Alright, let's talk about CompTIA's latest curveball - they just dropped A+ version 15 on March 31, 2025, and if you're still studying V14 materials, pump the brakes! Trust me, I know it's annoying when they update exams (I literally just got comfortable with the last version), but this refresh actually makes sense.
Practice for free! Start with our CompTIA A+ certification resources featuring 300+ practice questions and flashcards.
Here's the deal: V15 finally catches up with the hardware we're actually working with - DDR5 RAM, PCIe 5.0, USB4, Wi-Fi 7, and way more cloud stuff. Let me break down everything that changed and how to tackle this thing.
What Changed in March 2025?
Major Updates Overview
- ✅ Cloud computing - Expanded coverage of cloud services and deployment models
- ✅ Mobile device management (MDM) - Enterprise mobility management
- ✅ Modern hardware - DDR5, PCIe 5.0, USB4, Thunderbolt 4
- ✅ IoT devices - Smart home and enterprise IoT troubleshooting
- ✅ Remote support tools - Updated for hybrid work environments
- ✅ Environmental sustainability - E-waste, power efficiency, green IT
Exam Details
- Exam Code: 220-1201 (Core 1)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Questions: Maximum of 90 (multiple choice + performance-based)
- Passing Score: 675 (on scale of 100-900)
- Cost: $246 USD per exam ($492 for both exams)
- Languages: English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, German
- Validity: 3 years
Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Domains
Domain 1: Mobile Devices (15%)
Updated to include latest mobile technologies and enterprise management.
Key Topics:
- Laptop Hardware - RAM upgrades, SSD replacement, display types (OLED, Mini-LED)
- Mobile Device Features - 5G connectivity, wireless charging, biometric authentication
- Mobile Device Connectivity - Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E/7, NFC, GPS
- MDM Solutions - Intune, Jamf, mobile device policies
- Mobile OS - iOS 18, Android 15, iPadOS features
New in V15:
- USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 specifications
- Foldable device considerations
- eSIM configuration and management
- Mobile security features (app sandboxing, secure boot)
Domain 2: Networking (20%)
Enhanced coverage of modern networking including cloud integration.
Key Topics:
- TCP/IP - IPv4/IPv6, subnetting, DHCP, DNS
- Wireless Standards - Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz), Wi-Fi 7, security protocols
- Network Types - LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, WLAN
- Network Devices - Routers, switches, access points, firewalls
- Internet Connection Types - Fiber, cable, DSL, cellular, satellite
- Cloud Concepts - IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, deployment models
What's New:
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) features
- Matter smart home protocol
- Cloud storage services (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox)
- VPN configurations for remote work
- Network troubleshooting for hybrid environments
Domain 3: Hardware (25%)
Significant updates for modern PC components and peripherals.
Key Topics:
- Motherboards - Form factors, chipsets, BIOS/UEFI, expansion slots
- RAM - DDR5 specifications, capacity, speed, dual-channel
- Storage - NVMe Gen 4/5, M.2 form factors, RAID configurations
- CPUs - AMD Ryzen 7000/9000, Intel 13th/14th gen, architecture basics
- GPUs - Dedicated vs integrated, VRAM, display outputs
- Power Supplies - Wattage calculations, efficiency ratings (80 PLUS)
- Cooling Systems - Air cooling, liquid cooling, thermal management
Hardware Updates:
- PCIe 5.0 bandwidth and devices
- DDR5 RAM specifications and compatibility
- USB4 connectors and capabilities
- NVMe Gen 5 SSDs (up to 14,000 MB/s)
- Modern CPU architectures and performance cores
- GPU requirements for AI/ML workloads
Domain 4: Virtualization and Cloud Computing (14%)
Expanded domain reflecting increased cloud adoption.
