CompTIA A+: the Core 1 and Core 2 exams explained

CompTIA A+ is the entry-level IT support certification. You earn it by passing two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), each with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, including performance-based tasks. Core 1 covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, cloud and hardware troubleshooting; Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. Passing scores are 675 and 700 on a 100 to 900 scale.

2
exams to pass: 9
domains: 675 / 700
passing scores: 3 years
before renewal

Last checked 22 October 2026 · Facts from CompTIA's A+ pages, exam objectives and policies

By the LifeScore Editorial Team · Updated 22 October 2026 · How we check facts · How this is scored

What is CompTIA A+?

It is a vendor-neutral certification showing you can support PCs, mobile devices, networks, operating systems and users. It is the most common first certification for help desk, desktop support and field technician jobs.

CompTIA designs A+ around the tasks of an IT support role, and many employers list it as preferred or required for first-line support jobs. It is also a common requirement for some government and defense support roles. Because it is vendor-neutral, it covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android rather than one company's products.

CompTIA does not require any experience to sit the exams, but hands-on practice makes a large difference, especially for the performance-based questions.

The real exams, with where each fact comes from
Who sets it	CompTIA, Inc., a vendor-neutral IT certification bodyPublished by the ownerCompTIA, "CompTIA A+" certification page (exam details, passing scores)
Exams	Two: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You need both, from the same series, for the certificationPublished by the ownerCompTIA, "CompTIA A+" certification page (exam details, passing scores)
Questions and time	Up to 90 questions in 90 minutes on each examPublished by the ownerCompTIA, "CompTIA A+" certification page (exam details, passing scores)
Question types	Multiple choice (single and multiple response), drag and drop, and performance-based questionsPublished by the ownerCompTIA, "CompTIA A+" certification page (exam details, passing scores)
Passing score	675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2, on a scale of 100 to 900Published by the ownerCompTIA, "CompTIA A+" certification page (exam details, passing scores)
Retakes	No wait before a second attempt; at least 14 days before a third or later one. Every attempt is paidPublished by the ownerCompTIA, "CompTIA certification retake policy"
Valid for	Three years, renewable through CompTIA's continuing education programPublished by the ownerCompTIA, "Certification renewal policy" (three-year continuing education cycle)

What is on CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)?

Five domains: Mobile Devices (13%), Networking (23%), Hardware (25%), Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%), and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%).

Core 1 domains and weights (CompTIA exam objectives)
Exam	Domain	Weight	What it covers
Core 1	Mobile Devices	13%	Laptop hardware, mobile displays, connections and accessories, mobile device management and synchronization
Core 1	Networking	23%	Ports and protocols, network hardware, Wi-Fi standards, addressing and subnets, network services and tools
Core 1	Hardware	25%	Cables and connectors, memory, storage and RAID, motherboards and CPUs, power supplies, printers
Core 1	Virtualization and Cloud Computing	11%	Cloud models and characteristics, client-side virtualization and hypervisors
Core 1	Hardware and Network Troubleshooting	28%	The troubleshooting method and the symptoms of failing hardware, displays, storage, mobile devices, printers and networks

Mobile Devices (13%)
Free drill
Laptop hardware, mobile displays, connections and accessories, mobile device management and synchronization.
Networking (23%)
Free drill
Ports and protocols, network hardware, Wi-Fi standards, addressing and subnets, network services and tools.
Hardware (25%)
Free drill
Cables and connectors, memory, storage and RAID, motherboards and CPUs, power supplies, printers.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
Free drill
Cloud models and characteristics, client-side virtualization and hypervisors.
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)
Free drill
The troubleshooting method and the symptoms of failing hardware, displays, storage, mobile devices, printers and networks.

What is on CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)?

Four domains: Operating Systems (28%), Security (28%), Software Troubleshooting (23%) and Operational Procedures (21%).

Core 2 domains and weights (CompTIA exam objectives)
Exam	Domain	Weight	What it covers
Core 2	Operating Systems	28%	Windows editions, tools, commands and settings, file systems, installs and upgrades, macOS and Linux basics
Core 2	Security	28%	Physical and logical security, wireless security, malware, social engineering, data destruction, browser security
Core 2	Software Troubleshooting	23%	Windows, mobile app and security problems: symptoms and the first fix to try
Core 2	Operational Procedures	21%	Documentation, change management, backups, safety, environmental controls, privacy, professionalism and scripting basics

Operating Systems (28%)
Free drill
Windows editions, tools, commands and settings, file systems, installs and upgrades, macOS and Linux basics.
Security (28%)
Free drill
Physical and logical security, wireless security, malware, social engineering, data destruction, browser security.
Software Troubleshooting (23%)
Free drill
Windows, mobile app and security problems: symptoms and the first fix to try.
Operational Procedures (21%)
Free drill
Documentation, change management, backups, safety, environmental controls, privacy, professionalism and scripting basics.

