CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Preparation Details
The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. This study guide maps every exam objective to documentation so you can study with focus and confidence. You can also explore more CompTIA certification study guides on the CompTIA Certification Study Guides to keep building your skills.
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Materials
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1.0 Operating Systems (28%)
1.1 Explain common operating system (OS) types and their purposes.
Workstation systems (OSs)
The Linux Kernel documentation
Mobile OSs
Various filesystem types
Resilient File System (ReFS) overview
File System Functionality Comparison
exFAT file system specification
ext4 Data Structures and Algorithms
File system formats available in Disk Utility on Mac
Vendor life-cycle limitations
Overview of Windows as a service
Compatibility concerns between operating systems
Windows Compatibility Cookbook
File System Functionality Comparison
File system formats available in Disk Utility on Mac
1.2 Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse environment.
Boot methods
Boot to UEFI Mode or legacy BIOS mode
Install Windows from a Flash Drive
Boot to a virtual hard disk: Add a VHDX or VHD to the boot menu
Create installation media for Windows
Types of installations
Introduction to operating system deployment in Configuration Manager
Capture and apply a Windows image using a single .WIM file
Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
Add Device Drivers to Windows During Windows Setup
Partitioning
UEFI/GPT-based hard drive partitions
Convert a disk to GPT or MBR partition scheme
Drive format
File System Functionality Comparison
Upgrade considerations
Back up and restore with Windows Backup
Windows Compatibility Cookbook
Feature updates
Overview of Windows as a service
Get started with Windows Update
1.3 Compare and contrast basic features of Microsoft Windows editions.
Windows 10 editions
What’s new in Windows 10, version 22H2
Windows Commercial Licensing overview
Windows subscription activation
Windows 11 editions
Windows Commercial Licensing overview
N versions
Windows Commercial Licensing overview
Step by step guide: Configure a test lab to deploy Windows 10
Feature differences
Windows subscription activation
Enable Remote Desktop on your PC
Memory Limits for Windows and Windows Server Releases
Group Policy overview for Windows Server
Upgrade paths
Hardware requirements
Trusted Platform Module Technology Overview
United Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware requirements
1.4 Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows operating system features and tools.
Task Manager
Windows client troubleshooting
Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in
How to: View certificates with the MMC snap-in
Group Policy overview for Windows Server
Additional tools
How to use the System Configuration utility to troubleshoot configuration errors
Windows registry information for advanced users
1.5 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tools.
Navigation
Network
Disk management
File management
Informational
OS management
1.6 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows settings.
Internet Options
What is Internet Explorer (IE) mode?
Microsoft Edge Enterprise documentation
Microsoft Edge help & learning
Devices and Printers
Device and driver installation
Program and Features
Windows client troubleshooting
Network and Sharing Center
Windows client troubleshooting
Network Policy Server overview
System
Windows Defender Firewall
Configure rules with group policy
Configure rules with group policy
Clients and mobile in Exchange Online
Outlook Developer documentation
Sound
Audio Endpoint Builder Algorithm
User Accounts
Manage User Accounts in Windows
Device Manager
Device and driver installation
Indexing Options
Administrative Tools
Windows client troubleshooting
File Explorer Options
Windows client troubleshooting
Power Options
Ease of Access
Time and Language
Windows Time Service (W32Time)
Policy CSP – TimeLanguageSettings
Update and Security
Get started with Windows Update
Overview of Windows as a service
Stay protected with the Windows Security app
Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
Personalization
Apps
Policy CSP – ApplicationManagement
Windows application management
Privacy
Manage connections from Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating system components
System
Devices
Device and driver installation
Introduction to Bluetooth profile drivers
Network and Internet
Learn about supported driver types
Gaming
Game Development Kit (GDK) documentation
Accounts
Manage User Accounts in Windows
1.7 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop.
Domain joined vs. workgroup
Microsoft Entra joined devices
Active Directory Domain Services overview
What is SMB File Sharing for Windows and Windows Server?
Local OS firewall settings
Configure rules with group policy
Configure rules with group policy
Client network configuration
What is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server in Windows Server?
What is Domain Name System (DNS)?
