CompTIA A+ certification is a widely respected credential for those beginning a career in IT support. It shows that a candidate understands computer hardware, software, and troubleshooting. Recently, new exam objectives for the A+ 1200 series were discussed in a CompTIA Partner and Instructor webinar. In this article, we compare and contrast the new A+ 1200 series with the current A+ 1100 series. We focus on the changes in exam content, the differences in domain percentages, and the schedule for the new release and the retirement of the current series. The new objectives have been carefully updated to better reflect modern technology trends and the needs of IT support professionals.

Exam Overview and Release Schedule

The new A+ 1200 series will be released on March 25, 2025. Along with the release of the new series, learning resources such as CertMaster Learn, Labs, and Practice will be updated to reflect the new objectives. In contrast, the current A+ 1100 series exams will be ending on September 25, 2025. These dates have been set to give learners and training providers enough time to transition from the 1100 series to the 1200 series and both verions will be supported during the overlapping period.

You must pass the Core 1 and Core 2 exams of the same series/version to get A+ certified.

The timeline shows a clear plan by CompTIA to move the certification forward. The release of the new series in March 2025 means that exam candidates and training institutions must begin preparing with the new materials. At the same time, it signals the end of the older exam objectives that have been used for years. The new schedule and updated content aim to provide a better match to the real-world challenges that IT support professionals face today.

Domain Weighting and Content Changes

One of the major changes between the two series is in the distribution of topics or domains. In both the 1100 and 1200 series the certification is divided into two parts: Core 1 and Core 2.

Core 1 Changes

The updated Core 1 exam continues to cover five main domains. Although the overall structure remains the same, the content within each domain has been revised to reflect current technologies and best practices. Below is a breakdown of the domains, their weights, and the key updates compared to previous objectives.

1. Mobile Devices (13%)

• 1100 Series: 15%
• 1200 Series: 13%
• Focus Areas:
  • Modern connectivity options (e.g., USB-C, Lightning, NFC)
  • Integration and support of various mobile device accessories
  • Basic mobile device management and configuration
• What’s New:
  • Expanded coverage of current mobile platforms and connectivity standards.
  • Updated guidance on using newer mobile interfaces and protocols.

2. Networking (23%)

• 1100 Series: 20%
• 1200 Series: 23%
• Focus Areas:
  • Basic networking concepts and protocols
  • Updated standards for both wired and wireless networking
  • Troubleshooting network connectivity and configuration issues
• What’s New:
  • Inclusion of the latest wireless standards and updated cable/connector information.
  • More emphasis on practical network troubleshooting steps aligned with modern network setups.

3. Hardware (25%)

• No change in weights
• Focus Areas:
  • Installation, configuration, and maintenance of computer hardware
  • Components such as motherboards, CPUs, storage devices, and power supplies
• What’s New:
  • Revised installation and configuration guidelines to reflect newer hardware technologies.
  • Enhanced instructions on safety and proper handling techniques in line with current best practices.

4. Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)

• No change in weights
• Focus Areas:
  • Basic concepts of virtualization
  • Understanding cloud computing models and how they integrate with local hardware
• What’s New:
  • Increased emphasis on cloud-based technologies reflecting the rapid adoption of virtual environments.
  • Updated content that explains how virtualization impacts hardware and network configurations.

5. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

• 1100 Series: 29%
• 1200 Series: 28%
• Focus Areas:
  • Diagnostic procedures and systematic problem resolution
  • Hands-on troubleshooting for hardware failures and network issues
• What’s New:
  • Expanded troubleshooting methodologies that incorporate current IT challenges.
  • Greater focus on real-world problem-solving scenarios, ensuring that candidates can diagnose and resolve modern hardware and network issues.

Core 2 Changes

The Core 2 exam focuses on software, security, and operational procedures. The updated exam objectives in the new series have modified both the content emphasis and the weightings of each domain. Below is a breakdown of the Core 2 domains, the changes in their objectives, and a comparison of the old versus the new weightings.

1. Operating Systems (28%)

• A+ 1100 series: 31%
• A+ 1200 series: 28%
• Focus Areas:
  • Installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of operating systems.
  • Updated coverage for current operating systems such as Windows 10 and Windows 11.
  • Guidance on system upgrades and compatibility issues.
• What’s New:
  • Reduced emphasis to allow more focus on other evolving areas.
  • Updated content reflecting the latest practices in OS installation and maintenance.

