CompTIA A+ (220-1202) Core 2 - Learn Tech From Zero

Course Description:
The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) course is designed to prepare students for the second exam required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification, one of the most globally recognized entry-level IT certifications. This course focuses on the software, security, troubleshooting, and operational skills needed by modern IT support professionals.

While Core 1 (220-1201) focuses mainly on hardware and networking basics, Core 2 builds the real-world skills required to support users, secure systems, troubleshoot operating systems, and follow professional IT procedures in workplace environments.

This course follows CompTIA’s official Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (V15) to ensure students are fully aligned with the current exam blueprint.

Why This Course Is Needed

Modern IT support roles require more than just hardware knowledge. Organizations expect IT professionals to:

Secure systems against malware and cyber threats
Troubleshoot Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems
Support end users professionally and efficiently
Follow operational, safety, documentation, and compliance procedures

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 course provides these essential skills, making it a critical step for anyone starting or growing a career in IT support.

What Students Will Learn

By completing this course, students will gain knowledge and hands-on understanding of:

Operating Systems
- Windows 10 and Windows 11 configuration and management
- macOS and Linux fundamentals
- Command-line tools and system utilities
Security
- Physical and logical security concepts
- Malware types, removal techniques, and prevention
- User account management, encryption, and authentication
- Mobile device and wireless security
Software Troubleshooting
- Diagnosing and resolving OS and application issues
- Mobile device troubleshooting
- Security-related software problems
Operational Procedures
- Professional communication and customer support
- Documentation, ticketing systems, and change management
- Backup and recovery methods
- Safety, compliance, licensing, and privacy concepts
- Basic scripting, automation, and remote access tools
- Introduction to AI concepts and responsible use

How This Course Helps Students

This course helps students:

Prepare confidently for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam
Build job-ready skills for roles such as:
- IT Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
- Technical Support Analyst
Understand real-world IT environments, not just exam theory
Develop professional behavior and troubleshooting methodologies expected by employers

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for:

Beginners entering the IT field
Students preparing for CompTIA A+ certification
Help desk and technical support professionals
Career changers looking for an entry point into IT

Recommended experience:
Approximately 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support or help desk role (not mandatory but helpful).

Certification, Validity, and Renewal

Certification Earned: CompTIA A+ (after passing Core 1 and Core 2 exams)
Certification Validity: 3 years from the date of certification
Renewal Options:
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- Passing a higher-level CompTIA certification
- Completing CompTIA CertMaster CE

CompTIA A+ is part of CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program, ensuring certified professionals stay current with evolving technologies.

Exam Information (Core 2 – 220-1202)

Number of Questions: Maximum 90
Question Types: Multiple-choice and performance-based
Exam Duration: 90 minutes
Passing Score: 700 (on a scale of 100–900)
Exam Weighting:
- Operating Systems – 28%
- Security – 28%
- Software Troubleshooting – 23%
- Operational Procedures – 21%

Summary

The CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Exam Objectives (3.0) course equips students with essential IT support, security, troubleshooting, and professional skills required in today’s technology-driven workplaces. It serves as a strong foundation for an IT career and is widely trusted by employers across the globe.

CompTIA A 220-1202 Exam Objectives (3.0) (1)Download

1.0 Operating Systems (28%)

1.1 Explain common operating system (OS) types and their purposes

Feature updates
−Product life cycle
Workstation operating systems
−Windows
−Linux
−macOS
−Chrome OS
Mobile OSs
−iPadOS
−iOS
−Android
Various filesystem types
−New Technology File System (NTFS)
−Resilient File System (ReFS)
−File Allocation Table 32 (FAT32)
−Fourth extended filesystem (ext4)
−Extended filesystem (XFS)
−Apple File System (APFS)
−Extensible File Allocation Table (exFAT)
Vendor life-cycle limitations
−End-of-life (EOL)
−Update limitations
Compatibility concerns between operating systems

1.2 Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse environment.

1.3 Compare and contrast basic features of Microsoft Windows editions.

Windows 10 editions
−Home
−Pro
−Pro for Workstations
−Enterprise
Windows 11 editions
−Home
−Pro
−Enterprise
N versions
Feature differences
−Domain vs. workgroup
−Desktop styles/user interface
−Availability of Remote
Desktop Protocol (RDP)
−Random-access memory
(RAM) support limitations
−BitLocker
−gpedit.msc
Upgrade paths
−In-place upgrade
−Clean install
Hardware requirements
−Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
−Unified Extensible Firmware
Interface (UEFI)

1.4 Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows operating system features and tools.

