220-1101/1102 vs 220-1201/1202: The Latest A+ Refresh

A practical comparison of the old and new A+ exams — what changed in the V15 update, which version to target, and what existing A+ holders need to know.

CompTIA refreshes the A+ exam roughly every three years. 220-1201/1202 (V15) is the current version, replacing the previous 220-1101/1102 (V14). If you're partway through prep, mid-renewal, or just deciding which version to study for, this guide breaks down exactly what's changed.

Quick Answer

If you haven't started studying yet: target 220-1201/1202 (V15). It's the current version, it's what employers will value, and 220-1101/1102 is being retired.

If you've already invested heavily in 220-1101/1102 (V14): check the retirement date at Pearson VUE. If you can sit the exams before retirement, finishing the version you've studied for may be more efficient. Otherwise, transition to V15.

The Six Biggest Changes in V15

1. AI and Generative AI Now Show Up

The most visible change in V15 is the explicit inclusion of AI and generative AI topics. They appear in:

• Operational procedures — using AI tools responsibly in a support context, recognizing AI hallucinations, documenting AI-assisted work.
• Security — recognizing AI-powered phishing, deepfake awareness, AI-related data leakage risks.

This isn't deep AI/ML theory — it's the practical "what does a help desk tech need to know about AI in 2026" coverage. But it's new, and 220-1101/1102 study materials don't cover it adequately.

2. Endpoint Security Modernized

V15 expects more current security knowledge, including:

• EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) concepts at an awareness level.
• Zero-trust principles at the endpoint.
• Modern authentication including passwordless and FIDO2/passkeys.
• Refreshed threat landscape — current attack types, including AI-augmented social engineering.

3. Cloud Computing Gets More Depth

220-1101 mentioned cloud at a surface level. V15 (220-1201) treats it more seriously:

• Deeper SaaS/PaaS/IaaS coverage.
• Cloud-related troubleshooting scenarios.
• Hybrid environment considerations for endpoint techs.

4. Refreshed Windows Coverage

V14 still tested some legacy Windows knowledge. V15 focuses on current Windows versions and removes older content. If you've been deferring Windows 11 or current Windows Server adjacencies, V15 makes that less optional.

5. Updated Mobile Device Coverage

Mobile sections in V15 reflect current iOS and Android ecosystems, current connectivity standards (including Wi-Fi 6E/7 awareness), and modern mobile management approaches.

6. Stronger Documentation and Communication Focus

V15 increases the emphasis on soft skills and professional procedures — clear documentation, customer communication, change management, ticket workflow. Employers have been flagging these gaps for years, and CompTIA responded.

Domain Weights: V14 vs V15

Here's how the domain weights compare:

Core 1 (Hardware Focus)

Domain weights are similar — but what's inside each domain has shifted significantly (especially networking and troubleshooting, which absorb modern wireless and cloud-aware troubleshooting).

Core 2 (Software Focus)

The biggest visible shift: Security weight increases from 25% to 28%, while Operating Systems drops slightly. This reflects how endpoint security has become more central to IT support work.

What's Reduced or De-Emphasized

A few areas that loomed larger in V14 get less attention in V15:

• Legacy Windows versions (older than current supported releases).
• Standalone biometric authentication topics (folded into broader authentication coverage).
• Older mobile device topics that are no longer common in the field.
• Legacy peripheral standards (older display connectors, etc.).

These topics aren't gone, but they take up less of the exam.

Should You Transition Mid-Study?

If you're partway through 220-1101/1102 prep, here's a practical decision framework:

Finish V14 (220-1101/1102) if:

• You're more than 70% through your prep.
• 220-1101/1102 will still be available at Pearson VUE when you're ready to test.
• Your study materials are heavily invested in V14.

Switch to V15 (220-1201/1202) if:

• You're less than 50% through your prep.
• V14 will retire before your planned test date.
• You're using fresh study materials anyway.
• You want the longest-relevant version on your resume.

For learners switching, the cleanest restart is to grab the V15 CertMaster Learn for Core 1 and Core 2 — official, current-version content aligned to the new blueprint.

Or, for the most integrated experience, go with CertMaster Perform Core 1 and Core 2.

What About Already-Certified A+ Holders?

If you already hold A+ (any version), nothing changes immediately. Your certification is valid for three years from your pass date, regardless of which version you passed.

You can renew via:

• Continuing Education credits (most flexible).
• Passing a higher CompTIA cert (Network+, Security+).
• Completing the CertMaster CE course for A+.

For full renewal details, see How to Renew Your CompTIA A+ Certification.

What If My Resume Already Says A+?

Your A+ remains valid for 3 years. The exam version that earned it doesn't matter for resume purposes — you're "CompTIA A+ Certified" either way. When you renew, you'll either renew via CE credits (no exam) or by passing a higher cert.

When the next refresh (V16) eventually arrives, the same principle applies: your existing cert is still valid for its 3-year window.

The Bottom Line

V15 (220-1201/1202) is a modernization update, not a fundamental change. The bones of A+ — hardware, networking, OS, security, troubleshooting — are still the same. But the context has been updated for 2026 realities: AI awareness, modern endpoint security, current Windows, contemporary mobile environments.

For new candidates: target V15. For mid-stream V14 studiers: finish if timing works, otherwise switch cleanly. For already-certified A+ holders: nothing urgent — renew when due.

Ready to Start (or Switch) to V15?

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For the full study guide, see The Complete Guide to CompTIA A+ (220-1201/1202) in 2026.

Questions? Contact IT-MASTER Co. — fast response via WhatsApp.