Key Topics:
- Client-side Virtualization - Hyper-V, VMware Workstation, VirtualBox
- Cloud Models - Public, private, hybrid, community
- Cloud Services - IaaS, PaaS, SaaS examples and use cases
- Cloud Storage - OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, backup strategies
- Cloud Computing Features - Scalability, elasticity, metered utilization
- Cloud Security - Data encryption, access controls, compliance
New Emphasis:
- Desktop as a Service (DaaS) - Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop
- Cloud file synchronization and collaboration
- Multi-cloud strategies
- Cloud cost optimization basics
- Backup and disaster recovery in cloud
Domain 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (26%)
Practical troubleshooting skills for modern IT environments.
Key Topics:
- Troubleshooting Methodology - Identify, establish theory, test, implement, verify, document
- PC Troubleshooting - POST errors, boot failures, hardware issues
- Mobile Device Issues - Battery, connectivity, screen problems
- Network Troubleshooting - No connectivity, limited connectivity, slow performance
- Printer Issues - Paper jams, quality issues, connectivity problems
- Common Symptoms - Overheating, slow performance, random shutdowns
Updated Scenarios:
- Remote troubleshooting techniques
- IoT device connectivity issues
- Hybrid cloud connectivity problems
- Modern BIOS/UEFI troubleshooting
- USB-C/Thunderbolt port issues
- Wi-Fi 6E connectivity problems
Why Bother With A+ V15? (Real Talk)
Career Foundation
Look, I get it - you might be thinking "Do I really need A+?" Short answer: If you're starting in IT, yes. Here's why:
- It's your foot in the door - Help desk, desktop support, field tech jobs all want this cert
- Everyone recognizes it - Seriously, HR folks who know nothing about IT know A+. That's worth something.
- It's your launchpad - Think of it as prerequisite knowledge for literally every other IT cert
- Government jobs love it - DoD 8570 compliance means automatic consideration for tons of federal positions
Job Roles
- Help Desk Technician: $40K-$55K
- Desktop Support Specialist: $45K-$65K
- IT Support Specialist: $50K-$70K
- Field Service Technician: $45K-$65K
After A+, consider: Network+ (N10-009) for networking fundamentals, or Security+ for cybersecurity - both build perfectly on your A+ knowledge.
Preparation Strategy
10-Week Study Plan
Weeks 1-2: Mobile Devices
- Laptop hardware components
- Mobile device features and connectivity
- MDM concepts and implementation
- Practice mobile troubleshooting scenarios
Weeks 3-4: Networking
- TCP/IP fundamentals and subnetting
- Wireless technologies (Wi-Fi 6E/7)
- Cloud concepts and services
- Network troubleshooting tools
Weeks 5-7: Hardware
- PC components identification and specs
- Modern hardware (DDR5, PCIe 5.0, USB4)
- Installation and upgrade procedures
- Power requirements and cooling
Weeks 8-9: Virtualization & Cloud
- Virtualization concepts and tools
- Cloud service models and deployment
- Cloud storage and backup solutions
- Virtual environment troubleshooting
Week 10: Troubleshooting & Review
- Troubleshooting methodology mastery
- Practice PBQs (Performance-Based Questions)
- Full-length practice exams
- Review weak areas
Hands-On Practice (The Make-or-Break Part)
Here's something nobody tells you: You can memorize flashcards all day, but if you've never actually built a PC or fixed a real problem, you're going to struggle. Let me share what actually helped me:
Get Your Hands Dirty:
- Build something - Seriously, buy cheap used parts on eBay and assemble a PC. You'll learn more in 2 hours than 2 weeks of reading.
- VirtualBox is your friend - Set up a few VMs. Break them. Fix them. Repeat.
- Your own devices - Take your phone/tablet and actually configure MDM settings. Play with iOS/Android features.
- Free cloud accounts - Azure, AWS, Google Cloud all give you credits. Use them! Break stuff in the cloud where it doesn't matter.
- Mess with your router - Change settings, set up VLANs, configure wireless. Just remember your current config first 😅
Command Line Comfort: Master these until they're muscle memory - ipconfig, ping, tracert, nslookup. Also get cozy with Disk Management, Task Manager, and Device Manager. If you freeze up at BIOS/UEFI screens, practice in your VMs first.
