CompTIA A+ (220-1201 & 220-1202): The Complete Guide
A+ is the most recognized entry point into an IT career — the credential help desks, support teams, and hiring managers know by name. This guide gathers the current exam facts, walks through what each of the two exams expects, and points you toward focused resources for the parts candidates find hardest. The linked articles go deeper; this is the map.
The most important thing to understand up front: A+ is not one exam, it's two. You must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) to earn the certification. They're separate exams you register for and sit individually, in either order, and both must be from the same version series.
What A+ validates
A+ confirms you can do the job of an IT support technician. A successful candidate can install, configure, and maintain computers, mobile devices, and software; understand networking basics; apply fundamental cybersecurity; troubleshoot and document hardware and software problems; and support users with good communication. It also now covers modern realities: Windows 11, macOS and Linux basics, cloud and virtualization, mobile device management, and security-first practices like zero trust.
The emphasis is practical. Both exams include performance-based questions that put you in simulated scenarios, so A+ rewards hands-on familiarity, not just reading.
The current exams at a glance
The current version is V15: Core 1 is 220-1201 and Core 2 is 220-1202. They launched on March 25, 2025, replacing the 220-1101/1102 series (which retired September 25, 2025).
| Item | Core 1 (220-1201) | Core 2 (220-1202) |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | Up to 90 | Up to 90 |
| Length | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Question types | Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, PBQs | Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, PBQs |
| Passing score | 675 (on 100–900) | 700 (on 100–900) |
Note the passing scores differ — Core 2 sets a slightly higher bar. For a fuller breakdown of formats and scoring, see the exam format guide.
What each exam covers
The two exams split the IT support world into the physical/foundational side and the software/security side.
Core 1 (220-1201) — the hardware and connectivity side:
- Mobile Devices — 13%
- Networking — 23%
- Hardware — 25%
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing — 11%
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting — 28%
Core 2 (220-1202) — the software, security, and procedures side:
- Operating Systems — 28%
- Security — 28%
- Software Troubleshooting — 23%
- Operational Procedures — 21%
We break each one down in the Core 1 domains guide and the Core 2 domains guide.
Which exam should you take first?
You can take them in either order, but most people start with Core 1 to build hands-on device and networking confidence, then move to Core 2 for the OS and security depth. Core 2 is often considered the tougher of the two because of its heavy security and command-line content. We compare them in detail in Core 1 vs Core 2.
Do you need prerequisites?
No. A+ has no formal prerequisites — you can register without any other certification. CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support role, but plenty of people build that through structured study and lab work instead. It's designed as a starting point.
Coming from 220-1101/1102?
If you researched A+ earlier, note that the 220-1101/1102 series retired in September 2025. About 87% of the objectives carried over, so the structure is familiar, but the new version added modern content — Windows 11 depth, zero trust security, eSIM, AI basics, and newer file systems — and shifted some domain weights. Study 220-1201/1202-specific materials so you don't miss the new topics.
How to prepare
A+ rewards a blend of structured learning, hands-on practice, and question drilling across both exams. A realistic plan tackles one core at a time.
- Follow a structured schedule. See the A+ study plan.
- Choose materials deliberately. Our study resources overview compares CertMaster Learn, Perform, Practice, and the study guide.
Careers and the pathway
A+ maps to roles like help desk technician, technical support specialist, field service technician, desktop support, and service desk analyst. It's DoD 8140-aligned and is the recognized first rung of the IT ladder. From A+, the natural progression is Network+ for networking and Security+ for cybersecurity. We cover roles and the pathway in is A+ worth it.
Keeping the certification current
A+ is valid for three years and renews through continuing education — 20 CEUs, or by earning a higher-level CompTIA certification like Network+ or Security+, which renews A+ automatically.
Getting started
The official self-paced course covers every objective across both cores and is a solid backbone for your preparation.
Start here: CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Learn (V15). When you're ready to book, remember you'll need a voucher for each of the two exams — you can pick up an A+ exam voucher, or the voucher-plus-retake option for a safety net. As an Authorized CompTIA Partner, we carry official materials only.
A note on voucher eligibility: Voucher eligibility depends on your exam testing location, per CompTIA policy. Testing in an emerging-market region? We don't sell those here — contact us.
FAQ
How many exams do I need to pass for A+? Two: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Both are required, and both must be from the same version.
Can I take Core 1 and Core 2 in any order? Yes. Most people start with Core 1, but you can choose. You register for and sit each separately.
What are the passing scores? Core 1 is 675 and Core 2 is 700, both on a 100–900 scaled range. They're not raw percentages.
Do I need experience or another certification first? No prerequisites. CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience, but it's a recommendation, not a requirement.
Is the old 220-1101/1102 still available? No. That series retired on September 25, 2025. The current version is 220-1201/1202.
How long is A+ valid? Three years, renewable through continuing education or by earning a higher-level CompTIA certification.
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