Task Manager
−Services
−Startup
−Performance
−Processes
−Users
Microsoft Management
Console (MMC) snap-in
−Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc)
−Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc)
−Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc)
−Device Manager (devmgmt.msc)
−Certificate Manager (certmgr.msc)
−Local User and Groups
(lusrmgr.msc)
−Performance Monitor (perfmon.msc)
−Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
Additional tools
−System Information (msinfo32. exe)
−Resource Monitor (resmon.exe)
−System Configuration
(msconfig. exe)
−Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr.exe)
−Disk Defragment (dfrgui.exe)
−Registry Editor (regedit.exe)

1.5 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tools.

Navigation
−cd
−dir
Network
−ipconfig
−ping
−netstat
−nslookup
−net use
−tracert
−pathping
Disk management
−chkdsk
−format
−diskpart
File management
−md
−rmdir
−robocopy
Informational
−hostname
−net user
−winver
−whoami
−[command name] /?
OS management
−gpupdate
−gpresult
−sfc

1.6 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows settings

Internet Options
Devices and Printers
Program and Features
Network and Sharing Center
System
Windows Defender Firewall
Mail
Sound
User Accounts
Device Manager
Indexing Options
Administrative Tools
File Explorer Options
−View hidden files
−Hide extensions
−General options
−View options
Power Options
−Hibernate
−Power plans
−Sleep/suspend
−Standby
−Choose what closing the lid does
−Turn on fast startup
−USB selective suspend
Ease of Access
Time and Language
Update and Security
Personalization
Apps
Privacy
System
Devices
Network and Internet
Gaming
Accounts

1.7 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop.

Domain joined vs. workgroup
−Shared resources
−Printers
−File servers
−Mapped drives
Local OS firewall settings
−Application restrictions and exceptions
−Configuration
Client network configuration
−Internet Protocol (IP) addressing scheme
−Domain Name System (DNS) settings
−Subnet mask
−Gateway
−Static vs. dynamic
Establish network connections
−Virtual private network (VPN)
−Wireless
−Wired
−Wireless wide area network (WWAN)/cellular network
Proxy settings
Public network vs. private network
File Explorer navigation–network paths
Metered connections and limitations

1.8 Explain common features and tools of the macOS/desktop operating system.

Installation and uninstallation
of applications
−File types
գ .dmg
գ .pkg
գ .app
−App Store
−Uninstallation process
System folders
−/Applications
−/Users
−/Library
−/System
−/Users/Library
Apple ID and corporate restrictions
Best practices
−Backups
−Antivirus
−Updates/patches
−Rapid Security Response (RSR)
System Preferences
−Displays
−Networks
−Printers
−Scanners
−Privacy
−Accessibility
−Time Machine
Features
−Multiple desktops
−Mission Control
−Keychain
−Spotlight
−iCloud
գ iMessage
գFaceTime
գDrive
−Gestures
−Finder
−Dock
−Continuity
Disk Utility
FileVault
Terminal
Force Quit

1.9 Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop operating system.

File management
−ls
−pwd
−mv
−cp
−rm
−chmod
−chown
−grep
−find
Filesystem management
−fsck
−mount
Administrative
−su
−sudo
Package management
−apt
−dnf
Network
−ip
−ping
−curl
−dig
−traceroute
Informational
−man
−cat
−top
−ps
−du
−df
Text editors
−nano
Common configuration files
−/etc/passwd
−/etc/shadow
−/etc/hosts
−/etc/fstab
−/etc/resolv.conf
OS components
−systemd
−kernel
−bootloader
Root account

1.10 Given a scenario, install applications according to requirements.

System requirements
for applications
−32-bit vs. 64-bit dependent
application requirements
−Dedicated vs. integrated
graphics card
−Video random-access memory
(VRAM) requirements
−RAM requirements
−Central processing unit
(CPU) requirements
−External hardware tokens
−Storage requirements
−Application to OS compatibility
Distribution methods
−Physical media vs.
mountable ISO file
−Downloadable package
−Image deployment
Impact considerations
for new applications
−Device
−Network
−Operation
−Business

1.11 Given a scenario, install applications and cloud-based productivity tools

Email systems
Storage
−Sync/folder settings
Collaboration tools
−Spreadsheets
−Videoconferencing
−Presentation tools
−Word processing tools
−Instant messaging
Identity synchronization
Licensing assignment

