A Comprehensive Comparison of CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Series: 220-1101/1102 and 220-1201/1202
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| Visual guide comparing CompTIA A+ exam series 220-1101 & 1102 vs. 220-1201 & 1202 |
Table of Contents
This is the complete details of CompTIA A+ Certification Latest Exam Update of March 2025. Now the
updated CompTIA A+ Certification Exam is CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) Exams. So in this
detailed article are are comparing the CompTIA A+ 1200 Series and the A+ 1100 Series very deeply.
Let's dive into the details of updated and latest CompTIA A+ Exams 2025.
Executive Summary
Exam Series Overview
This article provides a detailed comparison between the CompTIA A+ 1100 series (exams 220-1101 and 220-1102) and the updated 1200 series (exams 220-1201 and 220-1202). The analysis reveals that the 1200 series incorporates significant updates to reflect the evolving landscape of information technology.
Content Updates
These updates include an increased focus on cloud computing and virtualization, the integration of modern hardware and software technologies, and enhanced emphasis on cybersecurity. The new series also features expanded troubleshooting methodologies tailored for hybrid work environments and the introduction of foundational artificial intelligence concepts.
Consistency and Transition
Despite these content updates, the exam format and target audience remain consistent with the previous series. The 1100 series exams are scheduled for retirement approximately six months after the release of the 1200 series, which launched in March 2025.
Recommendation for Candidates
Candidates preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification should consider their study progress and timeline when deciding which exam series to pursue.
Introduction to CompTIA A+ Certification
Introduction to CompTIA A+ Certification
The CompTIA A+ certification stands as a globally recognized credential, validating the essential IT skills necessary for individuals seeking to enter the information technology field. Achieving this certification demonstrates a foundational understanding of IT concepts, paving the way for entry-level positions and establishing a solid groundwork for future career growth within the industry.
Industry Recognition
Widely acknowledged as the industry standard for launching IT careers, CompTIA A+ serves as a benchmark for competence in fundamental IT support roles. It uniquely holds the distinction of being the only vendor-neutral certification at the entry level specifically designed for tech support personnel.
Professional Impact
The certification equips professionals with the skills to ensure users can access the necessary data, irrespective of the devices they employ. To date, over 1.3 million CompTIA A+ certifications have been awarded to IT professionals worldwide, underscoring its widespread adoption and recognition.
Employer Trust
The significance of the CompTIA A+ certification within the IT industry is further evidenced by the trust placed in it by employers. It is frequently identified as a preferred qualification for technical support and IT operational roles, highlighting its value in the hiring process.
Job Market Relevance
In fact, CompTIA A+ appears in more IT support job listings than any other IT credential, signifying its importance in the job market. Moreover, the certification's relevance extends to governmental frameworks, mapping to various work roles within the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity and the Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework.
Regular Updates
To ensure the content remains relevant in a constantly evolving technological landscape, CompTIA follows a regular update cycle, typically revising its certification series every three years. The transition from the 1100 series to the 1200 series exemplifies this commitment, reflecting the rapid advancements in IT technologies and the changing demands of the modern workplace.
Maintaining Relevance
These updates are crucial for maintaining the certification's alignment with current industry trends and ensuring its continued value. The latest iteration of CompTIA A+ mirrors the evolving technology landscape, incorporating contemporary practices and knowledge.
Adaptation to Modern IT Environment
This transition signifies relevant changes to the modern IT environment, adapting the certification to meet the current needs of the industry. The new version is designed to equip candidates with cutting-edge skills essential for success in today's tech-driven world, aligning with prevailing trends and technologies.
Strategic Curriculum Management
The deliberate and consistent three-year update schedule underscores CompTIA's strategic approach to curriculum management, ensuring the certification remains a valuable and pertinent benchmark in the dynamic IT field.
Overview of the 220-1101 and 220-1102 Exams
The previous version of the CompTIA A+ certification required candidates to successfully pass two distinct exams: Core 1 (exam code 220-1101) and Core 2 (exam code 220-1102). It was mandatory to pass both exams to achieve the certification, and importantly, scores from exams across different series could not be combined.
CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Exam Objectives
| Domain | Percentage of Examination | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Mobile Devices | 15% |
| 2.0 | Networking | 20% |
| 3.0 | Hardware | 25% |
| 4.0 | Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% |
| 5.0 | Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 29% |
| Total | 100% |
The CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) exam focused on the foundational IT skills related to various hardware and networking aspects. The domains covered in this exam, along with their respective weightings, were as follows: Mobile Devices (15%), Networking (20%), Hardware (25%), Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%), and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%).
CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Exam Objectives
| Domain | Percentage of Examination | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Operating Systems | 31% |
| 2.0 | Security | 25% |
| 3.0 | Software Troubleshooting | 22% |
| 4.0 | Operational Procedures | 22% |
| Total | 100% |
Conversely, the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 (Core 2) exam concentrated on the software and operational aspects of IT support. The domains covered in this exam and their weightings were: Operating Systems (31%), Security (25%), Software Troubleshooting (22%), and Operational Procedures (22%). The division of the certification content into two exams allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's understanding across both the physical infrastructure and the logical operations of IT systems. This structure ensured that individuals achieving the certification possessed a well-rounded understanding of the core competencies necessary for entry-level IT roles. Furthermore, the domain weightings provided a clear indication of the relative importance of each area, guiding candidates on where to focus their study efforts. For instance, the higher weighting for Hardware and Network Troubleshooting in Core 1 and for Operating Systems in Core 2 highlighted the critical knowledge areas within each exam.
Introduction of the 220-1201 and 220-1202 Exams
The latest iteration of the CompTIA A+ certification involves the 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) exams. These new exams were launched in March 2025 and are designed to remain current with the ever-evolving trends within the IT industry. A primary emphasis of the 1200 series is to equip IT professionals with the necessary technologies and skills to effectively support a hybrid workforce, reflecting the increasing prevalence of remote and flexible work arrangements.
The update to the CompTIA A+ certification is driven by the need to meet the evolving demands of tech support roles. It aims to accurately reflect the current technology landscape, ensuring that certified professionals possess the skills relevant to today's IT environments.
By modernizing the content to align with contemporary IT standards, CompTIA ensures the certification remains a valuable benchmark of competence. This transition is intended to align with the comprehensive skills and knowledge required to navigate the complexities of the modern technology ecosystem.
The new exams deliver cutting-edge skills that are essential for success in today's rapidly advancing technological world, aligning the certification with current industry trends and technologies. Key areas receiving greater emphasis in this updated series include networking, virtualization, and cloud computing.
There is also an increased focus on the ability to remotely diagnose and resolve common software, hardware, or connectivity issues, a critical skill in supporting distributed workforces. Furthermore, the updated exams address evolving core technologies, such as considerations related to artificial intelligence and cloud-based productivity tools.
Candidates are also expected to have a strong understanding of multiple operating systems, their appropriate use cases, and best practices for maintaining their operational integrity. Cybersecurity is another area of significant focus, reflecting the ever-increasing threats to digital assets.
The new content also delves into cloud computing models and virtualization concepts to support modern IT infrastructures, as well as software troubleshooting in complex environments and robust networking solutions, including VPNs and secure remote access.
Notably, the 1200 series introduces basic artificial intelligence concepts, acknowledging the growing influence of AI in the technology sector. The consistent emphasis on supporting a hybrid workforce underscores a significant transformation in the IT landscape.
This transformation requires support professionals to adeptly manage a broader spectrum of remote connectivity and device management challenges. The introduction of artificial intelligence concepts into the curriculum indicates a recognition of the increasing relevance of these emerging technologies, even for individuals in entry-level IT support roles.
