220-1201
Core 1 (220-1201) domains
- Hardware and network troubleshooting28%
- Hardware25%
- Networking23%
- Mobile devices13%
- Virtualization and cloud computing11%
675 / 900 to pass
CompTIA A+ practice test/Core 1 vs Core 2
CompTIA A+ · V15
CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2: What Each Exam Covers
A+ is two exams and you need both. Core 1 (220-1201) is hardware, networking and fixing them; Core 2 (220-1202) is operating systems, security and procedures. Same length and format; Core 2 needs 700 to pass, Core 1 needs 675.
220-1202
Core 2 (220-1202) domains
- Operating systems28%
- Security28%
- Software troubleshooting23%
- Operational procedures21%
700 / 900 to pass
Spec sheetSide by side
Core 1 and Core 2 compared
Every cell links the CompTIA page it comes from.
| Core 1 (220-1201) | Core 2 (220-1202) | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam code | 220-1201 Source | 220-1202 Source |
| What it covers | Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization and cloud, and fixing hardware and network faults Source | Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures Source |
| Largest domain | Hardware and network troubleshooting, 28% Source | Operating systems and Security, 28% each Source |
| Questions | Up to 90 Source | Up to 90 Source |
| Time | 90 minutes Source | 90 minutes Source |
| Passing score | 675 on a scale of 100–900 Source | 700 on a scale of 100–900 Source |
| Question types | Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, performance-based Source | Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, performance-based Source |
| Version | V15, launched March 25, 2025 Source | V15, launched March 25, 2025 Source |
| Languages | English, German and Japanese Source | English, German and Japanese Source |
Both: recommended 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role; series retires about 2028. Retakes: CompTIA retake policy. Renewal: certification renewal policy. Overview: CompTIA A+.
OrderWhich first
Which CompTIA A+ exam to take first
CompTIA sets no order: you can take Core 1 or Core 2 first, as long as both come from the same series. Start with the one closer to the work you already do.
- You like the hardware sideCore 1 is the bench work: parts, cables, ports, printers and the six-step troubleshooting method. Many people start here because it is concrete.
- You already support usersCore 2 is Windows, macOS and Linux settings, security and the help desk's procedures. If you do that every day, it may feel familiar first.
- Either way, bothYou only hold A+ after passing both, from the same series. Plan both inside one V15 window rather than one now and one after the series changes.
Practice Core 1 free
Core 1 vs Core 2 FAQ
Order, difficulty, retakes and renewal, from CompTIA’s own pages.
Yes. A+ is earned by passing both 220-1201 and 220-1202. CompTIA's exam pages say the two must come from the same version (V15), with no mixing of series.
CompTIA does not rank them. Core 2 has the higher passing score, 700 against 675 on the same 100 to 900 scale, but the scale is not a percentage, so the number alone does not say which is harder for you.
CompTIA's pages set no order. Pick the one closer to what you already do; Core 1 if you work with hardware and networks, Core 2 if you work with operating systems and security.
No wait before a second attempt. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last one, and every attempt is paid (CompTIA retake policy).
Three years from the day you certify. You can renew with continuing education units rather than retaking both exams (CompTIA certification renewal policy).
Every fact was read on CompTIA’s exam and policy pages on November 6, 2026. QuizCram practice questions cover Core 1. Spot an error? [email protected] · Editorial policy