2. Security (28%)

• A+ 1100 series: 25%
• A+ 1200 series: 28%
• Focus Areas:
  • Security fundamentals including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure system configuration.
  • Enhanced focus on modern cybersecurity practices.
  • Best practices for defending against malware, network attacks, and unauthorized access.
• What’s New:
  • Increased weight to stress the growing importance of cybersecurity.
  • Expanded content on current security protocols and risk mitigation strategies.

3. Software Troubleshooting

• A+ 1100 series: 22%
• A+ 1200 series: 23%
• Focus Areas:
  • Diagnosing and resolving software issues, including application errors and system crashes.
  • Updated troubleshooting methodologies that reflect current software environments.
• What’s New:
  • Slightly increased emphasis to ensure candidates are well-versed in addressing modern software challenges.
  • More detailed scenarios for troubleshooting contemporary operating systems and applications.

4. Operational Procedures

• A+ 1100 series: 21%
• A+ 1200 series: 22%
• Focus Areas:
  • Best practices in documentation, safety, and regulatory compliance.
  • Procedures for change management, backup, and recovery processes.
• What’s New:
  • A modest reduction in emphasis as part of a shift toward more technical areas.
  • Updated procedures reflecting current industry standards and operational requirements.

Content Updates and Their Rationale

Content updates are not limited to the weighting of topics. The exam objectives in the new series include updated content that reflects new technology and best practices. For instance:

• Operating Systems: The content now focuses on current operating systems like Windows 11 while still covering common aspects of installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Security: The exam now gives more attention to modern security practices, including multi-factor authentication, encryption methods, and up-to-date practices for defending against malware and network attacks.

These changes were made in response to the growing importance of cybersecurity in everyday IT tasks. The new A+ 1200 series objectives have been designed to meet the evolving needs of IT support professionals. With cyberattacks and data breaches making headlines regularly, the need for stronger security knowledge has grown. By increasing the weight of the Security domain, CompTIA is sending a clear message that security is now a priority for anyone working in IT support.

Impact on Training and Preparation

The changes in the exam objectives have a significant impact on both candidates and training organizations:

• For Candidates:

  • Self-study materials must be updated to reflect the new exam objectives.
  • There is a clear deadline for switching study materials, with the new series available starting March 25, 2025, and the current series being phased out by August 25, 2025.

• For Training Providers:

  • Curricula and practice tests must be refreshed.
  • More emphasis will be placed on current topics such as network security, multi-factor authentication, and modern operating systems.
  • Updated learning resources will support the transition to the new exam objectives.

A Clear and Factual Comparison

Both the A+ 1100 and the A+ 1200 series share a common goal: certifying that the holder has the essential skills needed to support and troubleshoot computer systems. The main differences are in the details:

• The A+ 1100 series reflects technology and best practices of its time.
• The A+ 1200 series updates the content with a stronger focus on security and modern troubleshooting methods.

The slight adjustment in domain weighting ensures that the most current topics are adequately covered. For instance, while both series test knowledge of operating systems, the new exam requires a more updated understanding of Windows 10 and Windows 11 along with enhanced cybersecurity practices.

Implications for the IT Support Industry

The shift from the A+ 1100 series to the A+ 1200 series has broader implications:

• Enhanced Security Knowledge: Certified professionals will be better prepared to handle modern security challenges.
• Relevance: The updated objectives align with current trends like cloud computing, virtualization, and mobile device support.
• Career Development: The new exam provides an opportunity for professionals to update their skills and stay current with industry standards.

Conclusion

In summary, the new CompTIA A+ 1200 series represents a significant update to one of the most respected certifications in the IT support field. With its release on March 25, 2025, the new series brings updated exam objectives that better reflect current technology and industry needs. The domain weightings have been adjusted—most notably, a reduction in the Operating Systems domain and an increase in the Security domain for the Core 2 exam.

This update not only benefits exam candidates but also supports employers who need skilled IT professionals to protect and maintain their systems. As the transition deadline approaches, both candidates and training providers should embrace the updated materials to ensure that their skills remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

By focusing on modern security practices, updated operating systems, and current trends like cloud computing and virtualization, the new series ensures that the CompTIA A+ certification remains a benchmark for excellence in IT support.