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam Objectives
| Domain | Percentage of Examination | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Mobile Devices | 15% |
| 2.0 | Networking | 15% |
| 3.0 | Hardware | 20% |
| 4.0 | Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 15% |
| 5.0 | Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Exam Objectives
| Domain | Percentage of Examination | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Operating Systems | 28% |
| 2.0 | Security | 28% |
| 3.0 | Software Troubleshooting | 23% |
| 4.0 | Operational Procedures | 21% |
| Total | 100% |
Detailed Comparison of Exam Objectives - Core 1 (220-1101 vs. 220-1201)
A comparison of the domain weightings between the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and 220-1201 exams reveals some notable shifts in emphasis. The 220-1101 exam allocated 15% of its content to Mobile Devices, 20% to Networking, 25% to Hardware, 11% to Virtualization and Cloud Computing, and 29% to Hardware and Network Troubleshooting. In contrast, the 220-1201 exam shows a slight decrease in Mobile Devices to 13%, an increase in Networking to 23%, while Hardware and Virtualization and Cloud Computing remain at 25% and 11%, respectively. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting sees a minor decrease to 28%.
Percentage Changes in CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives (220-1101 vs 220-1201)
| Domain | 220-1101 (%) | 220-1201 (%) | CHANGE (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Mobile Devices | 15% | 15% | 0% |
| 2.0 | Networking | 20% | 15% | -5% |
| 3.0 | Hardware | 25% | 20% | -5% |
| 4.0 | Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% | 15% | +4% |
| 5.0 | Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 29% | 35% | +6% |
| Total | 100% | 100% | -- |
Key Changes in CompTIA A+ Exam Weightings
The 3% increase in the Networking domain weighting for the 220-1201 exam suggests heightened importance of networking fundamentals and troubleshooting skills. This shift likely reflects the increasing complexity of modern network environments and the critical need to support remote connectivity effectively.
Conversely, the marginal decrease in the weightings for Mobile Devices and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting might indicate a strategic reallocation of content to accommodate emerging topics, or perhaps an integration of certain aspects of these domains into other sections of the exam.
New Topics and Areas of Enhanced Focus
Within the Mobile Devices domain, there is an enhanced focus on Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM), along with added emphasis on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. The domain also features expanded coverage of Near-Field Communication (NFC) and biometrics.
The Networking domain sees an increased focus on IPv6 and the addition of Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA), as well as enhanced security-related networking concepts. Coverage now includes 6GHz Wi-Fi, long-range wireless technologies, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN).
In the Hardware domain, there is a greater emphasis on USB-C connectivity and the incorporation of newer hardware advancements such as DDR5 RAM and NVMe storage, along with the latest mobile devices.
The Virtualization and Cloud Computing domain now includes multi-tenancy concepts and an enhanced focus on multi-cloud environments. It also covers Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Type I and Type II hypervisors, and containers.
The Hardware and Network Troubleshooting domain features more detailed scenarios for Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, virtual desktops, and hybrid environments. Advanced printer maintenance including 3D printing and device calibration is also covered.
Reduced Emphasis on Legacy Technologies
The 220-1201 exam reflects a reduced emphasis on certain older technologies. There is a decreased focus on legacy video connections such as VGA and on older USB standards.
While troubleshooting remains important, the methodology is no longer presented as a standalone topic but is now integrated throughout the various domains of the exam.
Topics related to cable and printer consumables have also been consolidated for improved clarity and conciseness.
Reflecting Modern IT Environments
The significant additions related to mobile device management and BYOD policies directly address the challenges inherent in supporting a contemporary and diverse mobile workforce, reflecting the widespread use of personal devices in professional settings.
The deeper coverage of IPv6 and multi-cloud environments signifies the increasing complexity of modern network infrastructures and the growing importance of understanding both traditional and cloud-based networking paradigms.
The reduced focus on legacy technologies is a natural progression, given their diminishing presence in current IT environments, allowing the exam to concentrate on more prevalent technologies.
Content Comparison and Changes Between the Exam Objectives (220-1101 & 220-1201)
-
Mobile Devices:
- Percentage Change: The weighting dropped from 15% to 13%.
- Content Adjustments:
- In the 220‑1201 objectives, connection methods now explicitly list “Tethering/hotspot” in addition to USB, Lightning, NFC, and Bluetooth.
