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CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2: What Each Exam Covers
Core 1 is hardware, networking, mobile, cloud, and hardware troubleshooting. Core 2 is operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and procedures. You need both.
Short answer
Core 1 (220-1201) covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware and network troubleshooting. Core 2 (220-1202) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. You need to pass both to earn CompTIA A+. You can take them in any order, but both must come from the same version, and each has its own passing score: 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2, on a scale of 100 to 900.
Yes, A+ requires both exams
Both objectives documents say it directly: to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Passing one core does not give you a partial A+. CompTIA's A+ page says you can take the two exams in any order. The V15 exam pages add the limit that matters most: Core 1 and Core 2 must come from the same version, with no mixing.
Facts on this page come from CompTIA's A+ pages and the V15 objectives, checked on October 17, 2026.
The two exams side by side
| Core 1 | Core 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam code | 220-1201 | 220-1202 |
| Version | V15, launched March 25, 2025 | V15, launched March 25, 2025 |
| Broad focus | Hardware and networking | Operating systems and security |
| Domains | Five | Four |
| Passing score | 675 on a scale of 100 to 900 | 700 on a scale of 100 to 900 |
| Questions | Maximum of 90 | Maximum of 90 |
| Time | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Languages | English, German, Japanese | English, German, Japanese |
| Recommended experience | 12 months hands-on in an IT support role | Same |
The question types are the same on both: multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. The exam format guide explains each one.
Core 1 domains and what they ask you to do
| Domain | Weight | What the objectives expect, in plain terms |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 13% | Replace laptop and phone components, connect accessories, set up cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connections, and support devices under mobile device management |
| Networking | 23% | Know TCP and UDP ports and protocols, wireless frequencies and standards, what network servers and appliances do, DNS and DHCP settings, networking hardware, SOHO network setup, connection types, and networking tools |
| Hardware | 25% | Work with displays, cables and connectors, RAM, storage and RAID, motherboards and CPUs, power supplies, and printers, including printer maintenance |
| Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% | Explain virtualization concepts and cloud computing concepts |
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 28% | Troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power, then drives and RAID, displays and projectors, mobile devices, networks, and printers |
Core 2 domains and what they ask you to do
| Domain | Weight | What the objectives expect, in plain terms |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 28% | Install and upgrade operating systems, compare Windows editions, use Windows tools, settings, command-line utilities, and networking features, work with macOS and Linux, and install applications and cloud productivity tools |
| Security | 28% | Apply security measures and Windows security settings, compare wireless security and authentication, recognize malware and social engineering, follow the SOHO malware-removal procedure, harden workstations, mobile devices, SOHO networks, and browsers, and choose data destruction methods |
| Software Troubleshooting | 23% | Troubleshoot Windows problems, mobile OS and app problems, and security problems on mobile devices and PCs |
| Operational Procedures | 21% | Documentation and ticketing, change management, backup and recovery, safety and environment, licensing and privacy, communication, scripting basics, remote access, and AI basics |
Each set of weights adds up to 100%. The two cores are separate blueprints, so a Core 1 percentage and a Core 2 percentage never combine.
Where the two exams meet
Several topics appear on both exams from different angles. Knowing which angle each exam takes keeps you from over-studying one side.
| Topic | Core 1 angle | Core 2 angle |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Frequencies, channels, and 802.11 standards | Wireless security protocols, encryption, and authentication |
| Home and small-office networks | Addressing, gateway, and subnet mask on a SOHO network | Router and firewall security settings on that same network |
| Mobile devices | Hardware, accessories, and connectivity | Mobile OS and app issues, and mobile security |
| Troubleshooting | Physical and network faults: power, drives, displays, cabling | Software faults: Windows, apps, and malware symptoms |
| Cloud | Cloud and virtualization concepts | Installing and configuring cloud-based productivity tools |
If you take Core 1 first, the left column becomes the background for the right one. If you take Core 2 first, expect to learn some addressing and wireless basics along the way. The A+ study guide helps you decide the order. Which core will feel harder depends on your background, and the A+ difficulty guide matches common backgrounds to cores.
Two passing scores, passed separately
Core 1 passes at 675 and Core 2 at 700. Each exam is scored on its own, so a strong Core 1 result does not offset a Core 2 score below 700. Neither number is a percentage. The passing score guide explains what a scaled score means.
To see where you stand before you book, try the free A+ practice questions, then practice the Core 1 or Core 2 domain you missed most.
Same version, any order
You can take Core 2 before Core 1. What you cannot do is pair a pass from one version with a pass from another. CompTIA estimates that V15 will retire around 2028, usually three years after launch, so both of your passes need to come from V15 if you are starting now. If you have older study materials or a pass from the retired 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams, the 220-1201 vs 220-1101 guide covers what changed.
Trust the source
Official sources
Exam policies can change. Use these primary sources for the most current details.