2.0 Security (28%)

2.1 Summarize physical and logical security measures

Physical security
−Bollards
−Access control vestibule
−Badge reader
−Video surveillance
−Alarm systems
−Motion sensors
−Door locks
−Equipment locks
−Security guards
−Fences
Physical access security
−Key fobs
−Smart cards
−Mobile digital key
−Keys
−Biometrics
գRetina scanner
գFingerprint scanner
գPalm print scanner
գFacial recognition
technology (FRT)
գVoice recognition technology
−Lighting
−Magnetometers
Logical security
−Principle of least privilege
−Zero Trust model
−Access control lists (ACLs)
−Multifactor authentication (MFA)
գEmail
գHardware token
գ Authenticator application
գ Short Message Service (SMS)
գVoice call
գTime-based one-time
password (TOTP)
գOne-time password/
passcode (OTP)
−Security Assertions Markup
Language (SAML)
−Single sign-on (SSO)
−Just-in-time access
գPrivileged access
management (PAM)
−Mobile device management (MDM)
−Data loss prevention (DLP)
−Identity access management (IAM)
−Directory services

2.2 Given a scenario, configure and apply basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.

Defender Antivirus
−Activate/deactivate
−Update definitions
Firewall
−Activate/deactivate
−Port security
−Application security
User and groups
−Local vs. Microsoft account
−Standard account
−Administrator
−Guest user
−Power user
Log-in OS options
−Username and password
−Personal identification number (PIN)
−Fingerprint
−Facial recognition
−SSO
−Passwordless/Windows Hello
NTFS vs. share permissions
−File and folder attributes
−Inheritance
Run as administrator
vs. standard user
User Account Control (UAC)
BitLocker
BitLocker-To-Go
Encrypting File System (EFS)
Active Directory
−Joining domain
−Assigning log-in script
−Moving objects within
organizational units
−Assigning home folders
−Applying Group Policy
−Selecting security groups
−Configuring folder redirection

2.3 Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.

Protocols and encryption
−Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
−WPA3
−Temporal Key Integrity
Protocol (TKIP)
−Advanced Encryption
Standard (AES)
Authentication
−Remote Authentication Dial
in User Service (RADIUS)
−Terminal Access Controller Access
control System (TACACS+)
−Kerberos
−Multifactor

2.4 Summarize types of malware and tools/methods for detection, removal, and prevention.

Malware
−Trojan
−Rootkit
−Virus
−Spyware
−Ransomware
−Keylogger
−Boot sector virus
−Cryptominer
−Stalkerware
−Fileless
Adware
−Potentially unwanted program (PUP)
Tools and methods
−Recovery console
−Endpoint detection and
response (EDR)
−Managed detection and
response (MDR)
−Extended detection and
response (XDR)
−Antivirus
−Anti-malware
−Email security gateway
−Software firewalls
−User education regarding
common threats
գAntiphishing training
−OS reinstallation

2.5 Compare and contrast social engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities

Social engineering
−Phishing
գVishing
գSmishing
գ QR code phishing
գ Spear phishing
գ Whaling
−Shoulder surfing
−Tailgating
−Impersonation
−Dumpster diving
Threats
−Denial of service (DoS)
−Distributed denial of service (DDoS)
−Evil twin
−Zero-day attack
−Spoofing
−On-path attack
−Brute-force attack
−Dictionary attack
−Insider threat
−Structured Query Language
(SQL) injection
−Cross-site scripting (XSS)
−Business email compromise (BEC)
−Supply chain/pipeline attack
Vulnerabilities
−Non-compliant systems
−Unpatched systems
−Unprotected systems (missing
antivirus/missing firewall)
−EOL
−Bring your own device (BYOD)

2.6 Given a scenario, implement procedures for basic small office/home office (SOHO) malware
removal.

Investigate and verify
malware symptoms.
Quarantine infected system.
Disable System Restore in Windows
Home.
Remediate infected systems.
Update anti-malware software.
Scan and removal techniques
(e.g., safe mode, preinstallation
environment)
Reimage/reinstall.
Schedule scans and run updates.
Enable System Restore and create
a restore point in Windows Home.
Educate the end user.

