Skip to content
CBT Nuggets
DemoBook a Demo

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)

Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 exam with expert-led training, unlimited practice exams, and virtual labs. Build real-world IT support skills across Windows 11, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with expanded focus on OS management, cloud productivity tools, file systems (ReFS, XFS), UEFI/TPM, hybrid deployments, and command-line utilities like whoami and sfc. This course dives into Zero Trust security, passwordless authentication, MDM, DLP, EPP/EDR, and protection against email-based threats and fileless malware. You'll also cover software troubleshooting, ticketing systems, and operational best practices. Prepare to sit the 220-1202 exam with confidence and level up your IT career.

Updated October 2025

49Skills
288Videos
18Virtual Labs
1Practice Exam
49hTotal

Who This Course Is For

This course is built for newcomers to IT looking to land their first job in tech support or desktop support. It’s ideal for career changers, self-taught learners, or students who want a practical, credentialed path into the field. You don’t need a degree or prior experience, just a willingness to learn.

Skills Your Team Will Gain

  • Installing and configuring Windows and macOS features
  • Troubleshooting malware and mobile device issues
  • Using Microsoft command-line tools for diagnostics
  • Applying SOHO network security settings
  • Performing basic scripting and automation tasks
  • Using remote access and backup technologies

Course Curriculum

One skill is free to watch — no signup needed. The other 48 premium skills unlock for your whole team with a CBT Nuggets plan.

Free skill preview

Documentation and Support Systems

Bob SalmansDuration: 56m11 videos

Watch this complete skill free — the same trainer, videos, and labs your team gets with a plan.

Watch free skill
  • Premium skill.Mobile Operating Systems45m · 10 videos
  • Premium skill.Workstation Operating Systems: ChromeOS and Linux56m · 15 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Workstation Operating Systems: macOS and Windows1h 9m · 15 videos
  • Premium skill.OS Installation Methods51m · 11 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Installation Types54m · 15 videos
  • Premium skill.Windows Editions and Recovery50m · 10 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Task Manager, MMC, Performance Monitor1h 9m · 9 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Additional Windows MMC and Administrative Tools1h 6m · 11 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Additional Windows Tools1h 4m · 14 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Microsoft Command-Line Tools: Disk & File53m · 11 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Microsoft Command-Line: Identification and Policy54m · 8 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Microsoft Command-Line: Network Tools1h 3m · 12 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Configure Windows Settings: Part 11h 4m · 14 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Configure Windows Settings: Part 21h 4m · 15 videos
  • Premium skill.Windows Networking: IP, Workgroup, Domain1h 17m · 14 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Networking: Shares and VPN Connections1h 1m · 12 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Networking: WWAN/Cellular, Proxy, Firewall1h 18m · 12 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.macOS Overview and Features59m · 11 videos
  • Premium skill.macOS Preferences54m · 13 videos
  • Premium skill.Disk Management, Terminal, System Folders58m · 16 videos
  • Premium skill.Applications, iCloud, Apple ID, Best Practices46m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Linux Features and Tools48m · 12 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.More Linux Features and Tools1h 18m · 12 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Install Applications60m · 13 videos
  • Premium skill.Cloud-Based Productivity Tools1h 16m · 16 videos
  • Premium skill.Physical Security and Access57m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Logical Security48m · 7 videos
  • Premium skill.Security: Antivirus, Accounts, UAC1h 16m · 12 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Login Options, Share and NTFS Permissions59m · 8 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Understand Encryption and Active Directory1h 13m · 13 videos · 1 lab
  • Premium skill.Wireless Security and Authentication49m · 13 videos
  • Premium skill.Malware Types and Detection50m · 9 videos
  • Premium skill.Malware Tools, Methods, and Removal49m · 11 videos
  • Premium skill.Social Engineering, Data Destruction and Disposal56m · 11 videos
  • Premium skill.Threats and Vulnerabilities54m · 13 videos
  • Premium skill.Workstation Security and Hardening1h 5m · 13 videos
  • Premium skill.Secure Mobile Devices1h 1m · 11 videos
  • Premium skill.Configure Wi-Fi Networks52m · 13 videos
  • Premium skill.Browser Security Settings1h 4m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Troubleshoot Windows OS: Tools and Guidelines56m · 9 videos
  • Premium skill.Troubleshoot Windows (and Mobile): Part 11h 12m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Troubleshoot Windows: Part 21h 11m · 13 videos
  • Documentation and Support SystemsFree56m · 11 videos
  • Premium skill.Change Management & Environmental Impacts52m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Backup Part 147m · 11 videos
  • Premium skill.Backup Part 2 and Safety Procedures57m · 17 videos
  • Premium skill.Incident Response, Privacy and Remote Access1h · 11 videos
  • Premium skill.Scripting Basics and AI Concepts57m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Communication and Professionalism60m · 17 videos
Want to browse the locked skills?
with no purchase required. Already have an account?

An account gets you the full catalog to browse, pre-assessments, quiz questions on free skills, and IT Trainerbot, with every answer citing its source video.

Certification

A+

The CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level certification that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in areas such as hardware, software, networking, and security. It is designed for individuals who are new to the IT industry or t...

Exam Core 1: 220-1201, Core 2: 220 1202Level EntryDifficulty BeginnerCost 265 USD per exam
HardwareNetworkingMobile DevicesTroubleshootingVirtualizationCloud Computing
Official certification page

Put this course to work for your team

Every plan includes this course plus the full library, virtual labs, and practice exams — or talk it through with sales.

