The CompTIA A+ certification is one of the most widely respected starting points for careers in IT. Since it was first introduced, it has evolved with the industry, and that’s not marketing speak. Each new exam version reflects genuine shifts in how IT support roles function across real businesses.
With the release of the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams in 2026, many learners are wondering how these differ from the previous 220-1101 and 220-1102 series, and whether it’s still worth pursuing the older version.
This article walks you through those questions and not just with surface-level comparisons. You will find practical insight, expert-level commentary, and updated context based on how the IT industry is changing.
Why CompTIA Updates Its A+ Exams (And Why That’s Important)
CompTIA A+ isn’t a static certification and that’s by design. Every 3 years or so, the exam is updated to reflect the tools, responsibilities, and platforms that entry-level IT pros are actually using.
What counted as “core IT skills” in 2019 won’t fully prepare you for a support technician role in 2026. The rise of cloud tools, mobile-first environments, remote work support, and endpoint security has changed the baseline expectations of IT roles, even spilling over into more specialized certifications like CompTIA Network+.
So when CompTIA pushes a new version, it’s not just a refresh. It’s a realignment with industry practice. And if you are planning to get certified, your goal shouldn’t just be to “pass an exam”, it should be to gain skills that make you useful on the job.
Core Differences: 220-1101/220-1102 Vs 220-1201/220-1202
Let’s get into the specifics. What actually changed?
220-1101 /220-1102 (Released in 2022)
These exams emphasized:
- Traditional PC hardware and peripherals
- Windows-focused OS installation and troubleshooting
- On-premise networking and security basics
- Mobile device support
- Operational procedures and customer service
They were built for the IT environment most companies had in place post-pandemic, but before hybrid work was fully normalized.
220-1201 /220-1202 (Launched in 2026)
These exams reflect a more modern ecosystem:
- Emphasis on cloud storage and SaaS apps
- Working with virtualized and remote environments
- Basic understanding of scripting logic (Python, PowerShell, Bash)
- Expanded coverage of security policies and compliance
- Introduction to device management and mobile device security
The new exams go beyond traditional IT setups. They expect you to understand how IT works in distributed, cloud-connected environments and how to support users who may never step foot in a physical office.
Is the Older A+ Still Relevant in 2026?
It is… but with limitations.
If you have already passed 220-1101 and are preparing for 1102, it’s completely reasonable to finish the pair. Certifications are valid for three years, and employers still accept the older version.
However, if you haven’t started yet, or are only just considering the A+, it makes more sense to study for the latest version. Not only will you gain up-to-date knowledge, but your certification will also be valid longer.
Another factor to consider: job alignment. Many modern IT support roles list skills like cloud support, mobile device management, and scripting familiarity in job descriptions, all of which are covered in 220-1201/1202, but not in depth in the older version.
A Closer Look at Content Domains
Here’s a clearer view of how the domains have shifted.
Shared topics in both versions:
- Hardware fundamentals
- Networking principles
- Security essentials
- Operating system support
- Troubleshooting methodology
What’s updated in 220-1201/1202:
- Cloud Services: Students are expected to know how to configure, troubleshoot, and secure cloud-based apps (e.g. Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).
- Scripting Awareness: Not coding, but logic flow, how scripts automate tasks, why they are used, and how to identify basic components.
- Device Management: Using tools like MDM (Mobile Device Management) platforms to push updates or enforce device policies.
- Remote Work Infrastructure: Supporting users who use VPNs, remote desktop, and cloud-based collaboration tools.
- Operating Systems: Broader exposure beyond Windows, including Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, with configuration and security topics.
This reflects the fact that IT support is no longer desk-bound, it’s cloud-based, cross-platform, and automation-aware.
Format, Price, and Exam Experience
In terms of structure and delivery, nothing major has changed:
- Two exams: Core 1 (1201) and Core 2 (1202)
- ~90 questions per exam
- 90-minute duration per test
- Mix of multiple choice, performance-based, and drag-and-drop questions
- Passing scores: 675 (Core 1), 700 (Core 2)
- Cost: Around $246 USD per exam
You can still take the test either online or at a Pearson VUE center.
The only difference is some of the new scenario-based questions in 1201/1202 feel a bit more “real-world.” Instead of textbook-style troubleshooting, you will need to think more like someone who’s solving IT issues remotely or through automation tools.
Which Version Should You Choose?
A decision tree simplified:
- Already halfway through 1101/1102?: Stick with it and complete both exams before the series retires (likely late 2026 or early 2026).
- Haven’t started studying yet? Go for 220-1201/1202. It’s more future-proof and aligns better with job expectations today.
- Looking to work in modern IT environments (cloud, SaaS, hybrid)? 1201/1202 covers tools and scenarios you willl face daily on the job. And if you are planning to branch out into roles like network administrator or support technician, reviewing the top networking certifications in 2026 might help you plan ahead.
The choice really comes down to where you are in your learning path. There’s no wrong answer but there is a more strategic one, depending on your timeline and career goals.
Trusted Prep Makes All the Difference
The biggest mistake learners make is underestimating the real-world nature of A+. It’s not just book knowledge. It’s about how you apply that knowledge in practical scenarios.
For that reason, it’s worth investing in reliable and updated practice materials. This is especially true for 220-1201/1202, where the scripting and cloud-based questions are new territory for many candidates.
A trusted source that many A+ candidates turn to is Cert Mage. The CompTIA A+ exam dumps are regularly updated and include detailed explanations that help you understand both the what and why behind each question.
If you are serious about passing on your first attempt, check out these A+ practice dumps and simulation exams, especially for the newer series.
Final Thought: Choose the Version That Builds Your Future
Certs don’t get you jobs. Skills do.
But a cert like A+, when studied properly builds a foundation you can build on. The newer version simply does a better job of matching what IT support looks like in 2026.
If you are still unsure, ask yourself this:
“Am I learning this to pass a test or to be ready for what IT jobs expect me to know?”
If it’s the latter, go for 220-1201 and 220-1202. You will be glad you did when your interview questions start sounding a lot like those exam scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CompTIA retiring the 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams soon?
Yes, CompTIA has officially announced the retirement of the 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams. These will be available until October 20, 2026. After that date, only the new 220-1201 and 220-1202 series will be active.
Which version should I take: 220-1101/220-1102 or 220-1201/220-1202?
If you’re already studying for 1101/1102 and feel close to exam-ready, go for it. But if you’re just starting, it’s smarter to prepare for 1201/1202 as they’ll stay valid longer and reflect newer tech.
Is the 220-1201/1202 exam harder than the 220-1101/1102 version?
Not exactly harder, but the 1200-series includes newer content, like updated mobile devices, cloud, and cybersecurity topics, that require a solid grasp of current trends. It’s more modern, not necessarily more difficult.
Will the new A+ still be recognized by employers?
Absolutely. CompTIA A+ is still the gold standard for entry-level IT certs. Whether it’s the 1100-series or 1200-series, employers value the certification equally, they care more that you’re certified, and less about the version.
Can I mix and match the core exams from different versions?
No. You must pass both Core 1 and Core 2 from the same version to get A+ certified. For example, you can’t pass 220-1101 and 220-1202, that won’t count.
How long is the A+ certification valid for?
Three years from the date you pass both exams. You can renew it through CompTIA’s CE program.
