CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Practice Exams 2026

About the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 Exam

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) is the second of two exams required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification—the IT industry's most recognized entry-level credential. While Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, and physical components, Core 2 covers operating systems, security practices, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Together, the two exams validate the complete IT support skill set required for help desk technicians, desktop support specialists, and field service technicians operating in today's diverse, security-conscious IT environments.

The 220-1202 exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions to complete in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 700 on a 100-900 scale. The exam costs $246 USD and is delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers or via online proctored exam. Core 2 questions include multiple-choice (single and multiple answer) and performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real-world IT support scenarios—configuring Windows settings, removing malware, implementing security controls, and following proper operational procedures. The Core 2 passing score (700) is slightly higher than Core 1 (675), reflecting the additional complexity of OS and security content.

A+ Core 2 220-1202 Domains and Weighting:

• Domain 1: Operating Systems (26%) - Windows 10/11 installation, configuration, and management (Control Panel, Settings app, Task Manager, Registry Editor, Group Policy), Windows command-line tools (dir, cd, ipconfig, ping, netstat, sfc, DISM), macOS and Linux basic administration, virtualization overview, and OS upgrade/migration procedures
• Domain 2: Security (26%) - Physical security controls (cable locks, smart cards, biometric access), logical security concepts (principle of least privilege, access control lists, MFA), malware types and removal procedures, wireless security protocols (WPA2/WPA3), browser security settings, social engineering awareness, and Windows security features (Windows Defender, BitLocker, User Account Control)
• Domain 3: Software Troubleshooting (22%) - Troubleshooting Windows OS failures (boot errors, BSOD, application crashes), malware removal methodology, mobile device troubleshooting (app crashes, connectivity issues, synchronization problems), and applying the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology to software issues
• Domain 4: Operational Procedures (26%) - Documentation best practices (ticketing systems, change management, knowledge base), environmental impacts and controls (HVAC, power fluctuations, ESD precautions), data destruction and disposal methods, basic scripting concepts (batch files, PowerShell, Python basics), professionalism and communication skills, and change management procedures

All four Core 2 domains carry approximately equal weighting (22-26%), making it essential to study all domains thoroughly rather than focusing on one area. Operating Systems and Security together represent 52% of the exam—Windows administration skills and security awareness are the most critical competencies for Core 2 success.

Why Take CompTIA A+ Core 2?

• Validates Real-World IT Support Skills Employers Need: Core 2 covers the daily realities of IT support work—configuring Windows operating systems, removing malware, securing user accounts, documenting incidents, and communicating with users. These are the skills hiring managers test in interviews and expect from day-one employees. A+ Core 2 certification signals to employers that you can manage Windows environments, handle basic security incidents, and follow professional IT procedures without extensive on-the-job training.
• Security Domain Bridges A+ to Security+ Career Path: Core 2's security domain (26%) introduces malware types, physical security controls, logical access controls, and social engineering awareness—the same foundational concepts that Security+ builds upon. Candidates who study Core 2 security content seriously will find the Security+ exam significantly more approachable. The A+ to Security+ career path is one of the most traveled routes into cybersecurity for IT professionals without a computer science background.
• Operational Procedures Domain Covers Professional IT Practices: Unlike purely technical certifications, Core 2's Operational Procedures domain (26%) covers documentation, change management, communication skills, and professional behavior—skills that separate good IT technicians from great ones. Employers value IT professionals who document their work, follow change management processes, communicate effectively with non-technical users, and handle sensitive data appropriately. These soft skills, combined with technical competency, lead to faster career advancement in IT support roles.
• Scripting Introduction Opens Automation Career Paths: Core 2 introduces basic scripting concepts (batch files, PowerShell, Python basics)—the beginning of IT automation skills. As organizations increasingly automate routine IT tasks, technicians with scripting knowledge command higher salaries and advance more quickly into systems administration and DevOps roles. Core 2's scripting introduction plants the seed for automation skills that become increasingly valuable throughout an IT career.

What You'll Learn in the A+ Core 2 220-1202 Exam

A+ Core 2 covers the software, security, and procedural knowledge required for IT support professionals. Where Core 1 asks "how does the hardware work?", Core 2 asks "how do you configure, secure, and troubleshoot the software?" The exam tests your ability to manage Windows operating systems, respond to security incidents, troubleshoot software failures, and follow professional IT procedures—skills used daily in help desk and IT support roles.

Operating System Administration

• Windows Configuration and Management: Installing Windows 10/11 using clean install, upgrade, and in-place repair methods; navigating Windows administrative tools (Computer Management, Device Manager, Disk Management, Event Viewer, Services); configuring Windows settings (display, accessibility, power options, user accounts, file sharing); managing files and folders (NTFS permissions, sharing settings, encryption with EFS); and using Windows Update for patch management and driver updates
• Windows Command Line and Scripting: Using essential Windows command-line utilities: ipconfig (network configuration), ping and tracert (connectivity testing), netstat (network connections), sfc /scannow (system file checker), DISM (deployment image servicing), chkdsk (disk integrity), tasklist/taskkill (process management), and net commands (user/share management); understanding basic PowerShell concepts and when to use PowerShell versus Command Prompt; and creating simple batch files to automate repetitive tasks
• macOS and Linux Fundamentals: Identifying macOS-specific features (Finder, Time Machine, Keychain, System Preferences), macOS maintenance procedures (Disk Utility, Activity Monitor, FileVault encryption); basic Linux commands (ls, cd, pwd, mkdir, rm, chmod, chown, ps, grep, sudo); understanding Linux file system structure (/etc, /home, /var, /usr); and differentiating Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS, Kali) and their appropriate use cases

