CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2: Which to Take First

Which A+ exam should you take first? Most people should start with Core 1 (220-1201), then take Core 2 (220-1202). CompTIA lets you take them in either order, so go with Core 2 first only if you already know operating systems and security better than hardware and networking.

Here’s CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2 in one line: Core 1 (exam 220-1201) covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and hardware/network troubleshooting; Core 2 (exam 220-1202) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. You need to pass both to earn A+. Think of it as “the box and the wires” versus “everything that runs on the box — and the people who break it.” Below: codes, format, both domain lists, cost, retakes, and four practice questions.

First, which A+ is current?

CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association, the nonprofit that runs the exam) calls A+ its entry-level certification for IT support and help desk roles. As of Oct 21, 2026, the current version is V15: Core 1 is 220-1201 and Core 2 is 220-1202. V15 launched on March 25, 2025.

The older V14 exams (220-1101 and 220-1102) are on their way out. CompTIA’s FAQ said V14 was expected to retire in September 2025, and as of Oct 21, 2026, CompTIA’s V14 exam pages redirect to the V15 pages. If you’re starting now, study for 220-1201 and 220-1202.

One rule matters a lot: both exams must come from the same version. No mixing a V14 Core 1 with a V15 Core 2. CompTIA also says that if your version retires before you pass Core 2, your Core 1 result no longer counts.

Source: CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2 (V15) page, as of Oct 21, 2026.

The format: same shape, different scores

As of Oct 21, 2026, both exams share the same format:

• Up to 90 questions per exam. That includes multiple choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop, and PBQs (performance-based questions — small hands-on tasks or simulations, like configuring a setting or matching ports to protocols).
• 90 minutes per exam. That’s about one minute per question if you get the full 90 (our math). PBQs take longer, so budget your time and don’t let one simulation eat ten minutes.
• Passing score for Core 1: 675 out of 900.
• Passing score for Core 2: 700 out of 900.
• Any order. CompTIA says you can take Core 1 and Core 2 in either order.
• Where you test: a Pearson VUE test center or online through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE remote proctoring.

Yes, Core 2 has the higher bar. CompTIA doesn’t publish a raw-to-scaled conversion, so don’t turn 675 into a percentage. Aim well above the line in practice.

Sources: A+ Core 1 (V15) page, A+ Core 2 (V15) page, CompTIA A+ overview, and Pearson VUE’s CompTIA page, as of Oct 21, 2026.

What Core 1 (220-1201) covers

Core 1 is the physical side of IT support. CompTIA’s official domain weights, as of Oct 21, 2026:

• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting — 28%. Diagnosing hardware, network, and connectivity problems with tools like multimeters, cable testers, and loopback plugs.
• Hardware — 25%. Installing RAM, CPUs, and storage; HDMI, Ethernet, and USB cables; printers and other peripherals; motherboards, power supplies, and cooling.
• Networking — 23%. Protocols and ports, wireless technologies, and SOHO (small office/home office) networks, including IP addressing and VPNs (virtual private networks). Plus crimpers and Wi-Fi analyzers.
• Mobile Devices — 13%. Laptop and mobile hardware like batteries and Wi-Fi antennas; USB, Bluetooth, NFC (near-field communication), and docks; cellular data and sync settings.
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing — 11%. Virtual machines, hypervisors, desktop virtualization, and the cloud models IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS (infrastructure, platform, and software as a service).

Troubleshooting is the biggest slice. Port numbers help, but Core 1 loves “the printer is doing this — what now?”

What Core 2 (220-1202) covers

Core 2 is the software-and-people side. Official weights, as of Oct 21, 2026:

• Operating Systems — 28%. Installing and supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems; Windows tools like Task Manager, Command Prompt, and Disk Management; file systems, updates, and upgrades.
• Security — 28%. Encryption, access controls, wireless security protocols, and detecting, removing, and preventing malware.
• Software Troubleshooting — 23%. Fixing operating system and app problems, mobile connectivity and performance issues, and security problems like unauthorized access and malware.
• Operational Procedures — 21%. Documentation and change practices, safety, communicating with users, and workstation backup and recovery.

