Embedded Files
Your centralized toolkit for the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams.
Welcome to your study headquarters. This page provides a curated collection of study materials from reputable sources, including Professor Messer, Sybex, Dion Training, and Official CompTIA guides. Each resource is chosen to help you plan, review, and test your knowledge as you work toward your certification.
🛠 What’s in the Toolkit?
To maximize your efficiency, choose the material that best fits your current learning phase:
Exam Objectives: Your official technical "blueprint" for Core 1 and Core 2. Use these as a checklist to ensure you have covered every required topic.
Study Guides & Textbooks: Comprehensive learning packages like the Official CompTIA Guide and Dion Training Guide for deep foundational knowledge.
Professor Messer’s Course Notes: High-yield visual summaries that follow his video series, perfect for rapid review of complex diagrams.
Station X Cheat Sheet: A "last-mile" summary guide featuring high-yield tables, port numbers, and command-line syntax for quick memorization.
Study Plans: Step-by-step 30-day and 60-day schedules to help you organize your preparation and maintain consistent progress.
Practice Tests: Over 1,000 questions from Sybex and other sources to identify your weak areas and simulate the exam environment.
💡 Strategy for Success
Use this hub to plan your schedule, review key concepts through summarized notes, and test your readiness before your exam date. By comparing different sources, you can find the teaching style that works best for your strategy.
The Road to Certification Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Stay consistent, make small incremental gains, and you will have those certifications in due time. You’ve got this!
If you find additional resources that are helpful, please let me know so we can add them for the community!
The NotebookLM is one of the most powerful tools available
Interactive CompTIA NotebookLM Beyond just reading, you can now interact with these materials. A curated NotebookLM acts as a centralized knowledge base that pulls only from these materials where you can:
Interactive CompTIA NotebookLM Beyond just reading, you can now interact with these materials. A curated NotebookLM acts as a centralized knowledge base that pulls only from these materials where you can:
Summarize dense chapters from the Official Guide.
Quiz you on specific concepts
Compare different expert perspectives (Messer vs. Dion vs. Meyer It serves as a centralized knowledge base for summarizing chapters from the Official Guide, comparing expert perspectives (Messer vs.Dion vs. Meyers), generating custom quizzes based specifically on the exam objectives, and listening to 'Deep Dive' audio overviews of tricky technical concepts.s)
Generate custom quizzes based specifically on the exam objectives.
Listen to "Deep Dive" audio overviews of tricky technical concepts.
https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/946c9a5f-fa43-408e-9df8-869cab7d1fe2
Pro Tips
Interact with the Documents You don’t have to just read these—you can study with it. Click the "Open in new tab" icon (top right corner of the document viewer) to view the full PDF. From there, you can use AI tools to:
Quiz Me: Ask the AI to generate 10 multiple-choice questions based on a specific domain.
Explain at 9th grade reading leve: Highlight a complex term like "RAID" or "Virtualization" and ask for a simple breakdown.
Identify Blind Spots: Ask the AI, "What are the most common troubleshooting steps for this objective?"
comptia-a-220-1201-exam-objectives-(2-0) (1).pdfCompTIA A+ Certification
Exam Objectives
Core 1 (220-1201)
CompTIA A+ Certification
Exam Objectives
Core 1 (220-1201)
What it is: The Official CompTIA Core 1 Exam Objectives is where you should start and end your preparation. The Exam Objectives are the definitive legal and technical boundary of the exam. Created by CompTIA's subject matter experts, it defines the "Minimum Standard of Competence" required for a passing candidate. It is a formal inventory of every terminal command, security setting, and operational procedure that CompTIA is licensed to test you on. If a term or technology is not listed in this document, it will not appear as a scored question on your exam.
How it is different: Unlike the Study Guide or Practice Tests, this contains zero study material. It is a strict list of bullet points grouped into 5 domains: Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization/Cloud, and Troubleshooting. It defines the "infrastructure" side of IT—physical parts, cables, and the connectivity that makes them work.
What it is good for: Tracking your progress. It is the only way to ensure you haven't missed any "hidden" topics before you go to the testing center. If you can't look at a bullet point on this list and explain it to someone else, you aren't ready for the exam yet.
New in 1201: Compared to the older 1101, this version adds modern topics like Windows 11, Wi-Fi 6, more advanced cloud virtualization, and an increased focus on cybersecurity basics for entry-level tech roles.
Exam Objectives 1202 CompTIA Core 2.pdfCompTIA A+ Certification
Exam Objectives
Core 2 (220-1202)
CompTIA A+ Certification
Exam Objectives
Core 2 (220-1202)
What it is: This is where you start and end. It is the definitive legal and technical boundary of the exam. Created by CompTIA's subject matter experts, it defines the "Minimum Standard of Competence" required for a passing candidate. It is a formal inventory of every terminal command, security setting, and operational procedure that CompTIA is licensed to test you on. If a term or technology is not listed in this document, it will not appear as a scored question on your exam
How it is different: Unlike the Core 1 objectives which focus on hardware and infrastructure, this list is all about the software ecosystem. It is a strict list of bullet points grouped into 4 domains: Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures. It swaps out "parts and cables" for things like malware removal, privacy settings, and command-line mastery.
