Reviewed September 30, 2026 against CompTIA exam objectives v4.0
Pass 220-1202 A+ Core 2 with 500 practice questions and an explanation for every answer
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CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) is the software-focused half of the CompTIA A+ certification: it tests operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures for entry-level IT support roles.
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- Questions
- Maximum of 90
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing score
- 700
- Exam voucher
- $274
220-1202 exam details
Official format, scoring, and dates as published by CompTIA.
| Exam code | 220-1202 (V15) |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | Maximum of 90 |
| Length of test | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 700 (on a scale of 100–900) |
| Launch date | March 25, 2025 |
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| Question types | Multiple-choice and performance-based |
|---|---|
| Languages | English, German, and Japanese |
| Recommended experience | 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role |
| Exam objectives version | 4.0 |
| Work roles | Technical support specialist, system administrator, and cyber defense infrastructure support specialist (DoD 8140) |
Exam voucher pricing varies by region and changes over time — check the official A+ Core 2 page for the current price.
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Questions are mapped to all 4 official exam domains, and your results break down by domain so you know which to study first.
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Practice the performance-based questions, not just multiple choice
220-1202opens with simulations and drag-and-drop tasks that flashcards can't prepare you for. Our bank includes multiple-select, drag-and-drop, matching and ordering formats, so the interface is familiar before test day.
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Taking both A+ exams? CompTIA A+ requires 220-1202 and 220-1201. Pro ($11.99/month) includes both, plus every other certification. See 220-1201 →
How the 220-1202 questions are built
Mapped to the objectives
Each question targets one of the 4 official domains in CompTIA's Exam Objectives v4.0.
Explained, not just keyed
Every answer comes with the reasoning, including why the wrong options are wrong.
Sourced and original
Questions are written from scratch and cite CompTIA, NIST, IETF, OWASP or CISA material. No real exam content, ever.
Audited before publishing
Every question is checked for technical accuracy, objective alignment and distractor quality before it goes live.
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Free vs full 220-1202 access
Start free. Upgrade when you want the whole bank and a timed rehearsal.
| Feature | Free | Full ($14.99) |
|---|---|---|
| Practice questions | 40 | 500 |
| Practice mode (instant feedback) | Yes | Yes |
| Timed exam simulation | No | Yes |
| Progress tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Lifetime access, one payment | No | Yes |
What is CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)?
Core 2 is where A+ becomes an operating-system and security exam. It covers Windows (editions, tools, command line, settings, networking), macOS and Linux client basics, malware and social engineering, workstation and mobile hardening, and the operational side of support: documentation, change management, backups, safety, communication, scripting basics, and remote access.
Operating Systems and Security are each 28% of the exam, so more than half of your score depends on Windows fluency and practical security judgement. Core 2 has a higher passing score (700) than Core 1 (675).
As on Core 1, expect performance-based questions alongside multiple-choice and drag-and-drop items. Core 1 and Core 2 must come from the same version (V15).
Who should take 220-1202?
- Aspiring help-desk and desktop-support technicians
- Technicians who already fix hardware and now need to show OS, security, and process knowledge
- Candidates who passed Core 1 and want to complete the A+ certification
Job roles this supports
- Help desk technician
- Desktop support specialist
- IT support specialist
- Systems support technician
- Technical support specialist
220-1202 exam domains and objectives
4 domains and 31objectives, weighted by share of the exam. Objective titles are quoted from CompTIA's Exam Objectives document v4.0.
1.0Operating Systems (28%)
Windows editions, tools, command-line utilities, settings and networking, plus macOS and Linux client features and OS installation/upgrade paths.
- 1.1Explain common operating system (OS) types and their purposes.
- 1.2Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse environment.
- 1.3Compare and contrast basic features of Microsoft Windows editions.
- 1.4Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows operating system features and tools.
- 1.5Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tools.
- 1.6Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows settings.
- 1.7Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop.
- 1.8Explain common features and tools of the macOS/desktop operating system.
- 1.9Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop operating system.
2.0Security (28%)
Physical and logical security, Windows security settings, wireless security, malware types and removal, social engineering, workstation and mobile hardening, and data destruction.
- 2.1Summarize various security measures and their purposes.
- 2.2Given a scenario, configure and apply basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.
- 2.3Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.
- 2.4Summarize types of malware and tools/methods for detection, removal, and prevention.
- 2.5Compare and contrast common social engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities.
- 2.6Given a scenario, implement procedures for basic small office/home office (SOHO) malware removal.
- 2.7Given a scenario, apply workstation security options and hardening techniques.
