How to Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Exam: Become an IT Technician

Aspiring IT professionals have a number of ways to obtain the education they need. Some prefer a two- or four-year degree program, though most learners will agree that six figures of student debt isn’t a great way to begin a career. 

Others pursue a more accelerated form of education: IT certifications, which promise to teach in-demand IT skills in a fraction of the time, for a fraction of the cost.

One of the foundational certifications that can significantly enhance your career prospects is the CompTIA A+ certification. This credential is recognized globally and is a testament to your skills and knowledge as an IT technician.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Core 1 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware and network troubleshooting. Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

At QuickStart, we teach the foundational skills you’ll need for an entry-level IT career. If a career as an IT technician interests you, enroll in QuickStart’s IT Technician Bootcamp for the preparation you need ahead of the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

Read on to learn more about how to approach studying and successfully passing this exam to propel you in your career in IT.

Understanding the CompTIA A+ Exam Structure

The CompTIA A+ certification is a crucial credential for IT professionals, and understanding its structure is key to effective preparation. Each of the two Core 1 and Core 2 exams is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge and skills in specific domains that are essential for IT support roles.

The Core 1 (220-1101) exam of the CompTIA A+ certification focuses on essential IT skills that are foundational for any aspiring IT technician. It covers five key domains: mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware and network troubleshooting. 

Candidates will need to demonstrate their ability to install and configure laptops and other mobile devices, understand and apply networking concepts such as IP addressing and protocols, manage and maintain various hardware components like motherboards and CPUs, grasp the basics of cloud models and virtualization technologies, and effectively troubleshoot and resolve hardware and network issues.

The Core 2 (220-1102) exam of the CompTIA A+ certification is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for more advanced IT support roles, focusing on four critical domains: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. 

Candidates are tested on their ability to install, configure, and manage various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS. The exam also evaluates knowledge of security practices, such as implementing physical security measures, malware prevention, and secure protocols. Additionally, it covers software troubleshooting, requiring candidates to identify and resolve issues related to applications and operating systems.

Questions on the CompTIA A+ Exam

The CompTIA A+ exams feature a variety of question types to assess a candidate’s understanding and practical skills:

• Drag-and-drop questions: Candidates are asked to match terms, concepts, or components by dragging and dropping them into the correct location.
• Multiple choice questions: These include both single and multiple-response questions, requiring candidates to choose the correct answer(s) from a list of options.
• Performance-based questions: These simulate real-world scenarios where candidates must perform specific tasks or solve problems in a virtual environment.

Candidates have 90 minutes to complete each exam. For the Core 1 (220-1101) exam, the passing score is 675 out of 900. For the Core 2 (220-1102) exam, the passing score is 700 out of 900.

How To Pass the CompTIA A+ Exam

Step 1: Gather Study Materials

Effective preparation for the CompTIA A+ exam begins with the right study materials. Make sure you consult official CompTIA A+ resources, including study guides and textbooks. 

CompTIA also offers an interactive eLearning platform called CertMaster, which includes CertMaster Learn, CompTIA Labs, and CertMaster Practice. These tools provide interactive lessons, hands-on labs, and practice questions designed to reinforce your knowledge and skills.

You can also pair these materials with a variety of third-party resources for more review. Consider online study groups and CompTIA community forums that allow you to ask questions, share insights, and gain different perspectives on challenging topics. A variety of educational websites, CompTIA-related blogs, and YouTube tutorials from experts can also help make study materials more digestible.

Alternate Step 1:  Enroll in a Training Course

While self-study is a viable option for many, enrolling in a formal training course can provide additional structure and support. This makes your exam preparation more effective and efficient.

One of the main advantages of formal training is the structured learning environment. Courses are designed to cover all exam objectives systematically, ensuring you don't miss any crucial topics. 

Expert instructors, who are often experienced IT professionals, can provide insights and explanations that are not always available in textbooks or online resources. They can also answer questions, clarify doubts, and offer tips and tricks for passing the exam.

Formal training courses often provide access to a wealth of additional study materials and resources. These might include detailed course notes, interactive labs, practice exams, and other supplemental materials that can enhance your understanding and retention of the exam content. Additionally, many courses offer study groups, forums, and other collaborative tools that allow you to connect with fellow learners.

Most learners prefer two types of courses when preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam through a training course:

Online Bootcamps

Intensive and immersive, online bootcamps like the 12-week IT Technician Bootcamp offered by QuickStart are designed to prepare you quickly and comprehensively for the CompTIA A+ certification. 

These bootcamps typically include a combination of live instruction, hands-on labs, and interactive learning modules. They are ideal for those who want a fast-tracked, yet thorough, preparation experience.

Self-Paced or Instructor-Led Courses

If you prefer a more flexible learning schedule, self-paced or instructor-led online courses are an excellent option. Self-paced courses allow you to learn at your own speed, making them perfect for those who need to balance study with work or other commitments. Instructor-led courses, on the other hand, provide a scheduled learning path with live or recorded lectures and interactive sessions. 

These courses, like QuickStart's CompTIA A+ certification course, connect learners with the benefits of expert instruction while allowing for some degree of flexibility.

Step 2: Create a Study Plan 

Creating a well-structured study plan is another important step for effective exam preparation. A study plan helps you stay organized, ensures you cover all the necessary material, and allows you to track your progress.

