Welcome to the second installment of my Certification Series! After getting a taste of the cybersecurity mindset with the ISC2 CC, I decided it was time to build a rock-solid technical foundation. That meant tackling the industry standard for IT professionals: The CompTIA A+.

Overview of the CompTIA A+ (1200 Series)

The CompTIA A+ has recently been refreshed (the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams) to reflect the rapid changes in the IT landscape, specifically the integration of AI tools and the permanence of hybrid work environments. You must pass both exams to earn the credential:

  1. Core 1 (220-1201): Focuses on mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing. The 1201 update adds a significant focus on modern hardware standards (DDR5, PCIe 5.0) and high-speed wireless (Wi-Fi 7).
  2. Core 2 (220-1202): Focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. This exam now includes objectives on using AI-powered help desk tools and securing remote/hybrid workstations.

Why Get the A+ in 2026?

Even with the rise of AI and automation, the fundamental ability to troubleshoot a physical machine or a complex OS remains the “first mile” of any IT career.

  • Modern Foundation: It proves you can manage a diverse fleet of devices, from traditional PCs to the mobile and cloud-integrated systems used in hybrid work.
  • AI Integration: The new 1200 series ensures you know how to leverage AI assistants and automated tools for faster diagnostics and system optimization.
  • The Industry Standard: It remains the most recognized entry-level IT certification for HR departments and a prerequisite for many technician and help desk roles.

Study Materials Used

Because the 1200 series is new, I made sure to use the most up-to-date resources.

  1. Professor Messer’s 1200 Series Course (YouTube): Messer has fully updated his free video series for both Core 1 and Core 2. His clear explanations of complex hardware standards are invaluable.
  2. Jason Dion’s 1200 Series Practice Exams (Udemy): Still the best way to prepare for the wording and “trickiness” of CompTIA questions.
  3. CompTIA A+ Core 1 & Core 2 Study Guide (Sybex): A comprehensive book for deep-diving into the “why” behind modern protocols and OS structures.
  4. Hands-on with Remote Tools: Practicing with remote desktop software (RDP, TeamViewer) and cloud-based management consoles (Intune/Entra ID) is more important than ever.

My Study Strategy

My approach was to bridge the gap between “classic” IT and the new “cloud-first” reality.

  • Virtualize Everything: I used VirtualBox and Proxmox to run Windows 11, various Linux distros, and even older OSs to practice software troubleshooting and security configurations.
  • Master the CLI: The 1202 exam puts a heavy emphasis on command-line tools for both Windows (PowerShell/CMD) and Linux. Don’t just learn the commands; learn the flags.
  • Embrace the PBQs: Performance-Based Questions in the 1200 series often involve configuring a SOHO router or identifying the correct hardware for a specific “high-performance” use case (like an AI workstation).

Exam Day and Difficulty

The A+ exams are a marathon of information. You have to pivot quickly from identifying a SATA cable to explaining the difference between a Trojan and a Rootkit.

Difficulty Rating: 6.5/10. The inclusion of more cloud and AI-driven troubleshooting adds a layer of conceptual difficulty that wasn’t as prevalent in the older 1100 series.

Earning the A+ (1200 series) gave me the confidence that I was up-to-date with the latest tech standards. It was the perfect stepping stone before moving into specialized networking.

Up next in the Certification Series: The CompTIA Network+.