What it is good for: This is your final audit. It is the only way to prove you have actually hit every required topic before you pay for the voucher. Use it to find your blind spots in "soft skills" or "what would you do first?" scenarios that often trip people up on the Core 2 exam.If you can't look at a bullet point on this list and explain it to someone else, you aren't ready for the exam yet.
New in 1202: Compared to the older 1101, this version adds modern topics like Windows 11, Wi-Fi 6, more advanced cloud virtualization, and an increased focus on cybersecurity basics for entry-level tech roles.
Core-1-and-Core-2-Study-Guide-Exams-220-1101-220-1102 OFFICIAL COMPTIA.pdfThe Official CompTIA A+
Study Guide
Core 1 and Core 2
(Exams 220-1101& 220-1102)
The Official CompTIA A+
Study Guide
Core 1 and Core 2
(Exams 220-1101& 220-1102)
Official CompTIA A+ Study Guide (Self-Study)
What it is: The Official CompTIA A+ Study Guide is designed as a comprehensive learning package for self-motivated individuals who prefer a flexible way to prepare for the certification. It provides the background knowledge and skills required to be a successful technician by covering all Core 1 and Core 2 exam objectives.
What it is good for: Developing deep foundational knowledge through lesson-based learning. It is ideal for learners who need a structured approach to understand complex IT topics like hardware configuration, networking, and virtualization.
What it includes: Lessons targeting key exam objectives, a glossary of essential terms, and realistic scenarios to elevate expertise. Many versions also provide access to a test engine for customized quizzes and chapter review questions.
The Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 Student Guide.pdfThe Official CompTIA A+ Student Guide Textbook
The Official CompTIA A+ Student Guide Textbook
What it is: Official CompTIA A+ Student Guide (Instructor-Led)
The Official CompTIA A+ Student Guide is specifically developed by CompTIA for candidates in an academic or training setting. While it teaches the same essential skills—such as troubleshooting, mobile devices, and security—it is structured differently for use in a classroom.
What it is good for: Use in a classroom or guided training environment. It is particularly effective for those who benefit from structured lessons and instructor guidance.
Key Differences: The Student Guide typically presents solutions in an appendix, whereas the Instructor Guide might present them inline. It is rigorously evaluated by third-party experts to ensure complete coverage of exam objectives for formal educational use.
Sybex Complete Study Guide.pdfSybex Complete Practice Test
Core 1 & Core 2
Sybex Complete Practice Test
Core 1 & Core 2
What it is: The Sybex CompTIA A+ Complete Practice Tests is a dedicated assessment tool consisting of hundreds of domain-by-domain practice questions. This book is not meant for teaching foundational theory; instead, it is designed to evaluate your retention of information you have already studied.
What it is good for: The final stages of exam preparation to measure and improve test readiness. It helps you identify weak spots by testing your knowledge against 1,500 practice questions that mirror the actual exam's difficulty.
What it includes: Access to a Sybex online test bank with full-length practice exams and electronic flashcards. Questions cover all domains, including hardware troubleshooting, networking, and security.
STATION X Cheat-Sheet CompTIA A+.pdfStation X Cheat Sheet
Station X Cheat Sheet
What it is: A "last-mile" summary guide that simplifies nearly 1,000 pages of textbook material into high-yield tables, diagrams, and definitions.
How it is different: Unlike the Study Guide (which explains "why") or the Practice Tests (which test your application), this focuses on memorization. It lists specific hardware specs, port numbers, and command-line syntax in a "quick-look" format.
What it is good for: Refreshing your memory on "tricky" details that are easy to forget, such as RAID levels, SATA revisions, CPU sockets, and networking protocols. It is perfect for studying during a commute or in the final hours before entering the testing center.
professor-messer-comptia-220-1201-a-plus-course-notes-v120.pdfProfessor Messer's CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 Course Notes
Professor Messer's CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 Course Notes
What it is: A visual companion guide. It takes the hundreds of hours of video content and condenses them into a single, easy-to-scan PDF filled with high-resolution images, tables, and configuration settings.
How it is different: Unlike the StationX Cheat Sheet (which is just text/tables) or the Sybex Practice Tests (which are questions), this is a visual map. It follows the exact order of the exam objectives, making it the perfect bridge between watching videos and reading a massive textbook.
What it is good for: Rapidly reviewing visual concepts. It is the best resource for memorizing things you need to see to understand, like cable connector types, motherboard components, and step-by-step troubleshooting workflows.
professor-messer-comptia-220-1202-a-plus-course-notes-v13.pdfProfessor Messer’s CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Core 2 Course Notes
Professor Messer’s CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Core 2 Course Notes
What it is: A visual companion guide for the software and operational side of the A+ certification. It condenses the entire Core 2 video series into a high-density PDF filled with command-line syntax, security configurations, and operating system workflows.
What it is: A visual companion guide for the software and operational side of the A+ certification. It condenses the entire Core 2 video series into a high-density PDF filled with command-line syntax, security configurations, and operating system workflows.
