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Adult Ed CompTIA A+ Core 2 (1201-1202)
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Welcome to the second half of your CompTIA A+ journey! If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already learned a lot about the computing hardware fundamentals covered in the Core 1 course. Now it’s time to learn more about the software side of IT: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Computing technology has become the foundation for how humans communicate, work, and solve problems in the modern world. But having powerful hardware means nothing if the operating systems won’t boot, applications keep crashing, or security vulnerabilities leave systems exposed to attack. The A+ Core 2 exam tests your ability to make technology truly useful by implementing the software layers and procedures that turn the raw computing power you learned about in the first A+ course into productive tools.
During my years in IT, I’ve noticed that many technicians can swap out a hard drive or install RAM with no problems at all, but they struggle when Windows won’t boot, a user can’t access their files, or a mobile device keeps getting infected with malware. That’s because the skills you’ll learn in this course require a different kind of thinking. Instead of following straightforward hardware installation procedures, you’ll now learn the skills and techniques required to troubleshoot the complex interactions between operating systems, applications, users, and security policies.
CompTIA’s A+ certification has remained the gold standard for entry-level IT professionals because it tests the practical, vendor-neutral skills that every IT support role requires. The Core 2 exam is where theory meets the real world, and covers the software and procedural knowledge that complements the hardware skills learned in Core 1.
This course will prepare you for CompTIA’s A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam. CompTIA has outlined four major subject categories from which the test questions for the 220-1202 exam will be taken. The categories (called domains by CompTIA) and their weighting on the 220-1202 exam are shown below:
Operating Systems (28%)
Security (28%)
Software Troubleshooting (23%)
Operational Procedures (21%)
What makes this Core 2 training manual particularly valuable is its focus on real-world scenarios you’ll encounter daily as an IT professional. CompTIA’s exam scenarios are based on situations that define success in IT support roles: helping users whose computers won’t boot after updates, securing small office networks against common threats, and troubleshooting mobile devices that won’t connect to corporate resources. This book aims to ensure you’ll be successful with these things by taking an experience-based approach where every concept is explained not just as an exam requirement, but as a real-world skill you’ll actually use. The best technical skills in the world won’t help your career if you can’t communicate with users professionally, document your work properly, or follow change management procedures that prevent problems before they occur.
After successfully completing this course, you’ll be well on your way to taking and passing the CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification exam. More importantly, you’ll have begun to develop the systematic thinking and practical skills needed to support users across the diverse technology environments common today.
Major Topics and Concepts
Module 1: Fundamentals of Operating Systems
Module 2: Windows Features and Tools
Module 3: Windows Networking and macOS Systems
Module 4: Linux Systems
Module 5: IT Security and Protection
Module 6: IT Security Procedures and Controls
Module 7:Troubleshooting OS and Applications
Module 8: IT Operational Procedures
Module 9: Advanced IT Operational Procedures
Competencies
Fundamentals of Operating Systems
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of operating systems by explaining purposes of operating system types, describing processes of operating system installation and upgrade, and comparing features of Microsoft Windows editions.
Windows Features and Tools
Students will demonstrate an understanding of Windows features and tools by explaining functions of Microsoft Windows administrative tools, describing applications of Microsoft Windows command-line tools, and summarizing configurations of Microsoft Windows system settings.
Windows Networking and macOS Systems
Students will demonstrate an understanding of Windows Networking and macOS Systems by explaining configurations of Windows networking features, describing management of macOS system functions, and summarizing administration using system tools and utilities.
Linux Systems
Students will demonstrate an understanding of Linux Systems by explaining operations of Linux systems, summarizing processes of application installation, and explaining functions of cloud-based productivity tools.
IT Security and Protection
Students will demonstrate an understanding of IT Security and Protection by explaining measures and controls of IT security, describing configurations of Windows OS security features, and explaining threats and mitigation strategies in IT environments.
IT Security Procedures and Controls
Students will demonstrate an understanding of IT Security Procedures and Controls by explaining processes of malware removal, describing configurations for workstation and mobile security, and describing methods of network and browser security.
Troubleshooting OS and Applications
Students will demonstrate an understanding of Troubleshooting OS and Applications by explaining troubleshooting of Windows OS issues, explaining troubleshooting of mobile OS and application issues, and explaining troubleshooting of security incidents on PCs and mobile devices.
IT Operational Procedures
Students will demonstrate an understanding of IT Operational Procedures by explaining documentation and support system management in IT environments, describing change management and backup procedures in IT environments, and summarizing safety and environmental control measures in IT environments.
Advanced IT Operational Procedures
Students will demonstrate an understanding of Advanced IT Operational Procedures by explaining policies and compliance procedures in IT environments, describing professional communication and scripting practices in IT environments, and explaining remote access and AI applications in IT environments.