- The topics are reorganized into three numbered sections, which results in a slightly different grouping of accessories and connectivity details compared to the 220‑1101 version.
-
Networking:
- Percentage Change: The weighting increased from 20% to 23%.
- Content Adjustments:
- The newer objectives include an updated wireless section that adds the 6GHz frequency band alongside the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
- There is some reordering of topics (ports, protocols, hardware, and configuration concepts) to reflect current networking trends.
-
Hardware:
- Percentage Change: Remains at 25%.
- Content Adjustments:
- In 220‑1201, the display components section now mentions Mini‑LED technology in addition to LCD and OLED.
- In the storage section, the RAID configurations have been updated to include RAID 6 (previously only RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 were mentioned).
- Overall, the modules are slightly restructured to streamline the presentation of hardware topics.
-
Virtualization and Cloud Computing:
- Percentage Change: Remains at 11%.
- Content Adjustments:
- The objectives in both versions cover similar cloud models and virtualization concepts.
- The reordering of topics in 220‑1201 does not introduce significant content changes but reflects a refreshed presentation.
-
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting:
- Percentage Change: The weighting decreased from 29% to 28%.
- Content Adjustments:
- The troubleshooting sections in both documents cover similar symptom lists and methodologies.
- Minor updates include slight modifications in the phrasing of symptoms (for example, the inclusion of “intermittent internet connectivity” in the networking troubleshooting section) and a reordering of the steps to better align with current industry practices.
Other Changes Between the Core 1 Exams (220-1101 & 220-1201)
Below is a summary of additional changes between the two documents that go beyond the exam objectives (domain tables and percentage changes) discussed previously.
1. Document Versioning and Status
- Version Number and Draft Status:
- The 220‑1101 document is a finalized version (Version 4.0), while the 220‑1201 document is labeled as “DRAFT” (Version 1.2). This indicates that the 220‑1201 content is still under review and subject to further refinement.
2. Exam Details and Candidate Experience
-
Recommended Experience and Role Description:
- In the 220‑1101 objectives, candidates are recommended to have 12 months of hands‑on experience in roles such as a help desk support technician, desktop support technician, or field service technician.
- In the 220‑1201 objectives, the recommended experience is adjusted to “12 months of hands‑on experience in an IT support specialist job role.” This slight wording change may reflect an effort to align with current industry terminology.
-
Test Details Section:
- The finalized 220‑1101 document includes specific details (e.g., maximum of 90 questions, 90‑minute test length, and a passing score of 675 on a 100–900 scale).
- In the 220‑1201 draft, many of these fields (such as “Number of questions” and “Length of test”) are either left blank or not filled in, which may indicate that final testing parameters are still being determined or updated.
3. Troubleshooting Methodology Section
- Inclusion as a Competency Standard:
- The 220‑1201 document features an entire section dedicated to the “Troubleshooting Methodology Knowledge.” Although it explains a best‑practice process (identify the problem, establish a theory, test the theory, etc.), it explicitly states that this methodology will not be directly tested on the exam.
- This section is absent in the 220‑1101 version. Its inclusion in the newer document may be intended to provide training institutions with a framework for teaching troubleshooting even though it is not an exam objective.
4. Acronym List Updates
- New or Reordered Acronyms:
- Both documents include an extensive acronyms list; however, there are differences in content and ordering. For example, the 220‑1201 version introduces new entries such as “AAAA” (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting, and Auditing) or reorders some of the acronyms to reflect updated terminology and practices.
- While both lists cover many of the same terms, these adjustments reflect efforts to modernize the content in line with industry changes.
5. Hardware and Software List Adjustments
- Updated Device and Component References:
- The proposed hardware and software list in both documents serves as a sample for candidates and training institutions. In the 220‑1201 document, you may notice minor wording differences (for example, “Windows server with Active Directory and Print Manager” versus “Print Management” in the 220‑1101 version) and the inclusion of newer devices or slight reordering of items.
- These changes are generally editorial and intended to keep the sample list current with industry trends and available technologies.
