For a long time, I knew I wanted to strengthen my foundation in IT. I was gaining experience, solving problems, and learning on the job, but I wanted something more concrete—something that proved to myself and others that I truly understood the fundamentals. That’s what led me to pursue the CompTIA A+ certification and take on the latest Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) exams.
This journey wasn’t just about passing two tests. It was about building confidence, sharpening my skills, and committing to professional growth.
Why I Chose CompTIA A+
The IT field is constantly evolving, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much there is to learn. I wanted a structured way to solidify my knowledge across hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting.
CompTIA A+ stood out for a few reasons:
- It’s widely recognized across the industry
- It covers a broad range of real-world IT skills
- It focuses on practical problem-solving, not just memorization
- It serves as a strong foundation for future certifications
Earning this certification felt like a meaningful step toward being recognized as a serious IT professional.
Understanding the 1201 and 1202 Exams
The latest versions of the A+ exams—220-1201 and 220-1202—are designed to reflect modern IT environments and current industry needs.
Core 1 (220-1201) Focus Areas:
- Mobile devices
- Networking fundamentals
- Hardware
- Virtualization and cloud computing
- Hardware and network troubleshooting
Core 2 (220-1202) Focus Areas:
- Operating systems
- Security
- Software troubleshooting
- Operational procedures
Together, these exams test not only technical knowledge but also how you apply it in real situations.
Building My Study Plan
One of the most important parts of my success was having a clear and realistic study plan.
Instead of trying to cram everything at once, I broke my preparation into manageable sections. I focused on consistency over intensity. Even studying for an hour a day adds up over time.
My approach included:
- Reviewing the official exam objectives
- Using video courses and textbooks
- Taking detailed notes
- Practicing with hands-on labs
- Completing multiple practice exams
I treated studying like a long-term project rather than a short sprint.
Learning Through Practice
Reading and watching videos can only take you so far. The real learning happened when I started applying concepts.
I spent time:
- Building and upgrading PCs
- Installing and configuring operating systems
- Practicing network setup and troubleshooting
- Exploring virtualization tools
- Simulating real support scenarios
Every mistake became a lesson. When something didn’t work, I made it my goal to understand why. That curiosity turned frustration into progress.
Overcoming Challenges
This journey wasn’t always smooth.
Some topics took longer to understand than I expected. Networking concepts, security protocols, and command-line tools required extra effort. There were moments when I doubted myself and wondered if I was ready.
What helped me push through was remembering why I started.
I wasn’t studying just to pass an exam. I was studying to become better at my job and more confident in my abilities.
When I felt stuck, I:
- Revisited weak areas
- Asked questions in online forums
- Reviewed explanations instead of just answers
- Took breaks when burnout started creeping in
Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.
Exam Day Experience
Walking into the testing center (or logging in for an online exam) was nerve-wracking. No matter how prepared you are, there’s always some anxiety.
For both exams, I focused on:
- Reading each question carefully
- Eliminating obviously wrong answers
- Managing my time
- Trusting my preparation
Some questions were straightforward. Others required careful thinking and real-world reasoning. When I clicked “Submit” on each exam, it felt like releasing months of effort into the unknown.
Seeing the “Pass” result made every late night and study session worth it.
What This Certification Means to Me
Passing Core 1 and Core 2 wasn’t just about earning a credential. It represented:
- Commitment to continuous learning
- Validation of my technical skills
- Increased professional confidence
- Greater credibility in the IT field
The CompTIA A+ certification shows employers and colleagues that I understand the fundamentals and can handle real-world IT challenges.
More importantly, it showed me that I’m capable of setting a demanding goal and seeing it through.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
This journey taught me more than just technical material.
I learned the value of discipline, patience, and consistency. I learned that struggling with a concept doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re learning. I learned that growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Most of all, I learned that investing in yourself is always worth it.
What’s Next
Earning A+ is just the beginning.
With this foundation in place, I’m excited to continue expanding my skills, exploring advanced certifications, and taking on new challenges in the IT field. Technology never stands still, and neither should we.
This experience has reinforced my belief that learning is a lifelong process—and I’m committed to staying curious, adaptable, and motivated.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering the CompTIA A+ certification, I highly recommend it. It’s challenging, rewarding, and incredibly valuable for anyone serious about a career in IT.
My journey through the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams helped me solidify my knowledge and earn recognition as an industry professional. More than that, it gave me confidence in my abilities and clarity about my path forward.
This was a milestone in my career—and one I’m proud of.