Study Resources
Official CompTIA Materials
- CompTIA A+ Certification Page
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn
- CompTIA CertMaster Practice
- CompTIA Labs
Our Free Resources
Recommended Study Materials
- Professor Messer's free video series (1201/1202)
- Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide
- Jason Dion's practice exams on Udemy
- CompTIA A+ Practice Tests by David Prowse
Exam Day Strategy
Before Exam Day
- Review flashcards - Ports, connectors, error codes
- Practice PBQs - Use CompTIA Labs or simulation software
- Get adequate rest - Don't cram the night before
- Prepare ID - Bring two forms of identification
During the Exam
- Read questions carefully - Watch for negative questions
- Handle PBQs strategically - Skip if unsure, return later
- Flag for review - Mark uncertain questions
- Manage time - Don't spend too long on one question
- Eliminate wrong answers - Increase probability of correct choice
Common Exam Topics
Most Frequently Tested:
- RAM types and specifications (DDR4 vs DDR5)
- Storage interfaces (SATA, NVMe, M.2)
- Display connectors (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
- Wireless standards and frequencies
- RAID levels and configurations
- Troubleshooting methodology steps
- Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Mobile device connectivity options
Key Differences from V14 (220-1101)
Removed Content:
- ❌ Legacy hardware (IDE, PS/2 in detail)
- ❌ Older wireless standards focus
- ❌ Traditional PBX phone systems
- ❌ Outdated mobile OS versions
Added Content:
- ✅ DDR5 RAM specifications
- ✅ PCIe 5.0 details
- ✅ USB4 and Thunderbolt 4
- ✅ Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- ✅ Enhanced cloud computing coverage
- ✅ Modern MDM solutions
- ✅ IoT device support
- ✅ Environmental sustainability practices
Core 2 (220-1202) Overview
Don't forget you need both exams to get A+ certified!
Core 2 Domains:
- Operating Systems (31%) - Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS
- Security (25%) - Threats, vulnerabilities, security best practices
- Software Troubleshooting (22%) - Application issues, OS problems
- Operational Procedures (22%) - Documentation, change management, disaster recovery
After A+ Certification
Next Career Steps
- Get experience - 1-2 years in help desk or support role
- Specialize - Choose network, security, or cloud path
- Advance certifications - Network+, Security+, or vendor-specific certs
Certification Pathways
- Networking Path - CompTIA Network+ → CCNA
- Security Path - CompTIA Security+ → CySA+
- Cloud Path - AWS Cloud Practitioner → Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Path - MD-102, MS-900, AZ-900
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need both exams to get A+ certified? A: Yes, you must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) within 3 years to earn A+ certification.
Q: Should I take V14 (220-1101) or V15 (220-1201)? A: Take V15 (220-1201). V14 retires in Q4 2026. V15 ensures you're learning the most current content.
Q: Can I pass A+ without IT experience? A: Yes, but hands-on practice is crucial. Build a PC, work with virtual machines, and practice troubleshooting scenarios.
Q: How long should I study for A+? A: 6-12 weeks with 10-15 hours per week for each exam. Total preparation time: 3-6 months for both exams.
Q: What jobs can I get with just A+? A: Help desk technician, desktop support specialist, IT support technician, field service technician.
Bottom Line
Look, A+ V15 isn't glamorous, but it's still the best first step into IT. The updated content on DDR5, PCIe 5.0, modern cloud concepts - it's all stuff you'll actually use. Plus, having this cert signals to employers that you're serious enough to put in the work.
Is it easy? No. Will you need both exams ($492 total)? Yep. Is it worth it? If you want an IT career, absolutely.
I've loaded our A+ study materials with practice questions that actually reflect what you'll see on test day - not some outdated stuff from 2020. Real scenarios, modern hardware, current best practices.
Ready to do this? Stop overthinking it. Thousands of people pass A+ every year - many with zero IT background. You can too. Let's get you certified! 🚀
Last Updated: November 15, 2025 Exam V15 Released: March 31, 2025
