CompTIA A+ (2022 Update) Learning Path

This path will help you study and pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) certification exams.

24+ hours

Quick facts

About this learning path

  • courses

    100% online

  • Duration

    24+ hours

  • Assessment

    questions

About CompTIA A+ (2022 Update)

This path covers everything you need to know about the CompTIA A+ industry-standard certification exams. You’ll learn what it takes to be a professional IT technician beginning with a foundational understanding of computer hardware and software. You'll take tours of various operating systems, and be guided through various features of Windows 10 and 11, macOS, and Linux. You will learn about data storage, command lines and scripts, wired and wireless networking, virtual computing and the cloud. Finally, you'll learn how to troubleshoot a wide variety of issues, how to keep your devices updated and secure, and much more.

 

Syllabus

CompTIA A+ Practice Exam (2022)

Assessment - 139 questions

A+ Core 1 Practice Exam

Assessment - 131 questions

A+ Core 2 Practice Exam

Assessment - 90 questions

The Basics of A+

Course - 02:05:00

CompTIA creates IT certifications that cover topics such as how to build and fix computers or how to secure businesses from internal and external threats. Every major IT manufacturer is part of CompTIA. The CompTIA A+ certification is a popular entry point for people looking to work in IT. The certification requires you to pass two exams, the Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102), but requires no experience or study (though, as Mike points out, study is good!)
Core Hardware

Course - 03:05:00

Then you'll learn what it takes to be a professional IT technician, followed by a foundational understanding of computers, including a tour of Windows 10, 11, macOS, and Linux.
Mass storage and peripherals

Course - 03:39:00

Learn how to set up, partition, format, and wipe a drive as well as how to set up a RAID array to keep your data safe if (and when) one of your drives fails. Then learn all about the input-output devices, called peripherals, and how they interface with your computer.
Operating systems

Course - 03:59:00

You'll also learn security protocols for managing users within an OS and the relationship between hardware components of a computer and software components of an operating system.
The Command-line and scripting

Course - 02:00:00

In this course, you will learn how to run simple commands in the CLI and understand how to use "switches" to modify those commands. You will then learn about interpreted languages (which are how computers communicate) such as Microsoft Visual Basic, Python, and JavaScript and how to use those to run scripts that can automate long, tedious tasks.
Displays and printers

Course - 02:05:00

You will also learn how to install graphics cards, and how to troubleshoot displays and printers.
Networking

Course - 04:34:00

You will learn how to crimp your own cables like a real network technician, and how to troubleshoot issues with networks, and how to secure your network using firewalls, DMZs, and VLANs.
Wireless networking and the internet

Course - 03:02:00

Next, you'll dive into the fascinating world of the Internet and learn how it all got started, and the differences between cable, fiber, satellite, and 802.11 wireless. You'll round out this course by understanding other connection protocols such as Telnet, SSH, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), e-mail, virtual private networks (VPNs), and finally the Internet of Things (IoT).
Virtualization and the cloud

Course - 00:49:00

Want to try something on a computer without accidentally blowing it up? You're in the right place!
Portable and mobile devices

Course - 02:06:00

You'll also get a tour of the main mobile operating systems: Android and Apple's iOS. Finally, you'll learn how to secure and update your mobile devices, as well as how to troubleshoot them when any issue arises.
Security and operations

Course - 02:25:00

You'll also learn how to leverage best practices through proper documentation as well as other important operational procedures so that when you win the lottery and/or inevitably rise to the very top of your field, somebody else can come in and do everything for you without tripping over cords or obliterating your network. Congratulations!

Meet the author

Mike Meyers

Mike Meyers, affectionately called the "Alpha Geek," is the industry's leading authority on CompTIA certifications. He is the president and co-founder of Total Seminars, LLC, a provider of PC and network repair seminars, books, videos and courseware for thousands of organizations throughout the world. Mike has been involved in the computer and network repair industry since 1987 as a technician, instructor, author, consultant and speaker. He has sold over a million IT and certification books, including the best-selling CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide and CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide. He has personally taught thousands of students, including U.S. senators, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, members of the United Nation, every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, many branches of the Department of Justice, hundreds of corporate clients and academic students at every level.

The details

Learning path insights

How to claim CPEs

Should you complete this learning path, you’ll be able to download a certificate of completion. Use this to claim your CPEs or CPUs.

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