CompTIA · IT Certification
Use this 10-week roadmap to focus on the exam domains that matter most, choose a strong core course, and turn your prep into a weekly plan.
Use the free PrepPath plannerCompTIA A+ (220-1201 / 220-1202) rewards consistent, blueprint-led practice. Start by learning the highest-weighted domains, then use practice results to rebalance your time before exam day.
How long to study
A 10-week CompTIA A+ (220-1201 / 220-1202) study plan gives most learners enough room for first-pass learning, targeted review, and at least one full practice pass. If you are already strong in the fundamentals, compress the early lessons and reserve the final weeks for weak domains and timed practice.
Blueprint breakdown
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices (Core 1) |
7%
|
| Networking (Core 1) |
12%
|
| Hardware (Core 1) |
12%
|
| Virtualization & Cloud Computing (Core 1) |
6%
|
| Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (Core 1) |
14%
|
| Operating Systems (Core 2) |
14%
|
| Security (Core 2) |
14%
|
| Software Troubleshooting (Core 2) |
11%
|
| Operational Procedures (Core 2) |
10%
|
What's on the exam
Covers laptop and mobile hardware, displays, connectivity options, mobile OS configuration, and synchronization (Core 1).
Covers TCP/IP, ports and protocols, networking hardware, wireless standards, and SOHO network configuration (Core 1).
Covers cabling and connectors, RAM, storage devices, motherboards, CPUs, power supplies, peripherals, and printers (Core 1).
Covers cloud computing concepts and models plus client-side virtualization and shared resources (Core 1).
Covers a methodical troubleshooting process for hardware, storage, displays, and network connectivity problems (Core 1).
Covers Windows features, tools, and command-line, OS installation and configuration, plus macOS and Linux basics (Core 2).
Covers physical and logical security, malware, social engineering, authentication, wireless security, and device hardening (Core 2).
Covers diagnosing and resolving operating-system, application, malware, and mobile/security software problems (Core 2).
Covers documentation, change management, backup and recovery, safety, environmental controls, communication, and professionalism (Core 2).
Suggested timeline
This is a blueprint-led default — front-load the heaviest domains, then convert weak spots from your mock results into targeted review. The free planner turns it into exact dates.
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 Foundations |
Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (Core 1), Operating Systems (Core 2), Security (Core 2), Networking (Core 1), Hardware (Core 1) First-pass learning on the heaviest-weighted domains: read the guide, watch the core course, and start active-recall questions. |
| Weeks 5–8 Breadth |
Software Troubleshooting (Core 2), Operational Procedures (Core 2), Mobile Devices (Core 1), Virtualization & Cloud Computing (Core 1) Cover the remaining domains and sit your first full, timed mock to expose weak areas. |
| Weeks 9–10 Review & mocks |
Weakest domains + full mocks Re-test with timed mocks, drill the domains your scores flag, then a light rest-and-logistics day before the exam. |
Recommended prep kit
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GearFree PrepPath planner
Enter your exam date and weak domains, then PrepPath generates the day-by-day schedule.
FAQ
A typical CompTIA A+ (220-1201 / 220-1202) study plan takes about 10 weeks. Shorten that if you already score well on practice tests, or extend it if the official objectives are new to you.
The best course for CompTIA A+ (220-1201 / 220-1202) is one that maps lessons to the current exam domains and includes practice questions. This page recommends CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Full Course & Practice Exam (Jason Dion) as the core course to review first.
Start with Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (Core 1), because it carries about 14% of the exam blueprint, then move through lower-weight domains while tracking weak areas.
PrepPath turns your exam date, daily study hours, and confidence by domain into a calendar you can follow, then adjusts your focus after practice scores.
Most candidates do well with about 1–2 focused hours on study days across a 10-week plan, ramping up in the final weeks for timed practice. Consistency beats marathon sessions — PrepPath spaces each domain out so you revisit it instead of cramming.
Aim for at least 2–3 full, timed mock exams: one early to set a baseline, then more in the final third of your plan. Review every wrong answer and tag the domain it came from so PrepPath can rebalance your remaining days toward your real weak spots.