Operating systems and security together are 56% of Core 2 (our math). And yes, communicating well with users is real exam content. It may be the only test where patience earns points.

Core 1 vs Core 2, side by side

• Focus: Core 1 = hardware, networks, mobile devices, cloud basics. Core 2 = operating systems, security, software, procedures.
• Biggest domain: Core 1 = Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%). Core 2 = a tie between Operating Systems and Security (28% each).
• Passing score: Core 1 = 675. Core 2 = 700. Both out of 900.
• Same for both: up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, PBQs included, same-version rule.

Which first? If you’ve built PCs, Core 1 may feel familiar; if you live in Windows settings, start with Core 2. Just keep the gap between them short.

Cost, retakes, and how long A+ lasts (the wallet section)

• Price: CompTIA’s U.S. store lists the A+ exam voucher at $274 USD as of Oct 21, 2026. Each voucher covers one exam, so both exams at list price is $548 (our math). Vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase.
• Retakes: after a first failed attempt, there’s no waiting period before your second. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days. You pay the exam price each time, unless you buy CompTIA’s “Voucher Plus Retake Assurance,” listed at $359 USD, which covers a retake if you need one.
• Prerequisites: none formally required.
• Validity: A+ is good for three years from the date you pass your second exam.
• Results: you get a score report when you finish.

Sources: CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2 (V15) page, CompTIA Certification Retake Policy, and CompTIA Candidate Testing Policies, as of Oct 21, 2026.

Try 4 practice questions

These are original questions written for this post, not from any real CompTIA exam or practice set.

1. (Core 1 — Networking troubleshooting) A user’s Windows laptop shows an IP address of 169.254.12.40 and can’t reach the internet. What’s the most likely cause?

A. The laptop’s screen resolution is wrong
B. The laptop couldn’t get an address from a DHCP server
C. The laptop has too much RAM
D. The website the user wants is down

Answer: B. An address starting with 169.254 is an APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) address. Windows assigns it to itself when no DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server answers. Check the connection and router next.

2. (Core 1 — Hardware) A technician installs a new memory stick, and the PC now powers on but won’t boot, beeping repeatedly. What should the technician check first?

A. Whether the new RAM is seated correctly and compatible with the motherboard
B. Whether the monitor’s brightness is turned up
C. Whether the user’s email password expired
D. Whether the printer has paper

Answer: A. The problem started right after the change, so start with the change. A badly seated or incompatible module is a classic cause of beeps at startup.

3. (Core 2 — Operating Systems) A Windows PC suddenly runs very slowly. Which built-in tool shows, right now, which program is using the most CPU and memory?

A. Disk Management
B. Task Manager
C. Device Manager
D. Notepad

Answer: B. Task Manager lists running processes with live CPU and memory use. Disk Management handles drives and partitions, not performance.

4. (Core 2 — Operational Procedures) A technician is about to upgrade a user’s workstation to a new operating system version. What’s the best step before starting?

A. Delete old files to save time
B. Back up the user’s data and confirm the backup works
C. Turn off the antivirus permanently
D. Start the upgrade and tell the user afterward

Answer: B. Upgrades can fail. A tested backup, plus telling the user what’s happening, is basic good practice. (D is how help desk tickets become legends.)

The bottom line

Core 1 (220-1201) is hardware, networking, mobile, cloud basics, and troubleshooting, passing at 675. Core 2 (220-1202) is operating systems, security, software, and procedures, passing at 700. Both are up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, and you need both from V15. Practice the PBQs.

Exam facts checked against CompTIA’s A+ overview, A+ Core 1 (V15), A+ Core 2 (V15), and A+ Core 1 & 2 (V15) pages, the CompTIA Certification Retake Policy, the CompTIA Candidate Testing Policies, and Pearson VUE’s CompTIA page, as of Oct 21, 2026. Exam details and prices can change, so confirm with CompTIA before you schedule. ebooklessons.com is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA. CompTIA and A+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc.