CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) practice exam & study guide

CompTIA designed Core 2 around the software side of end-user support: installing and configuring operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, mobile), applying security best practices, troubleshooting software and malware, and following operational procedures.

Like Core 1 it blends multiple-choice with performance-based questions. Security is a large and practical part of Core 2 — you are expected to recognise attacks, apply Windows security settings, and follow the malware-removal process.

Core 2 is entry level but security-heavy and detail-oriented — you need to know Windows administration, security controls, and the exact order of the malware-removal process, plus operational best practices.

The performance-based questions and the breadth of Windows and security topics are the main challenges. Practising PBQs and timed sets, and memorising ordered processes like malware removal, is the most effective preparation.

The Core 2 exam contains a maximum of 90 questions and allows 90 minutes, mixing multiple-choice with performance-based questions. You must also pass Core 1 to earn the A+ certification.

Our full-length practice mock mirrors that scale with a 90-question, 90-minute session so you can rehearse the one-minute-per-question pace and build stamina.

CompTIA scores Core 2 on a scale of 100 to 900, and you need 700 to pass — slightly higher than Core 1’s 675. Because it is scaled, questions are not all worth the same, and there is no penalty for guessing, so you should answer everything. Our practice mock uses a 78% threshold as a study checkpoint; aim comfortably beyond it.

A CompTIA A+ voucher is priced per exam by CompTIA and varies by region, with discounted bundles that include both cores. The A+ certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through CompTIA’s continuing-education programme. Every resource on this hub is free.

A+ Core 2 is aimed at the same audience as Core 1 — people starting an IT-support career, such as help-desk, desktop-support, and field-service technicians — who need the software, security, and procedures half of the A+.

CompTIA lists no formal prerequisites, though it recommends around 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience. Core 2’s security and operational-procedures material rewards candidates who have supported real users.

A+ is relevant to roles such as help-desk technician, desktop-support technician, field-service technician, and junior systems administrator, and it appears frequently in entry-level IT-support job postings.

How much any certification moves compensation depends heavily on geography and experience, so treat any single salary figure with caution. A+ is best viewed as a way to demonstrate broad entry-level IT competence rather than a guaranteed raise on its own.

Plan for several weeks to a few months depending on your background. Spend the early weeks building coverage across the four Core 2 domains — especially Operating Systems and Security — then commit the back half to practice questions and full timed mocks including PBQ practice.

A good rhythm is to study one domain at a time and take its topic quiz immediately, then move to full-length mocks in the final stretch — reviewing every explanation, including for questions you answered correctly. Memorise ordered processes like the seven-step malware removal. Use the per-domain results here to find your weakest area.

Study the four domains above, giving the most time to Operating Systems and Security, then drill practice questions domain by domain. Every MockAPI question reveals a detailed explanation and a per-option breakdown of why each distractor is wrong.

Once your domain scores are solid, sit full-length timed mocks to build pacing and stamina, and rehearse the performance-based questions. Use the glossary to nail terminology, and remember you must pass Core 1 as well to earn the A+.

Yes. CompTIA delivers A+ through Pearson VUE, so you can test at a physical Pearson VUE centre or online with remote proctoring. The online exam has strict environment rules: a private, quiet room, a clear desk, a webcam and microphone, a stable connection, and government-issued photo ID, with a proctor monitoring you and a room scan before you start.

If you do not pass, CompTIA lets you retake a second time immediately with no wait, but a third or later attempt requires a 14-day wait, and every attempt needs its own voucher. Core 1 and Core 2 must be from the same exam version.

After passing both Core 1 and Core 2 to earn the A+, the natural next step is CompTIA Network+ for deeper networking, followed by Security+ for security fundamentals — the classic CompTIA infrastructure pathway.

From there you can branch into networking, security, or systems-administration tracks. Pairing A+ with hands-on support experience is what turns a certificate into a career.