Prepare for CompTIA A+ Core 2 using the 220-1202 objectives. Review operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures, then practice applying the topics to support scenarios. To earn A+, you must pass Core 1 and Core 2 from the same version, in either order.
Which Core 2 version should you study?
The current Core 2 exam is 220-1202, part of the V15 series launched March 25, 2025.
The URL of this guide refers to the older 220-1102 code; the preparation advice here covers 220-1202. Check the code on any course, book, or practice set. Older explanations may still help where the topics agree, but map them to the current objectives and fill any gaps.
Core 2 alone does not earn A+. You need Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), with no mixing of versions. A pass from an older Core 1 series cannot be paired with the new Core 2 to satisfy that rule. Resolve an incomplete older-version path with CompTIA before booking.
CompTIA lists English, German, and Japanese for Core 2. Its estimated 2028 retirement is an estimate, not an announced booking deadline.
Sources used: A+ Core 2 Certification V15 (New Version) | CompTIA — Exam details and objectives summary sections; A+ Core 1 and 2 Certification V15 (New Version) | CompTIA — Exam details section; A+ Certification | CompTIA — Two-exam structure and exam order
What to expect on the exam
Expect a maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions, with a passing score of 700 on a 100–900 scale.
The question count is a maximum, not a guarantee — you may see fewer. Performance-based questions (PBQs) are simulation items that approximate an environment such as a terminal window or operating system, and CompTIA lists A+ among the certifications that include simulation PBQs.
CompTIA lists A+ among exams with simulation PBQs. These may restrict tool functionality. You can skip a simulation and return later, with work saved as you move between items. Reset clears that question only. Multiple valid solution paths may be recognized, and partial credit may be available; CompTIA does not disclose a points formula for each item.
CompTIA's sample PBQs illustrate the format; they are not actual exam questions. Try them to learn the interface before using timed practice to assess your pacing.
Sources used: A+ Core 2 Certification V15 (New Version) | CompTIA — Exam details and objectives summary sections; Performance-Based Questions Overview | CompTIA IT Certifications — Simulation vs. virtual PBQs and completion tips; Performance-Based Questions FAQs | CompTIA Blog — PBQ mechanics, multiple paths, partial credit; CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 Certification Exam Objectives, Version 3.0 — About the Exam, Test Details, and objectives 1.0–4.10
What to study in each domain
The four domains are Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures. Use their weights and your own knowledge gaps together to plan preparation.
The percentages describe domain emphasis, not guaranteed question counts or a fixed allocation of study hours. The full objectives provide the detailed checklist. The activities below are suggested ways to practice those topics.
The document includes supported Windows versions up to Windows 11. It also states that its example lists are not exhaustive, so study the objective itself as well as the named examples.
| Domain | Weight | Topics and suggested practice |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 28% | OS types, file systems, installs, Windows management and commands, macOS and Linux clients, applications, and cloud productivity. Match a support task to a listed tool or setting and explain the choice. |
| Security | 28% | Authentication, Windows and wireless security, malware, social engineering, hardening, mobile devices, disposal, and browsers. Compare proposed access or protection settings with the stated requirement. |
| Software Troubleshooting | 23% | Windows, mobile OS and application issues, mobile security, and PC security symptoms. Use a paper support ticket to identify what you know and what to investigate next. |
| Operational Procedures | 21% | Documentation, change management, backup and recovery, safety, licensing, communication, scripting, remote access, and AI concepts. Write a sample ticket update and a proposed change record. |
Sources used: A+ Core 2 Certification V15 (New Version) | CompTIA — Exam details and objectives summary sections; CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 Certification Exam Objectives, Version 3.0 — About the Exam, Test Details, and objectives 1.0–4.10
How should you review malware-removal procedures?
Review objective 2.6 as a complete sequence, including verification, containment, remediation, and follow-up.