6. Editorial and Structural Changes
- Formatting and Organization:
- The overall structure of the 220‑1201 document has been slightly reorganized. For instance, beyond the domain and objective areas, the newer version separates and highlights sections (like the troubleshooting methodology) that provide additional context even if they are not directly part of the exam objectives.
- These changes may also include subtle shifts in wording or the grouping of topics to make the document easier to navigate or more reflective of current exam design practices.
Detailed Comparison of Exam Objectives - Core 2 (220-1102 vs. 220-1202)
The domain weightings for the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 and 220-1202 exams also show some key differences in emphasis. The 220-1102 exam allocated 31% of its content to Operating Systems, 25% to Security, 22% to Software Troubleshooting, and 22% to Operational Procedures. The 220-1202 exam, however, shows a decrease in Operating Systems to 28% and Operational Procedures to 21%, while Security sees an increase to 28%, and Software Troubleshooting increases slightly to 23%.
Percentage Changes in CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives (220-1102 vs 220-1202)
| Domain | 220-1102 | 220-1202 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Operating Systems | 31% | 28% | -3% |
| 2.0 | Security | 25% | 28% | +3% |
| 3.0 | Software Troubleshooting | 22% | 23% | +1% |
| 4.0 | Operational Procedures | 22% | 21% | -1% |
| Total | 100% | 100% | -- |
Increased Focus on Security
The notable 3% increase in the Security domain weighting for the 220-1202 exam highlights the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's IT landscape. This shift indicates an expectation that entry-level IT professionals should possess a stronger understanding of security principles and practices, directly reflecting the growing cyber threat landscape.
The slight decrease in the weighting for Operating Systems and Operational Procedures, coupled with the minor increase in Software Troubleshooting, may suggest a move towards a more practical, problem-solving approach with a greater emphasis on security within the context of software issues.
New Topics and Enhanced Coverage
The 220-1202 exam incorporates several new topics and areas of increased emphasis. The Operating Systems domain now primarily focuses on Windows 11 and includes coverage of new file systems like ReFS and XFS. There is also enhanced coverage of macOS security features, specifically Rapid Security Response, and expanded coverage of Linux commands, including the Nano text editor.
The Security domain sees the addition of the Zero Trust model and the introduction of Privileged Access Management (PAM). It also includes new attack vectors such as QR code phishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and supply chain attacks, along with enhanced coverage of Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP).
AI Concepts and Advanced Security Tools
A significant addition to the Operational Procedures domain is the inclusion of basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts, covering public versus private AI, data security and privacy implications, AI bias and hallucinations, appropriate use and plagiarism, and AI accuracy considerations.
Furthermore, the updated exam includes security tools and practices like Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and Data Loss Prevention (DLP), as well as Windows 11 security tools such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM), Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), and Windows Hello.
Deeper Operating System Coverage
The exam also features deeper dives into Linux and macOS, covering filesystems, configuration files, kernel modules, and system tools. The inclusion of advanced security concepts like Zero Trust and PAM, along with contemporary attack vectors, underscores the necessity for even entry-level IT professionals to be aware of and understand these critical security paradigms.
Forward-Looking Additions
The introduction of AI concepts, including ethical considerations and data privacy, is a forward-thinking addition, preparing IT professionals for a future where AI is increasingly integrated into technology.
Areas of Reduced Emphasis
In terms of reduced emphasis, the 220-1202 exam shows a slight decrease in the weighting of the Operating Systems and Operational Procedures domains. There is also a consolidation of Active Directory concepts, and malware removal methods are now presented in a more streamlined, scenario-based manner.
The reduced weighting for Operating Systems might indicate a shift towards a broader understanding of various operating systems rather than an in-depth focus on specific versions. The streamlining of malware removal methods towards scenario-based questions reflects the overall emphasis on practical application of knowledge in the CompTIA A+ certification.
Content Comparison and Changes Between the Exam Objectives (220-1102 & 220-1202)
-
Operating Systems:
- In the 220-1202 objectives, there is a noticeable update where topics covering mobile operating systems (iOS, iPadOS, Android) have been explicitly included.
