If you’ve been Googling “CompTIA A+ study plan” and drowning in vague advice like “just watch Professor Messer and take notes,” you’re not alone. Most study guides out there sound great in theory but fall apart the second real life gets in the way. What you actually need is a structured, week-by-week plan that accounts for both Core 1 and Core 2 — and leaves room for the practice that makes passing possible.
Here’s a 90-day CompTIA A+ study plan that’s realistic, focused, and built around how people actually learn — not how they wish they did.
Why 90 Days Is the Sweet Spot
Three months gives you enough runway to cover both exams without burning out. The A+ certification requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). According to CompTIA, Core 1 requires a passing score of 675 out of 900, and Core 2 requires 700 out of 900 — so Core 2 actually has a higher bar to clear.
A 90-day timeline breaks down cleanly: four weeks per core exam, plus a dedicated four-week review and practice block. That’s not cramming — that’s strategic.
Weeks 1–4: Core 1 — Hardware, Networking, and Mobile Devices
Core 1 covers the tangible side of IT: hardware, networking, mobile devices, cloud computing, and troubleshooting. If you’re new to tech, this is where everything starts clicking — you’ll finally understand why your office printer never works.
Week 1: Hardware Foundations
Start with motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage types (SSD vs. HDD vs. NVMe), and power supplies. Don’t just read about them — if you can get your hands on an old desktop, take it apart. Hands-on learning sticks better than flashcards for hardware topics.
Week 2: Networking Basics
TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, ports, wireless standards (Wi-Fi 6, etc.), and network troubleshooting. This is dense material, so give yourself extra time with subnetting. It trips up almost everyone the first time through. Use daily practice quizzes on Certcy to reinforce networking concepts as you go — repetition is everything here.
Week 3: Mobile Devices and Virtualization
Cover mobile device configuration, display types, laptop hardware, and the basics of cloud computing and virtualization. These topics are lighter than networking, which gives you breathing room.
Week 4: Core 1 Troubleshooting and Practice
Dedicate this entire week to troubleshooting scenarios and practice exams. CompTIA loves troubleshooting questions — they aren’t just testing what you know, they’re testing how you think through problems.
Weeks 5–8: Core 2 — OS, Security, and Operations
Core 2 shifts to software: operating systems, security fundamentals, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. It’s more conceptual than Core 1, which is why the passing score is slightly higher.
Week 5: Operating Systems Deep Dive
Windows 10/11 configurations, command-line tools (you’ll need to know both CMD and PowerShell basics), macOS, and Linux. Don’t skip Linux — CompTIA has been increasing Linux coverage in recent exam versions.
Week 6: Security Fundamentals
This is your gateway to cybersecurity territory: malware types, social engineering, physical security, authentication methods, and encryption basics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 29% job growth for information security analysts through 2034 — nearly three times the national average. The A+ security section is your first real exposure to this high-growth field.
Week 7: Software Troubleshooting
Browser issues, OS problems, malware removal steps, application crashes — all fair game. Practice the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology (identify, theory, test, plan, verify, document) until it’s second nature.
Week 8: Operational Procedures and Core 2 Practice
Change management, disaster recovery, scripting basics, and documentation practices. Then hit practice exams hard. Aim for consistent scores above 80% before moving on.
Weeks 9–12: Review, PBQ Practice, and Exam Prep
This final month is where most people either lock in a pass or let everything slip. Don’t coast.
Weeks 9–10: Targeted Review
Go back through your practice exam results and identify your weakest domains. Spend 70% of your study time on weak areas, 30% maintaining strong ones. This isn’t the time for re-reading entire textbooks — it’s the time for surgical improvement.
Weeks 11–12: Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
PBQs are the simulation-style questions that trip up even well-prepared candidates. You might be asked to configure a network, set up a firewall, or troubleshoot a scenario in a simulated environment. They’re worth more points, and they show up at the beginning of the exam — don’t panic, skip them, and come back after the multiple choice.
Practice PBQs daily during these final weeks. The more reps you get, the less intimidating they’ll feel on exam day.
Daily Study Habits That Actually Move the Needle
A study plan only works if your daily habits support it. Here’s what to lock in:
- 60–90 minutes of focused study per day. Consistency beats marathon sessions every time.
- 20 practice questions daily. Use Certcy’s mobile app so you can drill during commutes, lunch breaks, or downtime.
- Weekly practice exams. Full-length, timed. Treat them like the real thing.
- Handwritten notes for tough concepts. Writing forces your brain to process differently than typing.
What to Do If You’re Falling Behind
Life happens. If you miss a week, don’t scrap the whole plan — compress and adjust. The 90-day structure has built-in buffer in the review phase. You can borrow from weeks 9–10 if you need extra time on Core 1 or Core 2 material. What you can’t do is skip the PBQ practice in weeks 11–12. That’s non-negotiable.
Ready to Start Your 90-Day Countdown?
The CompTIA A+ isn’t just a piece of paper — it’s the most widely recognized entry point into IT, and it opens doors to help desk, desktop support, and field technician roles that pay well and lead somewhere. If you want to make your daily study sessions count, Certcy gives you targeted practice questions, progress tracking, and spaced repetition designed specifically for certification prep.
FAQ
How many hours total should I study for the CompTIA A+?
Most successful candidates report 120–200 total hours of study time across both exams. With a 90-day plan at 60–90 minutes per day, you’ll land right in that range — around 135–200 hours total including practice exams and review.
Should I take Core 1 and Core 2 separately or together?
Take them separately. Most people schedule Core 1 around the end of week 8 and Core 2 at the end of week 12. Spacing them out lets you focus on one exam at a time without mixing up material.
Is the CompTIA A+ worth it if I want to go into cybersecurity?
Absolutely. The A+ builds the foundational IT knowledge that cybersecurity roles require. Many security professionals started with A+, then moved to Security+, CySA+, or the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity. You can’t secure systems you don’t understand — and the A+ makes sure you understand them.
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