The 220-1202 document begins with investigating and verifying symptoms, then quarantining the affected system. It explicitly includes disabling and later enabling System Restore in Windows Home, along with remediation, anti-malware updates, scanning and removal techniques, reimaging or reinstalling, scheduled scans and updates, and user education.
As a study exercise, write the numbered procedure from the objectives in your own words and identify what information each stage needs. Then check the original order. Do not assume that an application symptom establishes malware or that this exam checklist supplies a complete response plan for every real incident. Practical work also needs the applicable organizational procedure and product instructions.
Practice: applying least privilege
Least privilege means restricting a user's access to the minimum necessary for the assigned task — a principle the objectives expect you to apply, not just define.
The security domain includes least privilege. NIST defines the principle in terms of limiting access to what is necessary for an assigned task. For the scenario below, compare which resource Priya needs, what she needs to do, and how long she needs access.
Read the complete scenario before choosing. Authentication establishes which account is being used; permission to access the guide depends on the approved request and the access granted.
Practice exercise
Priya must read one internal support guide for a single day to finish a ticket. Her account is authenticated, the guide's resource owner has approved that access, and an authorized administrator will implement it. She needs no other access. Which grant best matches the request? A: Read-only access to that guide, expiring after the day. B: Permanent edit access to all team files. C: Permanent administrator rights on the system.
Show answer
A: Read-only access to the one guide for the approved day.
A gives Priya what the task needs for the stated duration. B adds editing rights, access to unrelated files, and an indefinite grant. C grants system administration rights unrelated to reading the guide. Authentication alone does not authorize the request; the scenario separately supplies approval by the resource owner.
Sources used: least privilege - Glossary | CSRC — NIST least privilege definition; CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 Certification Exam Objectives, Version 3.0 — About the Exam, Test Details, and objectives 1.0–4.10
Your preparation checklist
Use the objectives to find gaps, then practice explaining and performing the relevant support tasks.
CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role. That recommendation describes preparation rather than an admission requirement, so let your own topic gaps set your starting point.
The objectives document lists example tools and technologies for each objective and cautions that these lists are not exhaustive. Study the objective itself, not only the named examples.
For question practice, try CompTIA's sample PBQs. They illustrate the simulation interface, and CompTIA notes they are not actual exam questions, so treat your results as format practice rather than a score prediction.
- Check that your Core 1 and Core 2 plans use the same current version.
- Mark each objective as understood, practiced, or needing further study.
- For listed tools and commands, explain which support task each addresses.
- Practice writing clear ticket notes and identifying missing information in a scenario.
- Try the official sample PBQs, then review your mistakes against the relevant objectives.
- Use timed practice to assess pacing and revisit the topics behind incorrect answers.
- Review current exam prices and voucher terms with CompTIA before booking.
Sources used: A+ Core 2 Certification V15 (New Version) | CompTIA — Exam details and objectives summary sections; Performance-Based Questions Overview | CompTIA IT Certifications — Simulation vs. virtual PBQs and completion tips; CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 Certification Exam Objectives, Version 3.0 — About the Exam, Test Details, and objectives 1.0–4.10; A+ Core 1 and 2 Certification V15 (New Version) | CompTIA — Exam details section
What happens if you need a retake?
There is no required wait between a first failure and a second attempt. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days after the last attempt.
Each attempt normally requires payment. The standard policy does not promise free retests; any retake bundle has its own terms. After earning a certification, retaking the same exam code requires prior CompTIA consent.
Sources used: CompTIA Certification Retake Policy | CompTIA IT Certifications — Waiting periods and payment terms
Sources used
Facts checked against official CompTIA documents:
- A+ Core 2 Certification V15 (New Version) | CompTIA
- A+ Core 1 and 2 Certification V15 (New Version) | CompTIA
- A+ Certification | CompTIA
- least privilege - Glossary | CSRC
- Performance-Based Questions Overview | CompTIA IT Certifications
- Performance-Based Questions FAQs | CompTIA Blog
- CompTIA Certification Retake Policy | CompTIA IT Certifications
- CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 Certification Exam Objectives, Version 3.0