CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220‑1202) Practice Exams
About the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam
Exam at a glance
The second of two foundational-tier exams required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification — you must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) to be certified, and the order doesn't matter. Released April 2025, replacing 220-1102.
Domain weighting
- Operating Systems: ~28%
- Security: ~28%
- Software Troubleshooting: ~24%
- Operational Procedures: ~20%
How Core 2 fits with Core 1
Core 1 covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and hardware troubleshooting. Core 2 picks up where Core 1 ends — operating systems, security posture, software troubleshooting, and the operational practices (documentation, change management, scripting, communication) that distinguish a junior technician from a help-desk operator. Together they validate end-to-end support competency.
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites. CompTIA recommends 9-12 months of hands-on help-desk or junior-technician experience, but motivated beginners regularly pass with focused study and lab time.
Why take this certification
- Industry-standard entry credential. CompTIA A+ is the most-recognized entry-level IT certification in North America and is explicitly named in U.S. DoD Directive 8140 for IT support roles. Hiring managers across MSPs, internal IT teams, and retail-tech roles list A+ as a baseline.
- Vendor-neutral. A+ teaches concepts that apply across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS — not just one ecosystem. The skills transfer regardless of where your career goes.
- Stepping stone to specialization. A+ is the recommended prerequisite knowledge for Network+ (N10-009) and Security+ (SY0-701), the next two pillars of the CompTIA infrastructure track.
- Practical, hands-on focus. Performance-based questions (PBQs) require you to actually solve simulated OS, security, and troubleshooting scenarios — not just recognize textbook answers. The skills you build translate directly to your first IT job.
What you'll learn in the 220-1202 exam
Core 2 validates that you can operate, secure, and troubleshoot end-user systems across the major operating systems and follow the operational practices that keep a support team running. Expect a mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions that simulate real OS, security, and troubleshooting tasks.
Operating systems
- Windows 10 / 11: installation methods (clean, upgrade, image-based), partitioning and file systems (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT), feature differences across Windows editions, Settings vs Control Panel, command-line essentials (
ipconfig,netstat,chkdsk,sfc,gpupdate,dism), PowerShell basics, registry navigation. - macOS: Finder, Time Machine, Disk Utility, System Settings, Gatekeeper, Keychain, Spotlight — at the level a support tech needs to assist macOS users.
- Linux: common distributions, the
bashshell, core commands (ls,cd,cp,mv,rm,chmod,chown,grep,sudo,apt,yum), file-system layout, permissions model. - Mobile OS: Android and iOS configuration, account integration, app management, mobile-specific security (screen lock, biometrics, remote wipe).
- Awareness: BSD and Chrome OS at conceptual level (when you'd see them, what they replace).
Security
- Malware: identification of viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, keyloggers, fileless malware; the standard removal procedure (isolate, identify, quarantine, remediate, educate, verify).
- Social engineering: phishing, spear-phishing, vishing, smishing, pretexting, tailgating, dumpster diving, shoulder surfing — and the user-education response to each.
- Identity and access: multifactor authentication factors (something you know / have / are / do / where), SSO, federated identity, password policies, account-lockout policies.
- Data protection: secure data destruction methods (shredding, degaussing, incineration, cryptographic erasure, factory reset), full-disk encryption (BitLocker, FileVault, LUKS), recycling vs disposal procedures.
- Browser security: pop-up blockers, certificate warnings, password managers, private browsing, extensions hygiene, untrusted-source awareness.
Software troubleshooting
- OS troubleshooting (boot failures, blue screens, slow performance, missing services, profile corruption).
- Application troubleshooting (crash patterns, compatibility, permissions, dependency resolution).
- Mobile troubleshooting (battery drain, connectivity, app crashes, slow performance).
- Malware-removal procedures (the 7-step CompTIA process, applied end-to-end).
Operational procedures
- The CompTIA 6-step troubleshooting methodology: identify the problem → establish a theory → test the theory → establish a plan → implement and verify → document. Internalize this — it appears across many PBQs.
- Change management: request, risk analysis, approval, rollback planning, communication, post-implementation review.
- Documentation: ticketing systems, knowledge base articles, asset inventory, network diagrams, regulatory and acceptable-use policies.
- Professionalism and communication: active listening, plain-language explanation, customer service under pressure, escalation paths.
- Safety and environmental: ESD precautions, MSDS sheets, equipment grounding, proper lifting, e-waste handling.
- Regulatory awareness: PCI DSS, HIPAA, PII, GDPR — at concept level, not the depth of a compliance exam.
- Scripting basics: recognize and explain simple Bash, PowerShell, Python, and JavaScript snippets — what they do, when to use which language, and the risks of running untrusted scripts.
- Remote access: SSH, RDP, VNC, screen-share tools, and the security considerations of each.
How the practice exams help
Each free question and every premium exam mirrors the CompTIA question style — concise multiple choice with realistic scenarios, plus the kind of scripted decision-tree thinking PBQs demand. Detailed explanations cover not just why the right answer is right but why the distractors are wrong, so you build the reasoning rather than memorize answer letters.
How to prepare for the 220-1202 exam
A successful A+ Core 2 preparation strategy combines structured study, hands-on lab time, and timed practice. Recommended approach:
- Study the four domains (3–4 weeks). Work through the official CompTIA A+ exam objectives for 220-1202 domain-by-domain. CompTIA's CertMaster Learn + Practice bundle is the gold-standard self-study path — it pairs the official curriculum with interactive labs and adaptive question banks. The CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide (Sybex) covers both Core 1 and Core 2 in one volume and is the most-cited print resource. Professor Messer publishes a free, comprehensive video series for 220-1202 on YouTube — many candidates pass on Messer + a question bank alone.