Understand TCP/IP addressing and subnetting basics
Establish network connections
Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
Learn about supported driver types
Proxy settings
Public network vs. private network
File Explorer navigation–network paths
Naming Files, Paths, and Namespaces
What is SMB File Sharing for Windows and Windows Server?
Metered connections and limitations
Network communications in the background
NLM_CONNECTION_COST enumeration (netlistmgr.h)
1.8 Explain common features and tools of the macOS/desktop operating system.
Installation and uninstallation of applications
Install and uninstall apps from the internet or a disc on Mac
Open a Mac app from an unknown developer
System folders
Change permissions for files, folders or disks on Mac
Organise files in folders on Mac
Apple ID and corporate restrictions
Use Apple products on enterprise networks
Best practices
Back up your files with Time Machine on Mac
About Background Security Improvements for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Change Privacy & Security Advanced settings on Mac
System Preferences
Change Desktop & Dock settings on Mac
Add and manage printers on Mac
Back up your files with Time Machine on Mac
Control access to the camera on Mac
Features
Work in multiple spaces on Mac
Find what you need with Spotlight on Mac
Use Multi-Touch gestures on Mac
Continuity features and requirements for Apple devices
Disk Utility
File system formats available in Disk Utility on Mac
FileVault
Protect data on your Mac with FileVault
Change Privacy & Security Advanced settings on Mac
Terminal
Change permissions for files, folders or disks on Mac
Force Quit
How to force an app to quit on Mac
1.9 Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop operating system.
File management
Filesystem management
Administrative
sudoers(5) — Linux manual page
Package management
Network
traceroute(8) — Linux manual page
Informational
Text editors
Common configuration files
resolv.conf(5) — Linux manual page
OS components
systemd(1) — Linux manual page
The Linux kernel user’s and administrator’s guide
Root account
1.10 Given a scenario, install applications according to requirements.
System requirements for applications
Programming Guide for 64-bit Windows
Windows Compatibility Cookbook
Distribution methods
Capture and apply a Windows image using a single .WIM file
What is SMB File Sharing for Windows and Windows Server?
Windows application management
Impact considerations for new applications
Windows Compatibility Cookbook
Windows application management
1.11 Given a scenario, install and configure cloud-based productivity tools.
Email systems
Clients and mobile in Exchange Online
Storage
Sync your computer’s files and folders with OneDrive
Use Google Drive files offline
Collaboration tools
Introduction to Microsoft Teams for admins
Microsoft 365 for enterprise overview
Identity synchronization
Introduction to Microsoft Entra Connect V2
What is Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync?
Licensing assignment
Assign or unassign licenses for users in the Microsoft 365 admin center
Add users and assign licenses in Microsoft 365
Assign Microsoft 365 licenses to user accounts with PowerShell
Microsoft 365 admin center help
2.0 Security (28%)
2.1 Summarize various security measures and their purposes.
Physical security
Azure facilities, premises, and physical security
Zero Trust as a security foundation
Trusted Platform Module Technology Overview
Physical access security
Smart Card Technical Reference
How Windows Hello for Business works
About Face ID advanced technology
Use Touch ID on iPhone and iPad
Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID – passkeys (FIDO2)
Logical security
Zero Trust as a security foundation
How it works: Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication
How the Microsoft identity platform uses the SAML protocol
What is single sign-on in Microsoft Entra ID?
What is Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management?
Learn about data loss prevention
Identity and access management fundamental concepts
Active Directory Domain Services overview
2.2 Given a scenario, configure and apply basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.
Defender Antivirus
Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows Overview
Stay protected with the Windows Security app
Run and review the results of a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Firewall
Configure rules with group policy
Configure rules with group policy
User and groups
Manage User Accounts in Windows
Active Directory security groups
Log-in OS options
How Windows Hello for Business works
Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID – passkeys (FIDO2)
What is single sign-on in Microsoft Entra ID?