What are the A+ exams like?

Each exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes: multiple choice with one or more answers, drag and drop, and performance-based questions that simulate a task.

The two A+ exams (CompTIA)
Exam	Code	Questions	Time	Passing score
Core 1	220-1201	Up to 90	90 minutes	675 on a 100 to 900 scale
Core 2	220-1202	Up to 90	90 minutes	700 on a 100 to 900 scale

Performance-based questions often appear at the start and can take several minutes each. A common approach is to flag them, work through the multiple-choice questions, and return to them with the remaining time.

You can take the exams at a test center or online with a proctor, and you book through CompTIA. Read the testing rules before an online exam: the room, desk and identification checks are strict.

What do A+ questions look like?

Mostly short scenarios with four options. Here are three, one each from networking, hardware and operating systems.

CompTIA A+-style question 1 · Ports
Users can reach websites by IP address but not by name. A firewall change was made this morning. Which port was most likely blocked?
1. A53
2. B80
3. C443
4. D3389
Worked answer
A: 53. Name resolution uses DNS on port 53. Sites load by IP address, so web traffic (80 and 443) is getting through; only the name lookups are failing.
1. By IP works: the web ports are open.
2. By name fails: name resolution is broken.
3. Name resolution is DNS, port 53.
The trap: Choosing 443 because "websites" are failing. If HTTPS were blocked, the IP address would not work either.
CompTIA A+-style question 2 · RAID capacity
A technician builds a RAID 10 array from four 2 TB drives. About how much usable storage does the array provide?
1. A2 TB
2. B4 TB
3. C6 TB
4. D8 TB
Show the worked answer
B: 4 TB. RAID 10 stripes across mirrored pairs, so half the raw space holds copies: 4 × 2 TB = 8 TB raw, and half of that, 4 TB, is usable.
1. Raw space: 4 × 2 TB = 8 TB.
2. RAID 10 mirrors every drive, so usable space is half the raw space.
3. 8 TB ÷ 2 = 4 TB.
The trap: Answering 6 TB, which is RAID 5 (one drive's worth for parity). RAID 10 always gives half.
CompTIA A+-style question 3 · Windows editions
A small business wants its new laptops to join the company's Active Directory domain. Which Windows edition is the lowest that supports this?
1. AWindows Home
2. BWindows Pro
3. CWindows Home in S mode
4. DAny edition can join a domain
Show the worked answer
B: Windows Pro. Joining a domain needs Pro or higher (Pro, Enterprise or Education). Home editions cannot join an Active Directory domain.
1. Domain join is a business feature.
2. Home editions do not include it.
3. Pro is the lowest edition that does.
The trap: Thinking any edition can join if you have an admin password. Home simply does not have the feature.

The free A+ practice test runs both cores on 90-minute clocks, weighted by domain.

Prepare for both cores

Eight full A+-style mocks and four drills for each of the nine domains, every answer explained.

The CompTIA A+ Pass Pack gives you 8 full mocks on the real clock, 36 drills of 12 questions for the sections that cost you points, and a predictor that turns your mocks into the odds of reaching your target. One payment, no subscription, and your free score stays free.

Prep courses for these tests usually cost $19 to $129. The CompTIA A+ Pass Pack is US$39 (£29), once.

See the A+ Pass Pack How our questions are built and checked

8
timed mocks: 36
topic drills: 1
score predictor

What happens if I fail an A+ exam?

You can retake it straight away for a second attempt, then must wait at least 14 days before each later attempt, and every attempt needs a new voucher. A pass on the other core still stands.

Because every attempt is paid, the cheapest plan is to sit each exam once, prepared. Your score report lists the domains where you were weakest, so a retake should start there.

Once you hold A+, it is valid for three years. You renew through CompTIA's continuing education program (by earning continuing education units, completing a renewal course, or earning a higher certification) rather than by sitting the same exams again.

How do I prepare for CompTIA A+?

Study one core at a time, starting with the domain you are weakest in, learn the facts that recur (ports, commands, RAID, the troubleshooting steps), practise hands-on, and take timed mocks until you score 80% or more on our questions.

Most people need four to eight weeks per core, depending on experience. The step-by-step plan is in how to pass CompTIA A+, and the A+ passing score page explains what the scaled scores mean.

Frequently asked questions

Is CompTIA A+ worth it?

For entry-level IT support it is one of the most requested certifications. Check job listings in your area to see how often it appears.

How long does it take to get A+?

Most people study four to eight weeks for each core. Experienced technicians often need less.

Does CompTIA A+ expire?

It is valid for three years and renews through CompTIA's continuing education program.

Can I take both exams on the same day?

Yes, if you book them that way, but most people take them a few weeks apart.

Do I need experience for A+?

No experience is required to sit the exams, but hands-on practice helps a lot.

Start with a full practice test

The free practice test scores both cores by domain. The Pass Pack adds seven more mocks, 36 drills and a plan.