A+ Core 1
220-1201
1Mobile Devices
13%
2Networking
23%
3Hardware
25%
4Virtualization and Cloud Computing
11%
5Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
28%
Certification comparison
A+ Core 1 vs A+ Core 2
They aren’t alternatives: you need to pass both to earn A+. Core 1 is about hardware, networking and devices. Core 2 is about operating systems, security, software problems and working procedures.
Last updated
Side by side
The two exams at a glance
Every figure comes from the vendor’s own pages, through our exam guides, and is checked every week.
| CompTIA A+ Core 1 | CompTIA A+ Core 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Exam code | 220-1201 | 220-1202 |
| Level | BeginnerCompTIA calls it Foundational | BeginnerCompTIA calls it Foundational |
| Written for | IT support | IT support |
| Questions | Up to 90 | Up to 90 |
| Time | 90 min | 90 min |
| Passing score | 675 / 900 | 700 / 900 |
| Exam cost | Varies by countryCompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay | Varies by countryCompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay |
| Experience | 12 months in IT supportRecommended experience | 12 months in IT supportRecommended experience |
| Renewal | Every 3 years: 20 CEUs | Every 3 years: 20 CEUs |
| Exam outline | 5 domainsLargest: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%) | 4 domainsLargest: Operating Systems (28%) |
| What’s changing | No change announced | No change announced |
Levels are our own rating, from the level each vendor gives its exam. How we check our facts
Exam domains
What each exam covers
Each domain’s share of the exam, as the vendor publishes it. Where one exam has two versions on sale, this is the newer one.
A+ Core 2
220-1202
1Operating Systems
28%
2Security
28%
3Software Troubleshooting
23%
4Operational Procedures
21%
Which one
Which should you take?
A+ Core 1
To start here, you’re more comfortable with hardware, cabling and devices than with operating systems.
A+ Core 2
To start here, you already support people on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Which one first?
CompTIA lets you take them in either order. Both exams have to be from the same series for the certification to be awarded.
Beyond the numbers
What really differs
Hardware against software
Core 1 is the physical side: components, devices, connections and the troubleshooting that goes with them. Core 2 is the side users see: installing and fixing operating systems and applications, and keeping them secure.
Two exams, one certification
Each exam is booked, paid for and passed separately, with its own passing score. You’re A+ certified when you’ve passed both.
Studying for both
It helps to book Core 2 soon after Core 1, while the ground they share, networking and security, is still fresh.
FAQs
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Find quick answers or contact our support team.
Should I take A+ Core 1 or A+ Core 2 first?
CompTIA lets you take them in either order. Both exams have to be from the same series for the certification to be awarded.
Which is harder, A+ Core 1 or A+ Core 2?
They sit at the same level: we rate both beginner. What differs is what they cover, so the harder one is usually the one further from your own experience.
What experience do I need for A+ Core 1 and A+ Core 2?
A+ Core 1: CompTIA recommends 12 months in IT support. It isn’t required to sit the exam. A+ Core 2: CompTIA recommends 12 months in IT support. It isn’t required to sit the exam.
Which costs more, A+ Core 1 or A+ Core 2?
The answer is the same for both: varies by country. CompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay.
