid government ID.
• No external materials or electronics are allowed.
• Retake policy: if you fail, you can retest immediately; after the second failure, a 14-day wait applies.
• Exams are in English and other selected languages.

Scoring and Results

• Question count: Maximum of 90 (multiple choice and performance-based).
• Time limit: 90 minutes.
• Scoring scale: 100–900 points. Passing score: 700.
• Some questions may offer partial credit for partially correct multi-step answers.
• Preliminary results show instantly; the official score report is available within hours via your CompTIA account.

Exam Day and Test Experience

Whether testing in a center or online:

• Check-in: Show ID, complete a webcam and room scan if online.
• Allowed items: Only the provided dry-erase board or on-screen notepad.
• Breaks: No scheduled breaks; time keeps running if you step away.
• Interface tips: You can mark and review questions, flag for return, and use the on-screen calculator.
• Time management: Aim to complete a first pass in 60 minutes, leaving 30 minutes for review.

Study Plan and Resources

A realistic plan depends on prior experience.

For beginners (8–10 weeks):

• Weeks 1–2: Study all domain overviews; set up a home lab with Windows and Linux VMs.
• Weeks 3–6: Deep dive by domain; use flashcards and guided labs.
• Week 7: Focus on practice tests, identify weak spots.
• Week 8–9: Take two full practice exams under timed conditions, review mistakes.
• Week 10: Light review and readiness check.

For experienced candidates (4–5 weeks):

• Week 1: Review updated objectives and new topics.
• Weeks 2-3: Concentrate on security and OS changes.
• Week 4: Take multiple timed practice exams.
• Week 5: Final review and confidence building.

Helpful resources include CompTIA’s official study guides, virtual labs, and reputable practice question sets.

Certification Validity and Renewal

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years. To renew, you can:

• Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through training or webinars.
• Take the latest version of the A+ exam.
• Earn a higher-level CompTIA certification (like Network+ or Security+), which can automatically renew A+.

Career Outcomes

Common job roles:

• Help Desk Technician
• Desktop Support Specialist
• IT Support Specialist
• Technical Support Analyst

Related or Next-Step Certifications

Many professionals follow A+ with:

• CompTIA Network+ for deeper networking knowledge.
• CompTIA Security+ to strengthen cybersecurity skills.
• Microsoft 365 or Azure Fundamentals for cloud-centric career paths.

How This Exam Compares to Similar Certifications?

• Microsoft 365 Fundamentals is narrower, focusing on Microsoft cloud tools rather than broad OS and troubleshooting skills.
• HDI Support Center Analyst focuses more on customer service processes and less on technical depth.
• CompTIA A+ 220-1102 remains the most recognized entry-level certification for all-round IT support.

Get Ready to Ace the 220-1102 Exam

Want to turn all this planning into a sure pass? Strengthen your preparation with realistic resources built for the current CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102):

• PDF exam questions: authentic, updated questions in an easy-to-study PDF format.
• Free practice tests: simulate the real test environment and measure your readiness.

Whether you need focused last-minute review or a structured practice routine, these tools give you the edge to pass on your first try and start applying your new skills at work right away.