- Hands-on labs (2–3 weeks). Spin up Windows 10 and Windows 11 VMs in VirtualBox or Hyper-V, install a Linux distro (Ubuntu or Mint is fine), and use a real or virtualized macOS environment if you have access. Practice the command-line essentials, configure user accounts and permissions, install and remove software, simulate malware-removal procedures (use EICAR test files, never real malware), and walk through Windows installation and recovery scenarios. The PBQ style rewards muscle memory.
- Review CompTIA's troubleshooting methodology (1 week). The 6-step process is tested across multiple domains and appears in many performance-based questions. Memorize it cold, then practice applying it to scenario questions until the structure is automatic.
- Practice exams (1–2 weeks). Take timed practice tests to identify weak domains. Aim for consistent 85%+ scores on standard multiple choice before scheduling, since PBQs on the real exam tend to drag overall scores down by 5-10 points. Time yourself — 90 minutes for up to 90 questions is roughly one minute per item, and PBQs eat time fast.
Recommended timeline
6–10 weeks of focused study (10–15 hours per week) for candidates with some IT exposure. Career-changers with no prior experience should allow 10–12 weeks and lean heavily on lab practice.
Official resources
Start with the official CompTIA A+ certification page for the current 220-1202 objectives and exam logistics. CompTIA's CertMaster learning platform offers paid official training; for free supplementary material, Professor Messer's 220-1202 video course is the most-cited community resource.
Frequently asked questions
Are these actual exam questions?
No. All Nex Arc CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) practice questions are original content based on the provider's published exam blueprint, official documentation, and real-world scenarios across every topic the exam covers. We do not offer brain dumps, leaked questions, or actual exam content. Using or distributing real exam questions violates certification provider agreements and can result in certification revocation.
How many questions are in the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam?
The 220-1202 exam contains a maximum of 90 questions that you need to complete in 90 minutes. The format mixes multiple choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop matching, and performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real OS, security, and troubleshooting tasks.
What's the 220-1202 passing score?
The passing score is 700 out of 900. CompTIA uses a scaled scoring model, and not all questions carry the same weight — performance-based questions are weighted more heavily than standard multiple choice. Note that Core 2's 700/900 cutoff differs from Core 1's 675/900 — Core 2 is graded slightly stricter.
How do I access the full 220-1202 practice exam?
Click on the Buy Now button in the sidebar to purchase the complete CompTIA A+ Core 2 course. After payment, you'll have instant access to 12 practice exams with detailed explanations and lifetime access.
Can I take Core 2 before Core 1?
Yes. CompTIA allows you to take 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) in any order — there is no enforced sequence. However, both exams are required to earn the A+ credential, and passing only one does not award certification. Most candidates take Core 1 first because the hardware and networking foundation it covers makes Core 2's operating-system and troubleshooting topics easier to reason about, but either order is valid.
What are the prerequisites for the 220-1202 exam?
There are no formal prerequisites. CompTIA recommends 9-12 months of hands-on experience in a help-desk, support, or junior-technician role, but candidates new to IT can pass with focused study and lab practice. The exam assumes baseline computer-literacy (file systems, basic OS navigation, command-line awareness). No prior CompTIA certifications are required to attempt A+.
How long is the CompTIA A+ certification valid?
CompTIA A+ certifications are valid for three years from the date you pass both Core 1 and Core 2. Unlike many vendor certifications, CompTIA offers a Continuing Education (CE) program — you can renew A+ by earning 20 CE credits over the three-year cycle (through training courses, higher-level CompTIA certs like Network+ or Security+, industry conferences, or relevant work experience) and paying an annual CE fee. You can also recertify by passing the current version of the exam.
What's the exam cost and can I retake it if I fail?
The 220-1202 exam costs $278 USD (US list price; varies by region). The exam is delivered through Pearson VUE at testing centers or via online proctoring. If you fail your first attempt, you can retake the exam immediately with no waiting period. After a second failure, CompTIA requires a 14-day wait before subsequent attempts. Each attempt requires a new $278 payment unless you have a voucher. CompTIA Academic and CompTIA Partner discounts are available — check with your employer or training provider.
What topics are most heavily tested on 220-1202?
The four domains are weighted: Operating Systems (~28%) — Windows 10/11 installation, configuration, and command-line; macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS familiarity; Security (~28%) — malware identification and removal, social engineering, secure data destruction, multifactor authentication, identity management, browser security; Software Troubleshooting (~24%) — OS, application, and mobile-device troubleshooting; Operational Procedures (~20%) — CompTIA's 6-step troubleshooting methodology, change management, documentation, scripting basics (Bash, PowerShell, Python, JavaScript), remote-access technologies (SSH, RDP, VNC), and regulatory awareness (PCI, HIPAA, PII, GDPR at concept level).
How does 220-1202 differ from the previous 220-1102 version?
220-1202 (released April 2025, replacing 220-1102) refreshes the operating-system coverage with deeper Windows 11 focus, expanded mobile OS content (Android/iOS), and broader awareness of BSD/Chrome OS. The security domain adds modern social-engineering vectors, MFA techniques, and updated malware-removal procedures. Operational procedures expands the scripting overview (Bash, PowerShell, Python, JavaScript) and adds emphasis on remote-access workflows (SSH, RDP, VNC) that became standard during the remote-work shift. CompTIA's 6-step troubleshooting methodology and the 700/900 passing-score model are unchanged.