NTFS vs. share permissions
Run as administrator vs. standard user
How User Account Control works
User Account Control (UAC)
How User Account Control works
User Account Control settings and configuration
BitLocker
Encrypt Windows devices with BitLocker using Intune
BitLocker-To-Go
Encrypting File System (EFS)
Active Directory
Active Directory Domain Services overview
Group Policy overview for Windows Server
Folder Redirection and Roaming User Profiles in Windows and Windows Server
Active Directory security groups
Delegating Administration of Default Containers and OUs
2.3 Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.
Protocols and encryption
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points
Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) for network access
Authentication
Network Policy Server overview
Kerberos authentication overview in Windows Server
Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) for network access
How it works: Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication
2.4 Summarize types of malware and tools/methods for detection, removal, and prevention.
Malware
Understanding malware & other threats
How to protect against phishing attacks
Adware
Understanding malware & other threats
Detect and block potentially unwanted applications
Tools and methods
Overview of endpoint detection and response
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint overview
What is Microsoft Defender XDR?
Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows Overview
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 overview
Run and review the results of a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
Get started using Attack simulation training
2.5 Compare and contrast common social engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities.
Social engineering
How to protect against phishing attacks
Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages
Anti-phishing protection in cloud organizations
Get started using Attack simulation training
Zero Trust as a security foundation
Threats
What is Azure DDoS Protection?
Prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in ASP.NET Core
Learn about Insider Risk Management
Zero Trust as a security foundation
How to protect against phishing attacks
Vulnerabilities
Get started with Windows Update
Use compliance policies to set rules for devices you manage with Intune
Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows Overview
App Protection Policies Overview
2.6 Given a scenario, implement procedures for basic small office/home office (SOHO) malware removal.
Investigate and verify malware symptoms.
Understanding malware & other threats
Stay protected with the Windows Security app
What is Microsoft Defender XDR?
Quarantine infected system.
Take response actions on a device
Disable System Restore in Windows Home.
Remediate infected systems.
Run and review the results of a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows Overview
Update anti-malware software.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows Overview
Stay protected with the Windows Security app
Microsoft Defender Antivirus security intelligence and product updates
Scan and removal techniques (e.g., safe mode, preinstallation environment)
Run and review the results of a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
Reimage/reinstall.
Capture and apply a Windows image using a single .WIM file
Create installation media for Windows
Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
Schedule scans and run updates.
About scheduled quick or full Microsoft Defender Antivirus scans
Get started with Windows Update
Enable System Restore and create a restore point in Windows Home.
Educate the end user.
Get started using Attack simulation training
How to protect against phishing attacks
Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages
2.7 Given a scenario, apply workstation security options and hardening techniques.
Data-at-rest encryption
Protect data on your Mac with FileVault
Encrypt Windows devices with BitLocker using Intune
Password considerations
Password must meet complexity requirements
Basic input/output system (BIOS)/ Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) passwords
United Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware requirements
Trusted Platform Module Technology Overview
End-user best practices
Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit
Interactive logon: Machine account lockout threshold
Learn about data loss prevention
Account management
Accounts: Guest account status – security policy setting
Change default administrator’s user account/password
Accounts: Rename administrator account
Accounts: Administrator account status
Disable AutoRun
Enabling and Disabling AutoRun
Creating an AutoRun-enabled CD-ROM Application
Group Policy overview for Windows Server
Disable unused services
Guidance on disabling system services on Windows Server 2016
2.8 Given a scenario, apply common methods for securing mobile devices.
Hardening techniques
About Face ID advanced technology
Use Touch ID on iPhone and iPad
Help prevent others from using your device without permission
Patch management
Check & update your Android version
Use compliance policies to set rules for devices you manage with Intune
Endpoint security software
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint mobile threat defense on Android and iOS
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint mobile threat defense on Android and iOS
Web content filtering in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Use Google Play Protect to help keep your apps safe & your data private