For IT leaders

What IT leaders need to know before assigning this course

Endpoint support risk grows when teams troubleshoot Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, mobile devices, networking, and security issues inconsistently. IT Directors and Training Managers can assign this beginner-level CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) course to help new help desk, desktop support, and field support staff build a shared baseline for operating system support, secure configuration, malware response, and user access tasks.

The listed curriculum represents about 40 hours of training before the additional skills, so Team Leads can roll it out over several weeks as part of onboarding or certification prep. The course is best suited for entry-level IT Practitioners or cross-training teams that need repeatable support practices across mixed endpoint environments. CBT Nuggets Practice Exams and Virtual Labs support exam readiness and hands-on reinforcement, while Playlists and Team Reporting help managers assign training and monitor progress.

Team Impact

How this training helps your team succeed

IT teams complete this training to reduce escalations on everyday endpoint issues and standardize support across common operating systems and security workflows.

  • Faster workstation support: Team members practice concepts tied to Windows editions and recovery, OS installation methods, Task Manager, MMC, Performance Monitor, and command-line tools for disk, file, policy, and network troubleshooting.
  • Better mixed-OS coverage: Help desk staff build familiarity with ChromeOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and mobile operating systems so fewer tickets require specialist handoff.
  • Stronger endpoint security habits: The curriculum covers physical and logical security, antivirus, accounts, UAC, permissions, encryption, wireless authentication, browser settings, and workstation hardening.
  • More consistent incident response: Malware types, detection, removal methods, social engineering, data destruction, and disposal topics help teams handle common security events with less guesswork.

After completion

Capabilities your team walks away with

Knowledge

  • Core features and support considerations for Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and mobile operating systems.
  • OS installation methods, installation types, Windows editions, and recovery concepts.
  • Windows administrative tools, including Task Manager, MMC, Performance Monitor, and related management utilities.
  • Security concepts for accounts, permissions, encryption, antivirus, wireless authentication, browser settings, and workstation hardening.
  • Common malware types, social engineering risks, and secure data destruction and disposal practices.

Ability

  • Support and troubleshoot operating system issues using Windows GUI tools and command-line utilities.
  • Configure Windows settings, networking, shares, VPN connections, proxy settings, firewalls, and Wi-Fi networks.
  • Navigate macOS preferences, disk management, Terminal, system folders, applications, iCloud, and Apple ID-related support tasks.
  • Apply Linux tools and install applications across supported workstation environments.
  • Secure mobile devices, user accounts, shared resources, and endpoint configurations using practical support workflows.

Readiness check

Confirm prerequisite knowledge before training begins

A short placement assessment on the CBT Nuggets assessments platform measures whether a learner already has the foundation this course assumes. IT Directors use it to put the right people in the right training — and any learner can take it right now to make sure they'll get full value from day one.

  • Questions generated from this course's own video transcripts — what gets measured is exactly what gets taught
  • Instant, per-learner results that show whether the prerequisite foundation is in place
  • Results roll up into team readiness reporting, so training hours go where they change outcomes
Runs on assessments.cbtnuggets.com — sign in with an Adept account so results roll up into team readiness reporting. Need one?
.

If gaps show up, start here

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)

Build a foundation in IT with this expert-led CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) training. This course includes an A+ Core 1 practice test, study guide, and virtual labs to make sure you're confident on exam day. You’ll learn how to troubleshoot PCs, confi...

~37h

This course is included with every subscription

Unlock this one course, or get one learner — or your whole team — access to all 287 courses, virtual labs, and practice exams.

Course Unlock

Just need this course?

$299one time

No subscription

One year of access to A+ Core 2

  • Every skill in this course
  • Its virtual labs and practice exam
  • Ask IT Trainerbot about it — free

CBT Nuggets Individual

IT Trainerbot Pro

$49per month

Billed annually

Every course, for one learner

See Individual pricing
For IT teams

CBT Nuggets Teams

IT Trainerbot for Teams

$59per seat / mo

Billed annually

From 1 learner seat · unlimited admin seats

Checking your access

Need tenant hosting, reseller terms, or payment plans on a larger agreement? Book a Demo to discuss an Enterprise contract.

See plans and pricing for your team

Trusted by 23,000+ organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take the A+?

Anyone starting a career in IT support or help desk roles should take the A+. It’s designed for people with little to no professional experience who want to prove they can troubleshoot basic hardware, software, and security problems in real-world environments. It’s also a great first-time cert for anyone who just wants to get started on earning IT credentials.

How much does it cost to earn the A+?

Each A+ exam costs $253, and you need to pass two exams to earn the cert. That means the A+ costs at least $506, assuming you don’t pay for any courses, retakes, or prep materials. You only get one chance at each exam, so paying for a course to make sure you can pass on your first attempt often pays for itself.

Does earning the A+ cert pay well?

The A+ certification is an entry-level cert that qualifies you for entry-level jobs, so you won’t be making much more than $40K - $60K in the jobs you land once you earn it. But the A+ is an excellent first step toward earning more advanced certifications and getting promoted to higher paying positions. It also makes your resume stand out from a stack of applications.

Is the 220-1202 exam hard?

The A+ exams aren’t especially difficult with the right preparation, but they do cover a lot of material. Plus, the A+ certification is vendor-agnostic, which means you learn skills that can be applied to any hardware manufacturer or software provider. That might sound like it means the tests are easier, but actually they can be even more challenging, since you have to prove a total understanding of the technology.

Is the CompTIA A+ worth it?

Yes, the A+ certification is definitely worth it. It’s great for new IT employees who want to break into IT but don’t have any formal experience or a degree. A+ proves you can handle frontline tech issues and sets you up for more advanced roles and certs like Network+, Security+, or CCNA.

Ready to upskill your team?

Talk to our sales team to find the right plan for your organization.