CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (220-1201/1202), Twelfth Edition

Product Overview

The CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Twelfth Edition covers everything you need to know to pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) exams. Glen E. Clarke and Edward Tetz wrote this edition to the current objectives.

Total Seminars is the leading authority on CompTIA A+ certification and training. We have helped hundreds of thousands of people pass the CompTIA A+ exams, and now we can help you too.

Choose the format that suits how you study. The book is available as an eBook, as a softcover, or as a combo that gives you both.

• Covers both CompTIA A+ exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)
• Formats: eBook, softcover, or eBook + softcover combo
• Sample TotalTester practice tests: a starter question bank covering Core 1 and Core 2
• Sample video: more than one hour of video training
• Sample TotalSims: 20+ performance-based interactive simulations
• Additional online content: a curated collection of favorite PC tools and utilities
• eBook access: three years from the date of purchase, via the Total Seminars Training Hub

Certification Alignment

CompTIA A+ requires you to pass two separate exams. This book covers the official domains of both.

Core 1 (220-1201)

• Mobile Devices (13%) — hardware, accessories, connectivity, and mobile device management
• Networking (23%) — ports and protocols, wireless standards, hardware, and SOHO configuration
• Hardware (25%) — cables, RAM, storage, motherboards, CPUs, power, and printers
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%) — hypervisors, virtual machines, and cloud models
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%) — diagnosing hardware, display, mobile, network, and printer faults

Core 2 (220-1202)

• Operating Systems (28%) — Windows, macOS, Linux, command line, and installation
• Security (28%) — malware, social engineering, authentication, and workstation hardening
• Software Troubleshooting (23%) — operating system, application, and malware removal scenarios
• Operational Procedures (21%) — safety, documentation, change management, and professionalism

Core 1 passes at 675 and Core 2 at 700, each on a scale of 100 to 900. Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions and runs 90 minutes.

Career Impact

A+ is the recognized starting point for a career in IT support, and most employers treat it as the entry credential.

• Prepares you for roles such as IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, and Field Service Technician
• Also fits Desktop Support Analysts and Technical Support Specialists
• Maps to NICE and DoD 8140 work roles, which many government and contractor positions require
• Leads naturally to CompTIA Network+ and Security+ as your next certifications

The book doubles as an on-the-job reference once you are certified, so it keeps earning its place on your desk.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this book, you can do the following.

• Install and configure core hardware, including CPUs, RAM, motherboards, power supplies, and storage.
• Navigate and administer Windows, macOS, and Linux, including the command-line interface.
• Create and manage users, groups, and file permissions.
• Configure networking settings, troubleshoot connectivity, and set up SOHO networks.
• Set up and secure mobile devices, printers, and multifunction devices.
• Apply endpoint security practices and follow standard operational procedures.
• Answer both multiple-choice and performance-based questions under exam conditions.

Prerequisites

There is no prerequisite certification for A+. CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support role, though that is a guideline rather than a requirement.

The book builds from foundational concepts, so beginners can follow it from the first chapter. To read the eBook and use the sample TotalTester and TotalSims content, you need a computer running Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux.

Delivery Options

• eBook: start studying today with a three-year subscription to your eBook copy. Access each chapter 24 hours a day, seven days a week, exclusively on the Total Seminars Training Hub. You save on study materials and shipping, and you get immediate access to your other Training Hub materials as you read.
• Softcover: the printed book, shipped to you. You’ll receive a separate shipping confirmation.
• eBook + softcover combo: both formats, so you can read online and mark up a physical copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with this book?

You get the full CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Twelfth Edition in your chosen format. Your purchase also includes a sample TotalTester question bank covering Core 1 and Core 2, more than an hour of sample video training, 20+ sample TotalSims simulations, and a curated collection of PC tools and utilities.

Which edition is this, and which exams does it cover?

This is the Twelfth Edition, written to the current 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) exam objectives.

Can I get this book in print?

Yes. Choose the softcover, or the combo if you want both the printed book and the eBook.

How long do I have access to the eBook?

Three years from the date of purchase, through the Total Seminars Training Hub.

Can I download the eBook?

No. You read it online at the Total Seminars Training Hub, where you can access each chapter 24 hours a day.

What devices can I use to read the eBook?

The eBook works on any device with a web browser — no special software required. The sample TotalTester and TotalSims content needs a computer running Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux.

Do I need to pass two exams to get A+ certified?

Yes. CompTIA A+ requires both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions and lasts 90 minutes. Core 1 passes at 675 and Core 2 at 700.

Is this book aligned to the latest exam version?

Yes. The Twelfth Edition aligns to the current 220-1201 and 220-1202 objectives and covers all nine domains across the two exams.

Can I use this for classroom or multi-user training?

Single-user licenses cover individual use only. Therefore, they are not valid for classroom instruction. For volume licensing, call 877-687-2768 for discounted multi-user pricing.

What happens after I purchase?

You’ll receive an order confirmation email immediately. For the eBook, a second email arrives with your Total Seminars Training Hub login. For the softcover or combo, you’ll also receive a shipping confirmation when your book goes out. If nothing arrives within 30 minutes, check your spam folder or contact support@totalsem.com.

Educators

Please call 877-687-2768 for discounted multi-user pricing. Single-user licenses are not valid for classroom use.

Order Process

• You’ll receive an email confirming your order.
• eBook access: log in at hub.totalsem.com — works on any device with a web browser, no special software required.
• Softcover and combo orders: your physical book ships separately, and you’ll receive a shipping confirmation.
• eBook access duration: three years from the date of purchase.
• Questions? Contact support@totalsem.com.