CompTIA A+ 1101/1102 vs 1201/1202 Exam Objectives Explained (2025 Update)

The CompTIA A+ is a certification that professionals pursue to excel in their IT careers. To acquire this certification, the professionals have to appear in the exam that tests theirhardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, and cybersecurity skills. Due to the credibility of this certification, employers are confident that the candidates have the latest professional knowledge.

This test has recently been updated in 2025. The CompTIA A+ 1101 and 1102 have been updated and rebranded as 1201 (Core 1) and 1202 (Core 2) to reflect modern technologies. And the previous versions are getting retired on September 25, 2025. Due to this change, students should be aware of the new exam objectives to prepare effectively and pass on the first try.

In this blog, we will explain the new CompTIA A+ exam objectives, the domain weightages, and some study tips for a successful certification.

Exam Versions: What You Need to Know

The old version of CompTIA A+ had different focus areas than the updated version. In the table below, we have mentioned CompTIA A+ 1101 vs 1102 and CompTIA A+ 1201 vs 1202 and their focus areas.

If you are planning to take your CompTIA exam and have not started preparing yet, it is better to take the newest version. However, if you are midway through your preparation, then you should take the CompTIA A+ 1101 practice test and take your final exam as soon as possible.

Domain Weight Changes

In the latest version of CompTIA A+, there have been some changes in the weightage ofdomains, which will be beneficial for you to know, so you can focus on the areas that are more important.

Core 1

• Mobile Devices: It was reduced from 15% to 13%.
• Networking: This increased from 20% to 23%.
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: It also got reduced a bit from 29% to 28%.

Core 2 

• Operating Systems: It decreased from 31%to28%.
• Security: This increased from 25% to 28%.
• Software Troubleshooting: It also increased a bit increased from 22% to 23%.
• Operational Procedures: It got a bit decreased slightly from 22% to 21%.

New Updated TopicsCore 1 (1201) – What You Need to Know

The core 1 version is all about testing your knowledge of hands-on IT skills, such as computers, mobile devices, and networking. Think of it as the “stuff you touch and connect.” This is what’s included in the updated topics.

1. Mobile Devices

• The main focus is on devices such as laptops, tablets, and phones.
• For these devices, you should know how to set them up their setup, connect them, and do basic troubleshooting.
• Example: Connecting a smartphone to Wi-Fi, or syncing a tablet with a cloud account.

2. Networking

• Networking is about how the devices communicate in both wired and wireless networks.
• This includes routers, IP addresses, DNS, and Wi-Fi bands.
• Example: Fixing a network that is unable to connect or identifying why a device is unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

3. Hardware & Troubleshooting

• Devices such as PCs, printers, and peripheral devices might be included.
• You should know how to diagnose and solve common problems with these devices.
• Example: Identifying the problem behind why a printer is not working, solving printer errors, or replacing a faulty hard drive.

4. Virtualization & Cloud Basics

• Knowledge about virtual machinesand cloud concepts.
• Example: Running a virtual test environment on your laptop or understanding how cloud storage works.

5. Operational Procedures

• Understanding the basics of automation and workflow improvement.
• Basic understanding of what scripts do and why they’re used.
• Example: Automating backups with simple command scripts.

Core 2 (1202) – What You Need to Know

The Core 2 version is mostly focused on software, operating systems, security, and real-world troubleshooting. Think of it as “how things work once they’re running.”

1. Operating Systems

• This includes Windows, macOS, and Linux basics.
• You should know about installation, updates, and basic problem-solving.
• Example: Using Windows tools to fix startup issues or troubleshoot a frozen application.

2. Security

• This is a very important topic and has a bigger focus in 2025.
• You should know about malware protection, passwords, backups, and endpoint security.
• Example: Understanding phishing, configuring multifactor authentication, or applying security updates.

3. Software Troubleshooting

• Knowledge about fixing application problems and system errors.
• Example: Diagnosing why a program crashes, reinstalling software, or adjusting settings to improve performance.

4. Operational Procedures

• This is all about standard processes, such as documentation and change management.
• Example: Steps to back up data before making system changes or recording a troubleshooting log for team reference.

5. Remote Troubleshooting

• Because remote work is common, you may need to solve issues over the internet.
• Example: Assisting a colleague with VPN connectivity from their home device.

Tips for Navigating the Version Change

1. Start fresh with 1201 & 1202: Start your preparation with the new mindset of the updated content that will be tested in the exam.
2. Use updated study resources: look for those study resources, such as courses, study material, and practice tests, that are updated to the latest version.
3. Focus on new emphasis areas: pay more attention to the newest topics, as first-time test takers don’t have any guide about what type of questions can come from these topics.
4. Schedule your exams carefully: schedule your exam when you have completely prepared the new material, instead of rushing through things.
5. GetProfessional Support: if you were preparing for the previous version and now have to prepare again for the newest CompTIA A+ exam 2025, then you can look for support from services like CompTIA exam help, who guide you, provides CompTIA mock tests, and also takes the exam on your behalf.

By following these tips, you can easily transition your preparation to the changed version.

Conclusion

For those who were asking about when CompTIA A+ 1101 will retire, the latest news is that it will retire on 25 September 2025. So, whoever is going to take the CompTIA A+ after September should be aware of the latest version of the exam, which is 1201 and 1202. This new update has come with changes in domain weightage and changes in exam objectives as well. Now there is more emphasis on the latest technological changes.

Candidates need to be prepared exactly according to the topics that are most important so they pass the exam on the first try and move forward in their career. The best thing they can do is to take a CompTIA practice test so they get used to the newer questions and can build their speed and accuracy before the exam, and work on their weak areas.

FAQs

1. What are the CompTIA A+ 1201 and 1202 exams?
   These are the newest versions of the A+ exams you need to take to get CompTIA certification.
2. What are the main objectives of the CompTIA A+ 1201 exam?
   This exam is mostly about hardware, networking basics, and fixing simple device issues. It checks if you can handle the physical side of computers.
3. What are the main objectives of the CompTIA A+ 1202 exam?
   This one focuses more on operating systems, software problems, and security basics. It checks if you can fix things inside the system and keep devices safe.
4. What has changed in the CompTIA A+ exams for 2025?
   The older exams (1101 and 1102) are being replaced with 1201 and 1202. The new version includes more updated topics like cloud, Windows 11, and remote troubleshooting.
5. How can I prepare for the CompTIA A+ 1201 and 1202 exams effectively?
   Use updated study material, practice a little every day, and take mock tests to see where you stand.