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Cybersecurity / IT

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CompTIA A+ Core 2

12/2024

Exam Overview

A+ Core 2

Exam Code: 220-1102

Number of Questions: Up to 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based)

Passing Score: 700/900

Time: 90 minutes

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Domains Covered:

  1. Operating Systems – 31%

  2. Security – 25%

  3. Software Troubleshooting – 22%

  4. Operational Procedures – 22%

 

This exam assesses knowledge of operating systems, security fundamentals, software troubleshooting, and professional IT practices. The Core 2 exam builds on Core 1 with an emphasis on supporting and securing IT systems in real-world scenarios.

Prep Strategy Overview

This section covers essential resources, study methods, and focus areas for the Core 2 exam. Following these recommendations will help you build a strong foundation and increase your confidence on test day.

1. Study Resources

  • Professor Messer’s Free YouTube Playlist

    • Professor Messer’s Core 2 playlist is a go-to resource for foundational knowledge. His videos are well-organized by exam domain, making them easy to follow.

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  • Jason Dion’s Practice Exams and Udemy Course

    • Dion’s practice exams simulate the exam’s complexity and question format. He also offers clear explanations for each answer. Use Dion’s exams to reinforce knowledge and target weak areas.

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  • CertMaster Learn and Amplifire

    • These platforms are designed to align with CompTIA’s objectives, and many test-takers report they mirror the exam well. CertMaster offers targeted quizzes, labs, and simulations, which are helpful for reinforcing key concepts.

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  • Quizlet and Wordwalls

    • Use Quizlet and Wordwalls to drill down on essential topics like command-line tools, system utilities, and best practices for security. These resources reinforce key concepts and help you master CompTIA’s phrasing.

2. Practice Exam Strategy

Here’s an effective strategy for using practice exams:

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  • Simulate Real Test Conditions: Take practice exams in a quiet, uninterrupted environment to mimic real test conditions.

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  • Analyze Incorrect Answers: For every question you miss, review the explanation, research the correct answer, and reinforce understanding with videos or flashcards.

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  • Master Weak Areas: Target weak spots identified through practice exams by rewatching relevant videos or drilling with flashcards.

3. Topics to Prioritize

Based on feedback from recent test-takers, here are the top topics to focus on:

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  • Operating System Basics: Know the differences between Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS. Familiarize yourself with common commands and utilities.

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  • Security Fundamentals: Study security measures like firewalls, authentication methods, and access controls. Understand concepts like malware types, common attacks (phishing, social engineering), and basic preventive measures.

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  • Software Troubleshooting: Focus on troubleshooting tools and processes for common software issues. Be prepared to troubleshoot Windows, Linux, and macOS errors.

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  • Operational Procedures: Understand best practices for IT procedures, including documentation, safety protocols, and professionalism in customer service.

4. Performance-based Questions

PBQs test your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Common topics include:

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  • SOHO Network and Device Configurations: Familiarize yourself with basic network setups, UPS installation, and configuring a small office/home office network.

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  • Command-Line Tools: Know commands for Windows and Linux, like ipconfig, ping, netstat, and tracert.

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  • Security Threat Identification: Practice identifying legitimate versus malicious emails and understanding basic security protocols.

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  • Troubleshooting Steps: Be ready to troubleshoot customer issues, applying CompTIA’s six-step troubleshooting method.

6-week CompTIA A+ Core 2 Study Plan

This plan breaks down study materials into manageable portions, ensuring comprehensive coverage over six weeks.

Week 1: Operating Systems Basics

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch Professor Messer on Operating Systems basics, covering Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS.

    • Focus Topics: Windows configurations, Linux commands, mobile OS differences.

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  • Reading: Go over OS sections in a study guide. Note key differences in OSs, system utilities, and file management.

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  • Hands-On Practice: If possible, set up a virtual machine to practice basic commands for Windows and Linux.

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  • Weekly Quiz: Take a quiz on operating system fundamentals. Aim for at least 70% and review any missed concepts.

Week 2: Security Essentials

  • Video Learning (Daily): Cover Security topics with Messer and Dion, including basic network security and common threats.

    • Focus Topics: Firewalls, malware types, access control, encryption.

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  • Reading: Review security sections in the study guide. Take notes on types of malware, authentication methods, and security best practices.

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  • Flashcards: Use Quizlet to reinforce terms like phishing, social engineering, and encryption.

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  • Weekly Practice Test: Take a practice test focused on security concepts. Review any missed questions.

