As the IT world keeps updating, so does the CompTIA A+ certification, a foundational credential for anyone starting a career in IT support. The release of the new CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams marks a shift toward today’s most relevant and in-demand skills, including cybersecurity, automation, and remote support.
If you're preparing to break into the IT field, here's what you need to know about the changes, the investment required, and what kind of opportunities await after certification.
What’s New in the A+ 220-1201/1202 Exams?
The A+ certification has always tested the core skills needed by entry-level IT professionals. But the 220-1201 and 220-1202 updates reflect a changing industry, one where cloud-based solutions, security threats, and hybrid work environments are the norm.
Here are the major updates, set to release in September 2025.
Expanded Cybersecurity Coverage
The updated exams include more in-depth questions about threat detection, secure access protocols, and endpoint management, emphasizing the critical role IT support professionals play in protecting organizational data.
Test-takers will need to understand concepts such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), zero trust security models, and how to identify and report phishing attempts. This reflects the reality that frontline IT workers are often the first line of defense against cyberattacks.
By strengthening the cybersecurity portion of the A+ certification, CompTIA ensures that certified professionals are better prepared to respond to today’s escalating threat landscape.
Increased Focus on Remote Support and Cloud Computing
With remote work now standard in many organizations, the exams test knowledge of virtual machines, cloud storage, and support tools for remote users, such as VPNs and collaboration platforms. Candidates are expected to be comfortable with concepts like remote desktop services, cloud-based software deployment, and managing distributed teams' IT needs.
As businesses continue to adopt hybrid and remote models, IT professionals must be adept at diagnosing and resolving technical issues from afar, often without direct access to user devices. The updated A+ ensures that new tech support workers can thrive in this decentralized environment.
Automation and Scripting Awareness
Candidates are now expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of how scripting and automation can streamline IT workflows and improve efficiency. While the exam doesn’t require full scripting fluency, familiarity with tools like PowerShell, Bash, and Python is increasingly important.
For example, learners might be asked to recognize simple scripts used to automate routine tasks like system updates, user account provisioning, or network diagnostics. This shift reflects the growing demand for IT staff who can reduce manual work and support scalable, repeatable processes using automation.
More Emphasis on Troubleshooting and Operational Procedures
The exams place greater focus on real-world problem-solving, including scenarios related to mobile devices, software, hardware, and networks. This includes diagnosing blue screen errors, troubleshooting Wi-Fi connectivity, and resolving issues with operating system updates.
In addition, candidates must understand operational best practices such as documentation, ticketing systems, escalation protocols, and change management. The goal is to ensure that new IT professionals are not only technically competent but also able to function effectively within structured support environments and follow industry-standard procedures.
These changes better align the certification with what IT professionals are doing every day in entry-level roles, especially in help desk and tech support jobs.
Still Covered in CompTIA A+ 220-1201/1202: Core IT Fundamentals
While the A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams include new content, they haven’t abandoned the core IT fundamentals that have long defined the certification. You’ll still find comprehensive coverage of essential topics like hardware components, operating system installation and configuration, basic networking, software troubleshooting, and foundational security practices. These skills are critical for supporting users across a wide range of devices and systems, from desktops and laptops to mobile devices and printers.
In particular, learners are expected to understand how to assemble PCs, identify and replace faulty components, configure network settings, manage user permissions, and maintain system integrity with anti-malware tools and firewalls. These areas remain the backbone of most entry-level IT support jobs and continue to serve as the building blocks for more advanced certifications like CompTIA Network+, Security+, and beyond.
Whether you're installing a new OS, diagnosing a printer issue, or setting up a secure wireless connection, these core concepts remain as relevant as ever in today’s IT workforce.
CompTIA A+ 220-1201/1202 Cost Breakdown
As of 2024, each exam voucher for the CompTIA A+ certification costs approximately $253 USD, and since the certification requires passing two exams (220-1201 and 220-1202), the total exam cost comes to about $506 USD. This fee covers the exam itself, but does not include any training materials, practice exams, or hands-on labs.
Many learners opt for training programs or bootcamps that bundle the cost of exam vouchers with structured coursework, lab simulations, and instructor support. While this represents a higher upfront investment, it can significantly improve a learner’s pass rate, reduce study time, and provide valuable real-world skills that go beyond the exam.
Guided learning environments can offer peer collaboration, live Q&A, and mentorship, which are difficult to replicate through self-study alone. For those new to IT or changing careers, these bootcamps can serve as an efficient, confidence-building path to certification and employment.
CompTIA A+ Career Outlook
The CompTIA A+ certification opens the door to a range of entry-level IT roles. Many employers view it as a preferred or required credential for support positions and it also sets the foundation for future advancement through specialized certifications like CompTIA Network+, Security+, or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
Here are some common CompTIA A+ job titles:
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Help Desk/IT Technician: Provides first-line technical support to users by troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues.
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Desktop Support Specialist: Installs, configures, and maintains desktop systems and peripherals for end-users in a corporate environment.
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IT Support Analyst: Monitors and resolves technical problems, often using ticketing systems and diagnostic tools to maintain IT operations.
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Field Service Technician: Travels to customer sites to repair, upgrade, or maintain computer systems, printers, and other equipment.
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Junior Systems Administrator: Assists in managing servers, user accounts, and system backups under the supervision of senior IT staff.
These roles provide hands-on experience that is essential for long-term growth in IT, and with the right experience, A+ certified professionals often progress into network administration, cybersecurity, or cloud infrastructure roles.
CompTIA A+ Exam Prep Recommendations
Preparing for the CompTIA A+ 220-1201/1202 exams requires more than just memorizing facts — it calls for practical skills, up-to-date knowledge, and real-world problem-solving abilities. To give yourself the best chance at passing both exams and landing a job quickly, consider these preparation tips:
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Choose Courses Mapped to the 220-1201/1202 Objectives: Ensure your study program or bootcamp is aligned with the official CompTIA exam objectives so you're learning exactly what will be tested.
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Look for Programs with Hands-On Labs, Practice Exams, and Instructor Mentorship: Labs help simulate real IT tasks like installing operating systems or troubleshooting hardware, while practice exams reinforce learning, and mentorship provides expert guidance to keep you on track. For a complete immersive training, QuickStart offers an IT Technician Bootcamp, which includes dedicated CompTIA A+ exam prep and career support services.
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Stay Current with Evolving Topics Like SaaS, Cloud Support, and Mobile Security: Modern IT environments rely heavily on cloud platforms, mobile devices, and software-as-a-service applications — all of which are covered in the updated A+ exams, so your training should reflect these changes.
Take Your First Step toward the IT Career You Deserve with QuickStart
Whether you're an individual aiming to launch your IT career or an employer looking to upskill your team, now is the time to align with the latest industry standards.
Looking to start a career in IT support? Enroll in our IT Technician Bootcamp to prepare for the updated CompTIA A+ 220-1201/1202 exams with real-world labs and expert guidance.
Need to certify your entry-level IT team? Our CompTIA A+ training for businesses aligns with the newest exam updates to ensure workforce readiness.