New 220-1201 and 220-1202 Exams Available Replace 220-1101 and 220-1102

News for CompTIA A+ candidates, CompTIA has announced the release of its new A+ certification exams: 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2), which officially replace the current 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams. The new series of exams, launched in March 2025, continues CompTIA's tradition of staying current with rapidly evolving technology standards and industry requirements.

What's New in the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 Exams?

Similar to their predecessors, the new exams focus on essential skills required for IT professionals:

●220-1201 (Core 1) covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing.

●220-1202 (Core 2) addresses operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures.

CompTIA A+ Exams Details

●Each exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions, featuring multiple-choice (single and multiple responses), drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions.

●Candidates have 90 minutes to complete each exam.

●Passing scores remain the same: 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2 (on a scale of 900).

Recommended Experience

CompTIA recommends 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience either in the lab or the field before attempting these exams. This ensures candidates possess practical knowledge essential for troubleshooting and managing today's complex IT environments.

Languages and Availability

Initially available in English, German, and Japanese, the new exams aim to accommodate a broad audience globally. While the retirement date for the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams typically occurs approximately three years after their release, exact dates remain to be announced.

Transition from 220-1101 and 220-1102

The outgoing 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams will officially retire on September 25, 2025, for English and on December 20, 2025, for all other languages. Candidates currently studying for the older exams should plan to complete their certifications by these deadlines to avoid needing to transition to the newer exams.

CompTIA A+ Certification Benefits

Earning the CompTIA A+ certification significantly enhances career opportunities, making candidates more competitive for roles such as Technical Support Specialist, System Administrator, Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist, Help Desk Analyst, IT Support Technician, and Network Technician. CompTIA A+ certification is also recognized globally as a benchmark of foundational IT skills, helping candidates secure roles in diverse industries such as healthcare, finance, education, government, and private enterprises. Additionally, it is compliant with DoD 8140, making it an ideal certification for those pursuing IT careers within government and defense sectors.

220-1201 and 220-1202 Exam Preparation Tips

Understand the Exam Objectives: Thoroughly review CompTIA’s official exam objectives to understand the scope and depth of the required knowledge.

Hands-on Practice: Engage in practical labs and real-world scenarios to gain practical experience with hardware, software, and network troubleshooting.

Utilize Official Resources: Consider using CompTIA's official study guides, practice exams, and e-learning platforms to reinforce your understanding.

Join Study Groups: Collaborate with peers in study groups or online forums to discuss challenging concepts and exchange study tips.

Regular Revision: Frequently revisit your study notes and practice problems to ensure retention and deep understanding of exam material.