Week 3: Software Troubleshooting

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch videos on Software Troubleshooting for different OSs.

    • Focus Topics: Troubleshooting tools, common error messages, system logs.

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  • Hands-On Practice: Practice troubleshooting tasks like resolving application crashes, using Task Manager, and checking system logs.

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  • Quizlet: Use Quizlet for command-line tools and troubleshooting steps.

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  • Weekly Quiz: Take a troubleshooting quiz and aim for 75% or higher. Review missed concepts.

Week 4: Operational Procedures

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch videos on Operational Procedures. Cover safety protocols, documentation best practices, and professional communication.

    • Focus Topics: ESD safety, change management, customer service best practices.

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  • Reading: Study operational procedures in the guide. Take notes on safety protocols, IT documentation, and communication tips.

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  • Flashcards: Use Wordwalls to reinforce terms like ESD, SLA, and SOPs.

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  • Weekly Quiz: Test yourself on operational procedures. Review any areas of weakness.

Week 5: PBQ Practice and Mock Exams

  • PBQ Practice (Daily): Use CertMaster or Amplifire for PBQs on SOHO configurations, security settings, and basic troubleshooting.

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  • Mock Exam: Take a full-length Dion practice exam. Aim for 80% or higher. Review missed questions and revisit relevant videos.

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  • Review Weak Areas: Go over missed topics from the practice exam. Reinforce with videos or flashcards.

Week 6: Final Review and Exam Prep

  • Review Weak Areas: Spend time on any remaining challenging topics, particularly security or operating system commands.

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  • Daily PBQ Practice: Complete one PBQ daily to ensure confidence. Focus on SOHO setups, troubleshooting steps, and command-line tasks.

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  • Final Practice Exam: Take a final practice test. Aim for 85% or higher.

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  • Day Before Exam: Light review only. Go over essential flashcards and get a good night’s sleep.

2-3 Week Aggressive CompTIA A+ Core 2 Study Plan

Week 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch videos on Troubleshooting, focusing on identifying and resolving common hardware and network issues.

    • Focus Topics: Printer troubleshooting, storage and memory issues, network connectivity troubleshooting.

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  • Practice Exams: Take your first Dion practice test. Note any missed questions and review weak areas in hardware or troubleshooting.

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  • Wordwalls: Use Wordwalls to reinforce the 6 troubleshooting steps and RAID types.

If you’re short on time, here’s a focused 2-3 week study plan.

Week 1: Core Concepts and Basic Troubleshooting

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch Professor Messer or Dion on Operating Systems, Security, and Software Troubleshooting.

    • Focus Topics: Windows configurations, security basics, troubleshooting steps.

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  • Hands-On Practice (Alternate Days): Use command-line tools like ping, netstat, and ipconfig. Practice resolving basic system errors.

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  • Quizlet and Wordwall (Nightly): Use flashcards for key terms in security and operating systems.

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  • Practice Exam (End of Week): Take your first Dion practice exam. Identify weak areas and review them immediately.

Week 2: Operational Procedures, PBQ Practice, and Weak Area Review

  • Video Learning (Daily): Watch videos on Operational Procedures and PBQs.

    • Focus Topics: Safety protocols, change management, troubleshooting steps.

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  • Daily PBQ Practice: Complete one PBQ each day on command-line tools, SOHO setup, or security configurations.

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  • Mock Exam (End of Week): Take a full-length practice test. Aim for at least 75% and review missed areas.

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  • Flashcards (Nightly): Drill on security, troubleshooting steps, and best practices.

Week 3: Intensive Review and Final Exam Prep

  • Review Weak Areas: Revisit challenging topics like command-line tools, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

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  • Daily PBQ Practice: Practice one PBQ per day to build confidence.

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  • Final Practice Exams: Take two final practice exams. Aim for 80% or higher.

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  • Light Review: The day before the exam, go over essential flashcards and get a good night’s sleep.

Exam-Day Tips

  • Read Questions Carefully: Many questions contain hints, so read each one twice to ensure you catch every detail.

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  • Save PBQs for Last: Knock out multiple-choice questions first to build confidence, then tackle PBQs.

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  • Eliminate Obvious Wrong Answers: Narrow down choices to improve your odds.

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By following this plan, you’ll master CompTIA A+ Core 2 topics, build confidence with PBQs, and feel ready to pass the exam. Good luck!

Supporting Resources

Here are some supporting resources that you can use to help you study for the exam.

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