Security and Malware Response

• Security Controls and Best Practices: Implementing logical security controls (strong passwords, MFA, principle of least privilege, account lockout policies); configuring Windows security features (Windows Defender, BitLocker drive encryption, User Account Control, Windows Firewall); managing user accounts and groups in Active Directory and local accounts; and configuring browser security settings (private browsing, certificate validation, pop-up blocking)
• Malware Identification and Removal: Identifying malware types (ransomware, trojans, spyware, adware, rootkits, keyloggers, botnets, worms) and their symptoms; following the malware removal methodology (identify, quarantine, remove, remediate, verify, educate); using Windows Defender and third-party tools for malware scanning; performing system restore and Windows recovery options (Safe Mode, System Restore, Reset this PC); and recovering from ransomware incidents
• Physical Security and Data Protection: Implementing physical security controls (cable locks, privacy screens, door locks, badge readers, biometric access); understanding data destruction methods appropriate for different scenarios (overwriting, shredding, degaussing, physical destruction); applying proper data disposal procedures for HDDs, SSDs, and mobile devices; and implementing encryption for data protection at rest (BitLocker) and in transit (TLS)

Operational Procedures and Professionalism

• Documentation and Change Management: Using ticketing systems for incident tracking (recording symptoms, troubleshooting steps, resolution, closure); creating and maintaining IT documentation (network diagrams, asset inventories, runbooks); following change management procedures (change request, risk assessment, approval, implementation, rollback plan, post-implementation review); and maintaining knowledge bases for recurring issues
• Environmental and Safety Practices: Applying electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions (anti-static wristbands, grounded mats); understanding proper battery disposal and recycling procedures for different battery chemistries (Li-ion, NiMH, lead-acid); implementing proper ventilation and airflow for equipment reliability; and following OSHA safety guidelines for IT environments

How to Prepare for the A+ Core 2 220-1202 Exam

A+ Core 2 preparation typically takes 6-8 weeks for candidates who have completed Core 1, or 8-12 weeks for those taking Core 2 as their first A+ exam. Core 2 is generally considered more concept-heavy than Core 1—particularly the security and operational procedures domains—but requires less hands-on hardware identification. Windows administration experience significantly accelerates Core 2 preparation, as the operating systems domain covers daily Windows tasks that IT-experienced candidates already know.

1. Master Windows Administration with Hands-On Practice (3-4 weeks): The Operating Systems domain (26%) requires practical Windows knowledge that reads better than it studies from textbooks alone. Set up a Windows 10 or Windows 11 virtual machine (free through Microsoft's evaluation center) and practice: navigating administrative tools (Task Manager, Event Viewer, Device Manager, Disk Management), managing user accounts and permissions, configuring Windows Defender and Firewall, using command-line utilities, and performing Windows troubleshooting tasks (Safe Mode, System Restore, SFC). Study Mike Meyers' or Jason Dion's A+ Core 2 course which provides Windows configuration walkthroughs. Understanding Group Policy, registry basics, and NTFS permissions is critical for exam questions.
2. Study Security and Malware Removal Thoroughly (2-3 weeks): Security (26%) covers both conceptual security knowledge and practical malware removal procedures. Study the malware removal methodology as a numbered sequence—exam questions frequently ask for the correct next step in the removal process. Create flashcards for malware types and their distinguishing characteristics (ransomware encrypts files, keyloggers capture keystrokes, rootkits hide from the OS). Understand Windows security features: BitLocker (full disk encryption), EFS (file-level encryption), UAC (elevation prompts), and Windows Defender components. Study authentication methods (passwords, MFA, smart cards, biometrics) and when each is appropriate.
3. Learn Operational Procedures with Real-World Context (1-2 weeks): Operational Procedures (26%) covers documentation, change management, professionalism, and environmental practices—topics that can feel abstract but become clear with workplace context. Study change management stages (change request → risk assessment → approval → implementation → rollback plan → post-implementation review) as a sequence. Understand data destruction methods and when each applies (overwriting for reuse, degaussing for HDDs, physical destruction for highly sensitive data, shredding for documents). For professionalism questions, apply common sense: respond to difficult users calmly, escalate when needed, don't make unauthorized changes, always document your work.
4. Complete Practice Questions Focused on Application (2 weeks): Take 400+ practice questions spanning all four Core 2 domains. Core 2 questions often present scenarios ("A user reports their computer is running slowly and showing unexpected pop-ups. What is the FIRST step you should take?") requiring you to apply the correct procedure in order. For troubleshooting questions, always apply the methodology: identify the problem before implementing solutions, test theories before making changes, document everything. Use Jason Dion's Core 2 practice exams or Mike Meyers' study resources. Review the official CompTIA A+ certification page for current exam objectives.

Core 2 study tip: The four domains are equally weighted, so don't neglect Operational Procedures because it seems less technical. Questions about documentation, change management, communication, and environmental safety are straightforward if studied but easy to miss if ignored. Budget 80-120 hours for candidates with basic Windows experience, 120-160 hours for those new to IT environments.

Frequently Asked Questions