- 2.8Given a scenario, apply common methods for securing mobile devices.
- 2.9Compare and contrast common data destruction and disposal methods.
3.0Software Troubleshooting (23%)
Troubleshooting Windows, mobile OS and application problems, and security symptoms on PCs and mobile devices.
- 3.1Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS issues.
- 3.2Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues.
- 3.3Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues.
- 3.4Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues.
4.0Operational Procedures (21%)
Documentation, change management, backup and recovery, safety, environmental impact, licensing/privacy, professionalism, scripting basics, and remote access.
- 4.1Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management.
- 4.2Given a scenario, apply change management procedures.
- 4.3Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods.
- 4.4Given a scenario, use common safety procedures.
- 4.5Summarize environmental impacts and local environment controls.
- 4.6Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
- 4.7Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.
- 4.8Explain the basics of scripting.
- 4.9Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.
Which 220-1202 domain is your weakest? Find out in 5 questions.
Try 5 free questions220-1202 study plan
About 6 hours a week for 8weeks, with time split in proportion to each domain's exam weighting. Adjust up if the material is new to you and down if you work in it daily.
| Domain | Exam weight | Suggested hours |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 28% | 13 h |
| Security | 28% | 13 h |
| Software Troubleshooting | 23% | 11 h |
| Operational Procedures | 21% | 10 h |
Exam-day tips for 220-1202
- 1Know Windows command-line tools cold (ipconfig, sfc, chkdsk, gpupdate, net use, robocopy, diskpart) and when each is the right answer.
- 2Memorize the malware-removal steps in order; scenario questions test the sequence.
- 3Be able to tell Windows editions apart by feature (domain join, BitLocker, Group Policy, Remote Desktop host).
- 4For operational-procedure questions, choose the answer that follows process — document, get approval, communicate — over the fastest fix.
- 5Learn the basics of scripting file types (.bat, .ps1, .vbs, .sh, .py, .js) and what each is used for.
220-1202 frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the 220-1202 exam and how long is it?
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) has maximum of 90 questions and a 90 minutes time limit. Question types include multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs).
What is the passing score for 220-1202?
The 220-1202 passing score is 700 (on a scale of 100–900).
What domains does 220-1202 cover and how are they weighted?
According to CompTIA’s exam objectives (version 4.0), 220-1202 covers 4 domains: Operating Systems (28%), Security (28%), Software Troubleshooting (23%), Operational Procedures (21%).
Is A+ Core 2 harder than Core 1?
Its passing score is slightly higher (700 versus 675) and it leans on practical Windows and security judgement rather than component recognition. Candidates with strong hardware experience often find Core 2 the bigger study effort; candidates who work mostly in software find Core 1 harder.
How much Windows command-line knowledge do I need for 220-1202?
Objective 1.5 is dedicated to Microsoft command-line tools, and PBQs can ask you to choose or order commands. Know what each common utility does, its key switches, and which situation calls for it.
Does A+ Core 2 cover scripting?
Yes — objective 4.8 covers the basics of scripting: recognizing script file types and understanding use cases and considerations such as automation, restarting machines, and mapping drives. You are not expected to write long programs.
Is 220-1202 the current version and when does it retire?
220-1202 (exam version V15) launched on March 25, 2025. Retirement: Usually three years after launch (estimated 2028). Confirm current dates on comptia.org before booking.
How long is CompTIA A+ Core 2 valid?
CompTIA certifications are valid for three years from the date you pass and can be renewed through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program or by passing the current version of the exam.
How many 220-1202 practice questions does CompCertQuiz have, and what does it cost?
CompCertQuiz has 500 220-1202 practice questions mapped to the official exam domains, each with a detailed explanation. 40 are free with no credit card. Full access is a one-time $14.99, or $11.99 a month for every CompTIA certification, with a 7-day money-back guarantee.
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Sources and how this page is maintained
- Exam facts (questions, length, passing score, launch date, languages, recommended experience) and the domain and objective lists come from CompTIA's published exam details and Exam Objectives document v4.0 for 220-1202. Official page: comptia.org.
- Study-plan hours and exam tips are CompCertQuiz editorial guidance, not CompTIA content.
- Last reviewed September 30, 2026. CompTIA can change exam details; confirm on comptia.org before you book.
- Spotted an error or an out-of-date detail? Tell us and we will correct it. See About CompCertQuiz for who we are.
- CompCertQuiz is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA, and CompTIA, A+, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, Linux+, CySA+, and SecAI+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. We never publish or use real exam questions.
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