Understand the certification
CompTIA A+ Core 2（220-1102）是 A+ 认证的两场考试之一，另一场是 Core 1（220-1101）。两场都通过才能获得 CompTIA A+ 认证。Core 2 考 90 题，90 分钟，及格线 700/900，考试费 $358 USD。
Core 1 侧重硬件和网络，Core 2 侧重软件和安全。Core 2 的 4 大考试域：操作系统（Windows/macOS/Linux）、安全（恶意软件、社会工程、物理安全）、软件故障排除（应用崩溃、OS 引导问题）和运营流程（ITIL 基础、变更管理、文档）。
2025 年 CompTIA 宣布 220-1102 将在 2025 年底退役，被新版 220-1202 取代。新版增加了对 Windows 11 和云端管理（Intune/Autopilot）的考查。如果你已经开始准备 1102，建议在退役前考完。
Exam at a glance
- Exam code
- 220-1102
- Provider
- CompTIA
- Format
- Single choice / Multiple select / 实操题
- Language
- English
- Validity
- 3 years
- Exam fee
- $358
Skills in focus
Learning outcomes
- Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam with a focused study path
- Handle operating system, security, and software support tasks more confidently
- Improve your day-to-day help desk and desktop support skills
- Complete the second step toward the full CompTIA A+ certification
Who this is for
- Help desk technicians and desktop support staff
- Entry-level IT professionals moving into user support
- Field service technicians who need strong software support skills
- Career changers building confidence in operating systems and security
Before you start
- No formal prerequisite certification is required
- Basic computer familiarity is enough to begin
- 9-12 months of hands-on IT support experience is helpful but not required
- A passing knowledge of Core 1 topics will make the second exam easier
Your learning path
5 chapters
Plan your preparation
- Learning hours
- 36h
- With relevant experience
- 3-4 weeks
- Starting from scratch
- 6-8 weeks
- Daily study
- 1-2h
Included in your preparation
- 320 practice questions focused on the software and support side of A+
- Coverage of operating systems, security, troubleshooting, and operational procedures
- Practical explanations for common desktop support problems
- Built around the official 90-minute exam format
- Pairs naturally with A+ Core 1 as the second half of the certification
1. 第一阶段：Windows 操作系统（2 周）
Windows 10/11 的版本区别（Home/Pro/Enterprise）、控制面板 vs 设置、命令提示符常用命令（sfc /scannow、chkdsk、DISM）、注册表基础、组策略（gpedit.msc）。在虚拟机里实操每个命令。
2. 第二阶段：安全 + 恶意软件（2 周）
恶意软件类型（病毒/蠕虫/木马/勒索软件/rootkit）的区别和清除步骤。社会工程攻击（钓鱼/尾随/shoulder surfing）。防火墙配置、BitLocker 加密、UAC 设置。
3. 第三阶段：故障排除 + 运营流程（1-2 周）
CompTIA 的故障排除方法论 6 步骤必须背熟（Identify → Theory → Test → Plan → Verify → Document）。ITIL 变更管理流程、备份策略（3-2-1 规则）、事件文档记录。
4. 第四阶段：PBQ 练习 + 模考（1 周）
A+ 考试包含 Performance-Based Questions（模拟操作题），比如在虚拟环境里配置 Windows 防火墙或修改注册表。做 3 套模考稳定 80% 以上。
Career value
A+ 在 IT 支持市场的地位
CompTIA A+ 是美国国防部 DoD 8570 认可的基础认证之一，政府 IT 支持合同几乎都要求 A+。在澳洲，Seek 上搜索 "CompTIA A+" 能找到 200+ 个 IT Support 职位。
Core 2 比 Core 1 更实用：Core 2 涉及的 Windows 故障排除、安全基础、命令行工具（netstat、nslookup、sfc）是 IT 支持日常工作中天天用的。
不适合考的人：已经有 2 年以上 IT 支持经验的人，直接考 Network+ 或 Security+ 对职业提升更大。
- 澳洲
- AUD 55,000 – 75,000
- 美国
- USD 45,000 – 65,000
- 新加坡
- SGD 36,000 – 54,000
Preparation tips
- **PBQ 放到最后做**：PBQ 费时间，先做选择题，最后回来做 PBQ。系统会记住你的答案，跳过不影响。
- **CompTIA 的"最佳答案"逻辑**：很多题有 2 个看起来对的选项，选"最符合 CompTIA 方法论"的那个，不一定是实际工作中你会怎么做。
- **macOS 和 Linux 各出 5-8 题**：不要因为 Windows 题多就忽略这两个平台，Linux 命令行是高频丢分点。