2.7 Given a scenario, apply workstation security options and hardening techniques.

Data-at-rest encryption
Password considerations
−Length
−Character types
−Uniqueness
−Complexity
−Expiration
Basic input/output system (BIOS)/
Unified Extensible Firmware
Interface (UEFI) passwords
End-user best practices
−Use screensaver locks
−Log off when not in use
−Secure/protect critical
hardware (e.g., laptops)
−Secure personally identifiable
information (PII) and passwords
−Use password managers
Account management
−Restrict user permissions
−Restrict log-in times
−Disable guest account
−Use failed attempts lockout
−Use timeout/screen lock
−Apply account expiration dates
Change default administrator’s
user account/password
Disable AutoRun
Disable unused services

2.8 Given a scenario, apply common methods for securing mobile devices.

Hardening techniques
−Device encryption
−Screen locks
գ Facial recognition
գPIN codes
գ Fingerprint
գ Pattern
գ Swipe
−Configuration profiles
Patch management
−OS updates
−Application updates
Endpoint security software
−Antivirus
−Anti-malware
−Content filtering
Locator applications
Remote wipes
Remote backup applications
Failed log-in attempts restrictions
Policies and procedures
−MDM
−BYOD vs. corporate-owned devices
−Profile security requirements

2.9 Compare and contrast data destruction and disposal methods

Physical destruction of hard drives
−Drilling
−Shredding
−Degaussing
−Incineration
Recycling or repurposing
best practices
−Erasing/wiping
−Low-level formatting
−Standard formatting
Outsourcing concepts
−Third-party vendor
−Certification of destruction/recycling
Regulatory and environmental
requirements

2.10Given a scenario, apply security settings on SOHO wireless and wired networks.

Router settings
− Change default passwords
− IP filtering
− Firmware updates
− Content filtering
− Physical placement/secure locations
− Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
− Screened subnet
− Configure secure
management access
Wireless specific
− Changing the service
set identifier (SSID)
− Disabling SSID broadcast
− Encryption settings
− Configuring guest access
Firewall settings
− Disabling unused ports
− Port forwarding/mapping

2.11 Given a scenario, configure relevant security settings in a browser.

Browser download/installation
− Trusted sources
գ Hashing
− Untrusted sources
Browser patching
Extensions and plug-ins
− Trusted sources
− Untrusted sources
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 Certification Exam
Exam Objectives Document Version 3.0
Copyright © 2024 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved.
Password managers
Secure connections/
sites–valid certificates
Settings
− Pop-up blocker
− Clearing browsing data
− Clearing cache
− Private-browsing mode
− Sign-in/browser data
synchronization
− Ad blockers
− Proxy
− Secure DNS
Browser feature management
− Enable/disable
գ Plug-ins
գ Extensions
գ Features

3.0 Software Troubleshooting (23%)

3.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS issues.

Blue screen of death (BSOD)
Degraded performance
Boot issues
Frequent shutdowns
Services not starting
Applications crashing
Low memory warnings
USB controller resource warnings
System instability
No OS found
Slow profile load
Time drift

3.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues

Application fails to launch
Application fails to close/crashes
Application fails to update
Application fails to install
Slow to respond
OS fails to update
Battery life issues
Random reboots
Connectivity issues
−Bluetooth
−Wi-Fi
−Near-field communication (NFC)
Screen does not autorotate

3.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues.

Security concerns
−Application source/unofficial
application stores
−Developer mode
−Root access/jailbreak
−Unauthorized/malicious application
գ Application spoofing
Common symptoms
−High network traffic
−Degraded response time
−Data-usage limit notification
−Limited internet connectivity
−No internet connectivity
−High number of ads
−Fake security warnings
−Unexpected application behavior
−Leaked personal files/data

3.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues.

Common symptoms
−Unable to access the network
−Desktop alerts
−False alerts regarding
antivirus protection
−Altered system or personal files
գ Missing/renamed files
գ Inability to access files
−Unwanted notifications
within the OS
−OS updates failures
Browser-related symptoms
−Random/frequent pop-ups
−Certificate warnings
−Redirection
−Degraded browser performance

4.0 Operational Procedures (21%)

4.1 Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support
systems information management.

Ticketing systems
−User information
−Device information
−Description of issues
−Categories
−Severity
−Escalation levels
−Clear, concise written
communication
գ Issue description
գProgress notes
գ Issue resolution
Asset management
−Inventory lists
−Configuration management
database (CMDB)
−Asset tags and IDs
−Procurement life cycle
−Warranty and licensing
−Assigned users
Types of documents
−Incident reports
−Standard operating
procedures (SOPs)
գ Software package custom
installation procedure
−New user/onboarding
setup checklist
−User off-boarding checklist
−Service-level agreements (SLAs)
գ Internal
գExternal/third-party
−Knowledge base/articles

4.2 Given a scenario, apply change management procedures.

Documented business processes
−Rollback plan
−Backup plan
−Sandbox testing
−Responsible staff members
Change management
−Request forms
−Purpose of the change
−Scope of the change
−Change type
գStandard change
գNormal change
գEmergency change
−Date and time of change
գChange freeze
գMaintenance windows
−Affected systems/impact
−Risk analysis
գRisk level
−Change board approvals
−Implementation
−Peer review
−End-user acceptance

4.3 Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods.