Locator applications
Erase a device in Find Devices on iCloud.com
Find, secure, or erase a lost Android device
Be ready to find a lost Android device
Remote wipes
Erase a device in Find Devices on iCloud.com
Find, secure, or erase a lost Android device
Wipe devices with Microsoft Intune
Remote backup applications
Back up or restore data on your Android device
Failed log-in attempts restrictions
Help prevent others from using your device without permission
Use compliance policies to set rules for devices you manage with Intune
If your Apple Account is locked, not active, or disabled
Policies and procedures
App Protection Policies Overview
2.9 Compare and contrast common data destruction and disposal methods.
Physical destruction of hard drives
Data retention, deletion, and destruction in Microsoft 365
Guidelines for Media Sanitization
Azure customer data protection
Recycling or repurposing best practices
Wipe devices with Microsoft Intune
Outsourcing concepts
Data retention, deletion, and destruction in Microsoft 365
Guidelines for Media Sanitization
Azure customer data protection
Regulatory and environmental requirements
Electronics Donation and Recycling
General Data Protection Regulation
Guidelines for Media Sanitization
Data retention, deletion, and destruction in Microsoft 365
2.10 Given a scenario, apply security settings on SOHO wireless and wired networks.
Router settings
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points
Web content filtering in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Wireless specific
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points
Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) for network access
Firewall settings
Configure rules with group policy
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points
2.11 Given a scenario, configure relevant security settings in a browser.
Browser download/installation
Microsoft Edge Enterprise documentation
Browser patching
Microsoft Edge – Update policies
Microsoft Edge Enterprise documentation
Extensions and plug-ins
A detailed guide to configuring extensions using the ExtensionSettings policy
Password managers
Secure connections/sites–valid certificates
Check if a site’s connection is secure
Fix connection and loading errors in Chrome
Settings
Block or allow pop-ups in Chrome
Delete browsing data in Chrome
Delete, allow, and manage cookies in Chrome
Manage Chrome safety and security
Microsoft Edge Enterprise documentation
Browser feature management
A detailed guide to configuring extensions using the ExtensionSettings policy
Set Chrome browser policies on managed PCs
3.0 Software Troubleshooting (23%)
3.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS issues.
Blue screen of death (BSOD)
Troubleshooting Windows unexpected restarts and stop code errors
Analyze a kernel-mode dump file by using WinDbg
Degraded performance
Boot issues
Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
Frequent shutdowns
Windows client troubleshooting
Services not starting
Applications crashing
Low memory warnings
Memory Management (Memory Management)
How to determine the appropriate page file size for 64-bit versions of Windows
USB controller resource warnings
Device and driver installation
System instability
No OS found
Boot to UEFI Mode or legacy BIOS mode
Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
Slow profile load
Folder Redirection and Roaming User Profiles in Windows and Windows Server
Startup, shutdown, logon, and logoff scripts
Time drift
Windows Time Service (W32Time)
How the Windows Time Service works
Windows Time service tools and settings
3.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues.
Application fails to launch
Application fails to close/crashes
Application fails to update
Application fails to install
Download apps to your Android device
Slow to respond
OS fails to update
Check & update your Android version
Battery life issues
iPhone battery and performance
Monitor the Battery Level and Charging State
Random reboots
Connectivity issues
Near field communication (NFC) overview
Screen does not autorotate
3.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues.
Security concerns
Use Google Play Protect to help keep your apps safe & your data private
Configure on-device developer options
Common symptoms
Use Google Play Protect to help keep your apps safe & your data private
Download apps to your Android device
Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint mobile threat defense on Android and iOS
3.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues.
Common symptoms
Understanding malware & other threats
Stay protected with the Windows Security app
Run and review the results of a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
How to protect against phishing attacks
Get started with Windows Update
Browser-related symptoms
Block or allow pop-ups in Chrome
Fix connection and loading errors in Chrome
Delete, allow, and manage cookies in Chrome
Remove unwanted ads, pop-ups & malware
4.0 Operational Procedures (21%)
4.1 Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management.
Ticketing systems
Jira Service Management Cloud support
What is Jira Service Management?
Dynamics 365 Customer Service documentation
Asset management
Introduction to hardware inventory
Microsoft 365 admin center help
Types of documents
Jira Service Management Cloud support
Microsoft 365 admin center help
4.2 Given a scenario, apply change management procedures.
Documented business processes
Ready your Azure cloud operations
What is the Azure Backup service?
Hyper-V virtualization in Windows Server and Windows
Change management
Ready your Azure cloud operations
How to use maintenance windows in Configuration Manager
Manage Windows Update ring policies
Jira Service Management Cloud support
4.3 Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods.