Common mistakes
- **Windows 版本功能区别** — Home 没有 BitLocker、没有 gpedit.msc、不能加域。考试喜欢问"客户需要加域，应该升级到哪个版本"。
- **恶意软件清除步骤顺序** — CompTIA 的标准顺序：断网 → 识别症状 → 启用修复环境 → 扫描清除 → 调度扫描 → 启用系统还原 → 验证功能。
- **Linux 文件权限** — chmod 755 表示 owner rwx、group rx、others rx。会考"给文件设置只有 owner 可读写"答案是 chmod 600。
Before you register
How does A+ Core 2 (220-1102) differ from Core 1?
Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, and infrastructure; Core 2 focuses on software and security. Core 2 covers four domains: Operating Systems (22%), Security (28%), Software Troubleshooting (28%), and Operational Procedures (22%). Security and software troubleshooting carry the highest weight, requiring familiarity with Windows/Linux/macOS and common security threats.
Is Core 2 harder than Core 1 since the passing score is higher?
Core 2 requires 700/900 to pass, compared to Core 1's 675/900. Many candidates find Core 2 slightly more challenging due to the volume of details to memorize (port numbers, security protocols, command-line tools, etc.). However, difficulty varies — those with sysadmin experience may find Core 2 easier.
What does the Operating Systems section of Core 2 cover?
The OS section covers Windows 10/11 installation, configuration, and management, including edition differences, upgrade paths, command-line tools (cmd and PowerShell), Task Manager, and Disk Management. It also covers macOS and Linux basics such as file system structure and common terminal commands.
How important is the Security domain in Core 2?
Security makes up 28% of the exam — one of the two highest-weighted domains. You need to know: physical security measures, wireless security protocols (WPA2/WPA3), malware types and removal procedures, social engineering attacks, mobile device security (MDM/BYOD), browser security, and authentication methods (MFA, biometrics).
How long should I wait between taking Core 1 and Core 2?
Most candidates take both exams within 2-4 weeks. It is recommended to start Core 2 preparation immediately after passing Core 1 to maintain momentum. The exams share some overlapping concepts (e.g., networking), so waiting too long may lead to knowledge loss. Some candidates study for both simultaneously over 8-12 weeks.
What scenarios do PBQs typically cover in Core 2?
Common Core 2 PBQ scenarios include: configuring Windows firewall rules, setting up mobile device security policies, using command-line tools to troubleshoot network or system issues, configuring browser security settings, and handling malware infection remediation. It is recommended to skip PBQs initially and return to them after completing multiple-choice questions, as PBQs are typically more time-consuming.
Learner experiences
Loading reviews…
PBQ 是最让人紧张的部分 — 模拟了一个 Windows 桌面让你排查网络连接问题。建议在 VirtualBox 里装一个 Windows 反复练命令行操作。
零基础转 IT
742/900 · 7 weeks
有工作经验的话 Core 2 比 Core 1 简单很多，因为故障排除和安全这些天天在做。最容易丢分的是 Linux 命令行部分（chmod、chown、apt-get），平时不用 Linux 的要额外复习。
Help Desk 1 年
815/900 · 3 weeks
Start with the first chapter.
2 free chapters · Full preparation from $29