Consistency is key to effective studying. Set aside dedicated time each day for your study sessions. Whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch breaks, or in the evening, find a time that works best for you and stick to it.

While it’s important to study regularly, it’s equally important to avoid burnout. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Longer study sessions can be broken into 45-minute blocks with a 10-15 minute break in between. This approach helps maintain focus and improves retention.

Tracking your progress as you study is a great way to stay motivated. Here are a few tips to make that study-tracking process easier:

• Create a checklist: List all topics and subtopics, checking them off as you complete each one.
• Use a study journal: Record daily study activities, noting topics covered, time spent, and any difficulties faced.
• Utilize study planning apps: Log study sessions digitally, set reminders, and monitor progress with built-in tracking features.
• Set milestones and goals: Break down your study plan into weekly goals, setting specific milestones to achieve and rewarding yourself upon completion.
• Take regular practice tests: Schedule and take practice exams at regular intervals to track scores and identify weak areas.
• Review and reflect: Conduct weekly reviews of what you have studied, reflecting on well-understood areas and those needing more attention.
• Use progress charts: Visualize your progress with graphs or charts, plotting topics covered, hours studied, and practice test scores.

Creating a study plan involves setting clear goals, establishing a daily study routine, and monitoring your progress. By breaking down the material into manageable sections, allocating specific times for study sessions, and using tools to track your progress, you can ensure a thorough and effective preparation for the CompTIA A+ exams.

Step 3: Utilize Practice Exams

Practice exams are a crucial component of effective preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification. They offer numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your chances of success on exam day.

Here are a few benefits to a practice exam:

• Familiarize yourself with exam formatting: Get accustomed to the structure of the actual test, including the various question types such as multiple choice, performance-based, and drag-and-drop
• Identify personal strengths and weaknesses: Pinpoint the areas where you excel and the topics where you need further study.
• Improve your time management skills: Simulate the time constraints of the actual test to develop the ability to manage your time effectively.

The CompTIA website offers a range of official practice exams and study resources. These materials are designed to closely mimic the actual exam, providing an accurate representation of what to expect.

You can also find practice tests through reputable third-party platforms. These resources feature extensive question banks, realistic exam simulations, and detailed explanations for each question. If you answer a question incorrectly, they also help identify the correct answer and provide reasoning behind your error.

Of course, the easiest way to utilize both practice exams is to enroll in QuickStart’s IT Technician bootcamp. We include all of the practice tests, answers, and explanations you need to study in advance of your official exam.

Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience

Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to prepare for an entry-level career, and for a CompTIA A+ certification exam. Pairing that hands-on experience with practice exams gives you the preparation you need for a meaningful future in IT.

Building a home lab is a great way to gain that hands-on experience outside of a traditional learning environment. This process allows you to familiarize yourself with different hardware components, practice installation and troubleshooting, and understand the inner workings of a PC. You can repeatedly disassemble and reassemble the PC to reinforce your learning.

In addition to hardware practice, setting up a virtual environment using software like VirtualBox or VMware is also useful. Virtual environments enable you to create and manage multiple operating systems, practice installing and configuring software, and experiment with networking setups without the need for additional physical hardware.

Gaining real-world experience through volunteering or internships is invaluable. Look for opportunities at local schools, non-profits, or small businesses that need IT support. These roles provide practical experience in a professional setting, allowing you to apply your knowledge to real-world problems and develop your troubleshooting skills.

Hands-on experience and real-world opportunities come easily with the QuickStart IT Technician bootcamp. This practical exposure not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also hones your problem-solving skills and prepares you for real-world IT challenges.

Step 5: Develop Test-Taking Strategies

Make sure you settle on a test-taking strategy ahead of your CompTIA A+ certification exam. During your preparation, take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. This will help you get accustomed to the pace you need to maintain to complete the exam within the allotted time. Aim to simulate the actual testing environment as closely as possible.

Take your time to read each question thoroughly to ensure you understand what is being asked. Misreading a question can lead to incorrect answers, so make sure to comprehend the full context before selecting your response.

Proper rest and nutrition are also important for your best performance (Healthline). Ensure you get a good night's sleep before the exam and eat a healthy meal that includes protein and complex carbohydrates. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugar, which can cause energy spikes and crashes (UBC).

Launch Your IT Career Behind a CompTIA A+ Certification

Preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam requires a combination of thorough study, practical experience, and effective test-taking strategies. Utilize official CompTIA resources and third-party materials, including assets from QuickStart, for the best chance to pass your exam on the first try.

For best results, stay dedicated and consistent with your study efforts. Remember, preparation is key, and every bit of effort you put into your studies brings you closer to your goal. Set a study routine that works for you, stick to your plan, and don't get discouraged by challenges along the way. Keep your eyes on the prize and remain confident in your abilities.

To enhance your preparation, consider enrolling in our IT Technician Bootcamp. This comprehensive training program provides structured learning with expert instructors, hands-on labs, and access to additional study resources. Our bootcamp is designed to prepare you thoroughly for the CompTIA A+ exams and set you up for success in your career as an IT technician, IT support professional, IT help desk professional, or computer support specialist!

Connect with our Admissions team to get started today. Best of luck on your exam!