Backup
−Full
−Incremental
−Differential
−Synthetic full
Recovery
−In-place/overwrite
−Alternative location
Backup testing
−Frequency
Backup rotation schemes
−Onsite vs. offsite
−Grandfather-father-son (GFS)
−3-2-1 backup rule

4.4 Given a scenario, use proper safety procedures

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) straps
ESD mats
Electrical safety
− Equipment grounding
Proper component
handling and storage
Cable management
Antistatic bags
Compliance with
government regulations
Personal safety
− Disconnect power
before repairing PC
− Lifting techniques
− Fire safety
− Safety goggles
− Air filter mask

4.5 Summarize environmental impacts and local environment controls.

Material safety data sheet (MSDS)
documentation for handling and disposal
− Proper battery disposal
− Proper toner disposal
− Proper disposal of other devices and assets
Temperature, humidity-level awareness,
and proper ventilation
− Location/equipment placement
− Dust cleanup
− Compressed air/vacuums
Power surges, brownouts, and blackouts
− Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
− Surge suppressor

4.6 Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.

Incident response
− Chain of custody
− Informing management/law enforcement as necessary
− Copy of drive (data integrity and preservation)
− Incident documentation
− Order of volatility
Licensing/digital rights management (DRM)/
end-user license agreement (EULA)
− Valid licenses
− Perpetual license agreement
− Personal-use license vs. corporate-use license
− Open-source license
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 Certification Exam
Exam Objectives Document Version 3.0
Copyright © 2024 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved.
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)/mutual
non-disclosure agreement (MNDA)
Regulated data
− Credit card payment information
− Personal government-issued information
− PII
− Healthcare data
− Data retention requirements
Acceptable use policy (AUP)
Regulatory and business compliance requirements
− Splash screens

4.7 Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.

Present a professional appearance
and wear appropriate attire.
−Match the required attire of
the given environment.
գ Formal
գ Business casual
Use proper language and
avoid jargon, acronyms, and
slang, when applicable.
Maintain a positive attitude/
project confidence.
Actively listen and avoid
interrupting the customer.
Be culturally sensitive.
−Use appropriate professional titles
and designations, when applicable.
Be on time (if late, contact
the customer).
Avoid distractions.
−Personal calls
−Texting/social media sites
−Personal interruptions
Appropriately deal with difficult
customers or situations.
−Do not argue with customer
and/or be defensive.
−Avoid dismissing customer issues.
−Avoid being judgmental.
−Clarify customer statements (i.e.,
ask open-ended questions to
narrow the scope of the issue,
restate the issue, or question
to verify understanding).
−Use discretion and
professionalism when discussing
experiences/encounters.
Set and meet expectations/
timeline and communicate
status with the customer.
−Offer repair/replacement
options, as needed.
−Provide proper documentation
on the services provided.
−Follow up with customer/user at a
later date to verify satisfaction.
Appropriately handle customers’
confidential and private materials.
−Located on a computer,
desktop, printer, etc

4.8 Explain the basics of scripting.

Script file types
−.bat
−.ps1
−.vbs
−.sh
−.js
−.py
Use cases for scripting
−Basic automation
−Restarting machines
−Remapping network drives
−Installation of applications
−Automated backups
−Gathering of information/data
−Initiating updates
Other considerations
when using scripts
−Unintentionally introducing malware
−Inadvertently changing
system settings
−Browser or system crashes due
to mishandling of resources

4.9 Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.

Methods/tools
−RDP
−VPN
−Virtual network computer (VNC)
−Secure Shell (SSH)
−Remote monitoring and
management (RMM)
−Simple Protocol for Independent
Computing Environments (SPICE)
−Windows Remote
Management (WinRM)
−Third-party tools
գ Screen-sharing software
գVideoconferencing software
գ File transfer software
գ Desktop management software
Security considerations of
each access method

4.10 Explain basic concepts related to artificial intelligence (AI).

Application integration
Policy
−Appropriate use
−Plagiarism
Limitations
−Bias
−Hallucinations
−Accuracy
Private vs. public
−Data security
−Data source
−Data privacy