Backup
What is the Azure Backup service?
Back up and restore with Windows Backup
Back up your files with Time Machine on Mac
Recovery
Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
Recover files from Azure virtual machine backup
Backup testing
What is the Azure Backup service?
Back up and restore with Windows Backup
Backup rotation schemes
What is the Azure Backup service?
Azure Backup architecture and components
Architecture strategies for disaster recovery
Back up your files with Time Machine on Mac
4.4 Given a scenario, use common safety procedures.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) straps
ESD mats
Electrical safety
1910.304 – Wiring design and protection.
Proper component handling and storage
Cable management
Antistatic bags
Compliance with government regulations
Hazard Communication – Overview
Personal safety
Eye and Face Protection – Overview
Respiratory Protection – Overview
4.5 Summarize environmental impacts and local environment controls.
Material safety data sheet (MSDS) documentation for handling and disposal
Hazard Communication – Overview
Electronics Donation and Recycling
Temperature, humidity-level awareness, and proper ventilation
Azure facilities, premises, and physical security
Power surges, brownouts, and blackouts
4.6 Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
Incident response
Microsoft Purview eDiscovery legacy solutions
Incidents and alerts in the Microsoft Defender portal
Incident response playbooks overview
Licensing/digital rights management (DRM)/ end-user license agreement (EULA)
Windows Commercial Licensing overview
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)/mutual non-disclosure agreement (MNDA)
Learn about data loss prevention
Learn about sensitivity labels
General Data Protection Regulation
Regulated data
General Data Protection Regulation
Learn about retention policies and retention labels
Learn about data loss prevention
Acceptable use policy (AUP)
Learn about data loss prevention
Use compliance policies to set rules for devices you manage with Intune
Regulatory and business compliance requirements
General Data Protection Regulation
Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager
4.7 Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.
Present a professional appearance and wear appropriate attire.
Microsoft’s brand voice: Above all, simple and human
Use proper language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and slang, when applicable.
Use simple words, concise sentences
Microsoft’s brand voice: Above all, simple and human
Maintain a positive attitude/project confidence.
Microsoft’s brand voice: Above all, simple and human
Top 10 tips for Microsoft style and voice
Actively listen and avoid interrupting the customer.
Microsoft’s brand voice: Above all, simple and human
Top 10 tips for Microsoft style and voice
Be culturally sensitive.
Be on time (if late, contact the customer).
Microsoft’s brand voice: Above all, simple and human
Top 10 tips for Microsoft style and voice
Avoid distractions.
Microsoft’s brand voice: Above all, simple and human
Top 10 tips for Microsoft style and voice
Appropriately deal with difficult customers or situations.
Microsoft’s brand voice: Above all, simple and human
Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with the customer.
Microsoft’s brand voice: Above all, simple and human
Top 10 tips for Microsoft style and voice
Appropriately handle customers’ confidential and private materials.
Learn about data loss prevention
General Data Protection Regulation
Learn about sensitivity labels
4.8 Explain the basics of scripting.
Script file types
Use cases for scripting
Other considerations when using scripts
4.9 Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.
Methods/tools
Enable Remote Desktop on your PC
Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
Use Remote Help with Microsoft Intune
Security considerations of each access method
Enable Remote Desktop on your PC
Zero Trust as a security foundation
4.10 Explain basic concepts related to artificial intelligence (AI).
Application integration
Policy
Transparency note for Azure OpenAI
Data, Privacy, and Security for Microsoft Copilot
Limitations
Transparency note for Azure OpenAI
Private vs. public
Data, Privacy, and Security for Microsoft Copilot
Data, privacy, and security for Models sold by Azure in Microsoft Foundry
Data, privacy, and security for Models sold by Azure in Microsoft Foundry
Wrapping Up CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
Work through each objective in this CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) study guide, read the linked documentation, and practice the tools hands-on until the topics feel familiar. Steady preparation across all four domains will help you approach exam day with confidence. You can also explore more CompTIA certification study guides on the CompTIA Certification Study Guides to keep building your skills. Have a question or tip? Leave a comment below.
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