About This Study Plan

This 30-day study plan breaks the APLUS2 (A+ Core 2) exam preparation into 4 focused study sessions with 16 actionable tasks. The plan covers all 4 exam domains — Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, Operational Procedures — ensuring complete coverage. Structured 30-day study plan for CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202).

4Study Sessions

16Total Tasks

4Domains Covered

Prerequisites

A+ Core 1 knowledge
2–3 hours per day

Study Schedule

Week 1Operating Systems

Days 1–2: Windows editions, features, installation methods
Days 3–4: Windows management tools, Task Manager, MSConfig, registry
Days 5–6: Linux commands, macOS features and preferences
Day 7: File systems, boot process, and OS quiz

Week 2Security

Days 8–9: Threat types — malware, social engineering, insider threats
Days 10–11: Physical security, wireless security (WPA2/WPA3), firewalls
Days 12–13: Mobile device security, BYOD policies, MDM
Day 14: Malware removal procedure and security quiz

Week 3Troubleshooting & Operations

Days 15–16: Windows troubleshooting — BSOD, slow PC, boot failures
Days 17–18: Application issues, browser problems, OS recovery tools
Days 19–20: Change management, backup strategies, disaster recovery
Day 21: Scripting basics (batch/PS/bash) and PBQ practice

Week 4Review & Practice Exams

Days 22–23: Full practice exam #1 + detailed review
Days 24–25: Weak area remediation and cheat sheet study
Days 26–27: Full practice exam #2 + review
Days 28–30: Final flashcards and rest

Study Tips

💡

Create a malware identification chart — type, behavior, removal.

💡

Practice Windows CLI commands in a VM.

💡

Know backup types: full, incremental, differential, and when to use each.

Recommended CompTIA Study Resources

Supplement this study plan with the official CompTIA CertMaster labs and practice tests. Download the free exam objectives PDF from CompTIA's website and use it as a checklist — cross off each objective as you master it. Professor Messer's free video series covers every CompTIA exam objective and is widely regarded as one of the best free resources available.