- Additionally, new or updated filesystem topics appear in the 220-1202 version (for example, the inclusion of ReFS and XFS alongside traditional file systems like NTFS, FAT32, ext4, etc.), whereas the 220-1102 objectives focused mainly on Windows editions and related features.
-
Security:
- The 220-1202 version has expanded its Security domain by increasing the percentage weight (from 25% to 28%).
- It introduces or emphasizes additional security concepts such as the Zero Trust model and modern authentication methods (e.g., Security Assertions Markup Language, just-in-time access).
- New malware types (e.g., Stalkerware) and refined logical security approaches are also evident, reflecting evolving cybersecurity practices.
-
Software Troubleshooting & Operational Procedures:
- The core content in these domains remains largely similar between the two versions.
- However, the 220-1202 version includes minor adjustments in the troubleshooting steps and best practices, likely reflecting updated industry standards and technologies, though no major module overhaul is observed.
These changes indicate a shift in emphasis to more current technologies and security practices, aligning the 220-1202 exam objectives with the latest trends and challenges in IT support and cybersecurity.
Other Changes Between the Core 2 Exams (220-1102 & 220-1202)
Below is a summary of additional changes between the two documents that go beyond the exam objectives (domain tables and percentage changes) discussed previously.
1. Document Versioning and Status
- Version Number and Draft Status:
- The 220‑1101 document is a finalized version (Version 4.0), while the 220‑1201 document is labeled as “DRAFT” (Version 1.2). This indicates that the 220‑1201 content is still under review and subject to further refinement.
2. Exam Details and Candidate Experience
-
Recommended Experience and Role Description:
- In the 220‑1101 objectives, candidates are recommended to have 12 months of hands‑on experience in roles such as a help desk support technician, desktop support technician, or field service technician.
- In the 220‑1201 objectives, the recommended experience is adjusted to “12 months of hands‑on experience in an IT support specialist job role.” This slight wording change may reflect an effort to align with current industry terminology.
-
Test Details Section:
- The finalized 220‑1101 document includes specific details (e.g., maximum of 90 questions, 90‑minute test length, and a passing score of 675 on a 100–900 scale).
- In the 220‑1201 draft, many of these fields (such as “Number of questions” and “Length of test”) are either left blank or not filled in, which may indicate that final testing parameters are still being determined or updated.
3. Troubleshooting Methodology Section
- Inclusion as a Competency Standard:
- The 220‑1201 document features an entire section dedicated to the “Troubleshooting Methodology Knowledge.” Although it explains a best‑practice process (identify the problem, establish a theory, test the theory, etc.), it explicitly states that this methodology will not be directly tested on the exam.
- This section is absent in the 220‑1101 version. Its inclusion in the newer document may be intended to provide training institutions with a framework for teaching troubleshooting even though it is not an exam objective.
4. Acronym List Updates
- New or Reordered Acronyms:
- Both documents include an extensive acronyms list; however, there are differences in content and ordering. For example, the 220‑1201 version introduces new entries such as “AAAA” (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting, and Auditing) or reorders some of the acronyms to reflect updated terminology and practices.
- While both lists cover many of the same terms, these adjustments reflect efforts to modernize the content in line with industry changes.
5. Hardware and Software List Adjustments
- Updated Device and Component References:
- The proposed hardware and software list in both documents serves as a sample for candidates and training institutions. In the 220‑1201 document, you may notice minor wording differences (for example, “Windows server with Active Directory and Print Manager” versus “Print Management” in the 220‑1101 version) and the inclusion of newer devices or slight reordering of items.
- These changes are generally editorial and intended to keep the sample list current with industry trends and available technologies.
6. Editorial and Structural Changes
- Formatting and Organization:
- The overall structure of the 220‑1201 document has been slightly reorganized. For instance, beyond the domain and objective areas, the newer version separates and highlights sections (like the troubleshooting methodology) that provide additional context even if they are not directly part of the exam objectives.
- These changes may also include subtle shifts in wording or the grouping of topics to make the document easier to navigate or more reflective of current exam design practices.