How it is different: Unlike the Core 1 notes which focus on physical hardware, this guide is a visual map of the software ecosystem. It follows the exact order of the CompTIA objectives, bridging the gap between watching the training videos and applying those concepts in a real-world software environment.
How it is different: Unlike the Core 1 notes which focus on physical hardware, this guide is a visual map of the software ecosystem. It follows the exact order of the CompTIA objectives, bridging the gap between watching the training videos and applying those concepts in a real-world software environment.
What it is good for: Rapidly reviewing logical concepts. It is the most effective resource for memorizing the specific steps for malware removal, Windows features, and the precise command-line switches for Linux and macOS that are frequently tested on the exam.
What it is good for: Rapidly reviewing logical concepts. It is the most effective resource for memorizing the specific steps for malware removal, Windows features, and the precise command-line switches for Linux and macOS that are frequently tested on the exam.
CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Core 2 Study Guide.pdfThe Dion Training Core 1 (220-1201) Study Guide
The Dion Training Core 1 (220-1201) Study Guide
What it is: A high-density instructional guide that serves as a final technical audit. It bypasses the deep historical context found in academic textbooks to focus strictly on the specific facts and variables required to meet the 220-1201 passing score.
What it is: A high-density instructional guide that serves as a final technical audit. It bypasses the deep historical context found in academic textbooks to focus strictly on the specific facts and variables required to meet the 220-1201 passing score.
How it is different: This guide is built for tactical precision. It emphasizes the "Dion Method" of recognizing key phrasing within questions to quickly eliminate distractors. It ensures your brain is tuned to select the "best" answer according to CompTIA’s specific standards rather than just general industry experience.
What it is good for: A comprehensive final sweep before your exam date. It is the ideal resource for verifying you have zero gaps in your knowledge of hardware specs and networking protocols, and for mastering the logical elimination process needed to navigate complex, wordy exam questions.
Study Guide 1202 Dion Training 220-1202 Core 2.pdfThe Dion Training CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Study Guide
The Dion Training CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Study Guide
What it is: A high-density instructional guide that serves as a final technical audit for the second half of the A+ certification. It bypasses the deep historical context found in academic textbooks to focus strictly on the specific software, security, and operational facts required to meet the 220-1202 passing score.
How it is different: This guide is built for tactical precision in a software environment. It emphasizes the logical elimination of "distractor" answers by ensuring your brain is tuned to select the "best" technical solution for OS troubleshooting and security configurations according to CompTIA’s specific standards.
What it is good for: A comprehensive final sweep before your Core 2 exam date. It is the ideal resource for verifying you have zero gaps in your knowledge of command-line syntax, malware removal procedures, and operational best practices, ensuring you are fully prepared for every objective on the Core 2 exam.
A+ 1201 Study Plan.pdfCompTIA A+ 220-1201 Core 1
Study Plan
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Core 1
Study Plan
What it is: A structured roadmap and strategy guide designed to manage your certification timeline. It breaks down the high volume of A+ material into manageable daily objectives, offering both 30-day and 60-day schedules based on your prior experience level.
What it is: A structured roadmap and strategy guide designed to manage your certification timeline. It breaks down the high volume of A+ material into manageable daily objectives, offering both 30-day and 60-day schedules based on your prior experience level.
How it is different: Unlike technical guides, this document focuses on the behavior and science of learning. It provides specific tactics for managing your attention span (typically 20–30 minutes), using "brain dumps" during the exam, and leveraging flashcards and rewards to maintain discipline.
How it is different: Unlike technical guides, this document focuses on the behavior and science of learning. It provides specific tactics for managing your attention span (typically 20–30 minutes), using "brain dumps" during the exam, and leveraging flashcards and rewards to maintain discipline.
What it is good for: Building the organizational framework needed to stay consistent. It is the ideal tool for tracking which technical objectives you have mastered and knowing exactly how much to study each day to be exam-ready by your target date
What it is good for: Building the organizational framework needed to stay consistent. It is the ideal tool for tracking which technical objectives you have mastered and knowing exactly how much to study each day to be exam-ready by your target date
Study Plan 1202.pdfCompTIA A+ 220-1202 Core 2
Study Plan
CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Core 2
Study Plan
What it is: A structured roadmap and strategy guide designed to manage your certification timeline for the second half of the A+. It breaks down the software, security, and operational objectives into manageable daily goals, offering both 30-day and 60-day schedules.
How it is different: Unlike technical guides, this document focuses on the behavior and science of learning. It provides specific tactics for managing your attention span (typically 20–30 minutes), utilizing "brain dumps" for command-line syntax, and leveraging flashcards to maintain discipline during the software-heavy Core 2 prep.
What it is good for: Building the organizational framework needed to stay consistent. It is the ideal tool for tracking which software troubleshooting and security objectives you have mastered and knowing exactly how much to study each day to be exam-ready by your target date.
Exam Hacks professor-messer v107a - Copy.pdfExam Hacks
Exam Hacks
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse