CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Resources — Official Docs, Tools & Labs
One-stop list of official and trustworthy resources for 220-1202: exam page/objectives, candidate policies, Windows/macOS/Linux docs, security/malware guides, recovery/backup tools, scripting, MDM, and hands-on lab ideas.
On this page
Below are official CompTIA links first, then curated OS/security/vendor docs and tools that map cleanly to Core 2 objectives. Pair this page with the Syllabus and Practice.
CompTIA official
- A+ (220-1202) exam page — exam outline, pricing, languages, scheduling
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a - Exam objectives (download) — blueprint used to map our syllabus
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a/exam-details - Candidate handbook & policies — IDs, testing rules, retakes, accommodations
https://www.comptia.org/testing - Continuing Education (CE) & renewal — CEUs, activities, timelines
https://www.comptia.org/continuing-education - Pearson VUE scheduling — test center & online testing options
https://home.pearsonvue.com/comptia
Windows (must-know)
- Windows documentation hub — Settings, security, deployment, recovery
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/ - Device Manager / Drivers — install/rollback, signed drivers
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/drivers/ - Services (
services.msc) — manage and troubleshoot services
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/win32/services/ - Disk Management — volumes, partitions, MBR/GPT
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/storage/disk-management/ - Event Viewer — log sources (System, Application, Security)
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-viewer-security-logs - Windows Update — servicing & policies
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/update/ - Windows Security (Defender AV & Firewall)
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/security/ - BitLocker — device encryption & recovery keys (Pro/Enterprise)
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-overview - Recovery options (WinRE, Reset, Restore)
https://support.microsoft.com/windows/recovery-options-in-windows
macOS (fundamentals for Core 2)
- Support & guides — system settings, updates, storage
https://support.apple.com/macos - Disk Utility — partitions, First Aid
https://support.apple.com/guide/disk-utility/welcome/mac - Activity Monitor — processes, memory, network
https://support.apple.com/guide/activity-monitor/welcome/mac - FileVault — full-disk encryption
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/protect-data-with-filevault-mh40591/mac - Time Machine — backup & restore
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/back-up-your-files-mh35860/mac
Linux (fundamentals)
- Linux Foundation training resources (general)
https://training.linuxfoundation.org/resources/ - Systemd services —
systemctl, journald
https://www.freedesktop.org/software/systemd/man/systemctl.html - Networking tools —
ip,ping,dig,nmcli
https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man8/ip.8.html - Package managers —
apt,dnf/yum,pacman(distros vary)
https://wiki.debian.org/Apt • https://dnf.readthedocs.io/ • https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Pacman - Logs —
journalctl,/var/log/*
https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/journalctl.1.html
Security hardening & malware response
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus — configuration & scans
https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus - Windows Firewall with Advanced Security — profiles & rules
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/security/operating-system-security/network-security/windows-firewall - NIST Cybersecurity Framework (reference)
https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework - Malware response basics — safe mode, quarantining, cleaning, reimaging best practices
(Use your platform’s official docs above + AV vendor playbooks)
Recovery & repair tools
- System File Checker (
sfc) and DISM
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/repair-a-windows-image - Boot repair (
bootrec,bcdedit)
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/bootrec-command - Startup Repair & WinRE
https://support.microsoft.com/windows/recovery-options-in-windows - System Restore / Reset this PC (keep vs remove)
https://support.microsoft.com/windows
Scripting & automation (awareness level)
- PowerShell — modules, cmdlets, help, pipelines
https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/ - Bash — shell scripting reference
https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/ - Python — docs,
venv,pip
https://docs.python.org/3/
MDM / device management (awareness)
- Microsoft Intune (Windows/iOS/Android management)
https://learn.microsoft.com/mem/intune/ - Apple Platform Deployment (profiles, supervision)
https://support.apple.com/guide/deployment/welcome/web - Android Enterprise (work profile, policies)
https://enterprise.google.com/android/
Useful free utilities (triage & diagnostics)
- Sysinternals (Process Explorer, Autoruns, TCPView)
https://learn.microsoft.com/sysinternals/ - HWiNFO / CPU-Z / GPU-Z — quick hardware identity
https://www.hwinfo.com • https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html • https://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/ - CrystalDiskInfo — SMART health
https://crystalmark.info/ - Rufus / Balena Etcher — bootable media
https://rufus.ie • https://etcher.balena.io/ - Wireshark — packet capture (use ethically)
https://www.wireshark.org/
Safe hands-on labs (free or low-cost)
- Malware workflow rehearsal (no live malware):
Simulate steps in order: Identify → Quarantine → Disable Restore → Remediate → Enable Restore → Schedule Updates → Create Restore Point → Educate. Practice justifying each step. - Permissions lab (effective access):
Create users/groups, apply Share vs NTFS differences, compute effective permissions, fix with the smallest change. - Recovery drills:
Break a test VM on purpose, then use Safe Mode, System Restore, WinRE/Startup Repair,sfc/DISM, and Reset (keep/remove) in realistic sequences. - Hardening quick-start:
Patch OS/apps, set correct firewall profile, verify Defender, enable BitLocker/FileVault (where applicable), review startup items and browser add-ons.
Always document steps and outcomes—Core 2 rewards process discipline.