Changes in Exam Format and Question Types
The format of the CompTIA A+ exams remains consistent between the 1100 and 1200 series. Both the 220-1101/1102 and the 220-1201/1202 exams have a maximum of 90 questions per exam and a time limit of 90 minutes. The types of questions included in the exams also remain the same, consisting of a combination of multiple-choice questions (both single and multiple response), drag-and-drop activities, and performance-based questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The passing scores for the exams are also consistent across the two series: 675 (on a scale of 900) for Core 1 (220-1101 and 220-1201) and 700 (on a scale of 900) for Core 2 (220-1102 and 220-1202). This consistency in exam format ensures that candidates familiar with the previous version will not encounter unexpected changes in the structure or scoring of the exams, allowing them to concentrate on the updated content.
Target Audience and Recommended Experience
The recommended experience level and target audience for the CompTIA A+ certification have not changed between the 1100 and 1200 series. CompTIA continues to recommend that candidates possess 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in a lab or field environment before attempting the certification. Alternatively, 12 months of practical experience in a help desk support technician, desktop support technician, or field service technician role is also considered suitable preparation. The certification is still primarily aimed at individuals looking to enter the IT field and establish a career in IT support. The consistent recommended experience level reinforces the CompTIA A+ certification's role as a foundational credential for those beginning their journey in information technology.
Retirement of the 220-1101/1102 Exams and Transition Guidance
Retirement Timeline
CompTIA has announced the retirement timeline for the 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams. Typically, older series of CompTIA A+ exams are retired approximately six months after the launch of new series.
Given that the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams were released in March 2025, the expected retirement date for the 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams is around September 25, 2025. This aligns with CompTIA's general practice of retiring exams about three years after their initial launch; the 1100 series was launched in April 2022.
The six-month overlap period provides candidates with a window of opportunity to complete the exam series they have already begun studying for.
Recommended Transition Path
For individuals preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification, the recommended transition path depends on their current stage of preparation. For those who are new to the certification process, it is generally advisable to focus on the 1201/1202 series, as this is the most current and up-to-date version of the exam.
Starting with the newest series ensures that the knowledge and skills acquired will remain relevant for a longer period. However, if a candidate has already commenced studying for the 1101/1102 series, it might be more practical to continue with those exams and aim to complete them before their retirement date.
Switching to the 1201/1202 series mid-study could necessitate additional preparation time and resources to cover the new content. It is crucial to note that both exams required for the CompTIA A+ certification must be from the same series; it is not permissible to mix exams from the 1100 and 1200 series.
Certification Validity and Resources
Regardless of which series is completed, the resulting CompTIA A+ certification is the same and remains valid for three years from the date of completion. Currently, ample training resources are readily available for the 1101/1102 series, while learning materials for the 1201/1202 series will become increasingly available around their launch date.
Candidates should make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances, considering their study progress and the impending retirement of the 1100 series.
Conclusion
In Summary
CompTIA A+ Certification: 1200 Series Updates
The CompTIA A+ certification has undergone a significant update with the release of the 1200 series exams (220-1201 and 220-1202), succeeding the 1100 series (220-1101 and 220-1102).
Key Changes and Focus Areas
The key updates in the 1200 series reflect the current demands of the IT industry, with a pronounced emphasis on cloud computing, virtualization, cybersecurity, and modern hardware. The new exams also incorporate expanded troubleshooting methodologies tailored for the complexities of supporting hybrid workforces.
New Content and Fundamentals
The updated certification introduces foundational concepts related to artificial intelligence. While the content has been thoroughly updated to ensure relevance with current technological trends, the fundamental exam format and the target audience of entry-level IT professionals remain consistent.
Important Dates and Career Impact
Candidates should be mindful of the retirement date for the 1100 series, expected around September 25, 2025, and align their study efforts with the exam series that best suits their preparation timeline and learning objectives.
The CompTIA A+ certification continues to serve as a critical stepping stone for individuals entering the IT field, and the new 1200 series is designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the growing complexities of modern IT roles and achieve success in this dynamic industry.
