220-1202 · Syllabus & Exam Outline 2026
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
In short
The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and a fixed passing score of 700 out of 900. It covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. It is delivered at Pearson VUE or online. Free practice questions and a full study plan are below.
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- Free updates
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- Fully editable
- Questions
- Maximum of 90
- Time limit
- 90 minutes
- Passing score
- 700 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Cost
- $246 - $253 USD (prices vary by region)
- Format
- Multiple-choice · performance-based
- Delivery
- Pearson VUE (Test center or online proctored)
- Prep time
- ~62 hours
Exam overview
The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) certification exam is the second of two exams required to earn the highly respected A+ credential. While Core 1 focuses on hardware and networking, Core 2 evaluates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot enterprise software, secure end-user devices, and follow critical IT operational procedures. Passing this exam demonstrates your competency in managing operating systems, mitigating cybersecurity threats, and supporting users effectively. To help you tackle the extensive list of IT objectives, Only Ever maps every domain of the A+ Core 2 syllabus into manageable, 15-minute study topics. By breaking down complex subjects like Active Directory management, malware removal, and command-line execution, you can build a consistent study habit and track your readiness step-by-step.
Exam domains & weighting
Each domain's share of the exam — study deepest where the weight is highest. Open one for how to study it and its objectives.
How to study this domain
Set up a virtual lab environment to practice installing, configuring, and navigating Windows, macOS, and Linux. Familiarize yourself deeply with command-line tools, disk partitioning, and system features like Task Manager and MMC snap-ins.
Key objectives
- Workstation and Mobile OS Types
- Filesystem Types and Compatibility
- OS Boot Methods and Installation Types
- OS Partitioning, Drive Formatting, and Upgrades
- Microsoft Windows Editions and Features
- Windows OS Features and Tools
- Windows Command-Line Tools
- Windows System Settings
- Windows Networking Features
- macOS Desktop Operating System
- Linux Client/Desktop Operating System
- Application Installation Requirements
- Cloud-based Productivity Tools
Readiness self-check
Tick off everything you can confidently explain. Anything left unchecked is your study list — tap “Review” to jump straight into that domain.
Quick reference
Essential IT Acronyms
The CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam heavily relies on acronyms. Ensure you can identify these common terms instantly.
- BSOD
- Blue Screen of Death
- EULA
- End-user License Agreement
- MDM
- Mobile Device Management
- MFA
- Multifactor Authentication
- NTFS
- New Technology File System
- RDP
- Remote Desktop Protocol
- SOHO
- Small Office/Home Office
- SSO
- Single Sign-on
- UAC
- User Account Control
- VPN
- Virtual Private Network
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
- Candidates must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) to earn the A+ certification.
- The exam includes performance-based questions (PBQs) which require you to perform tasks in a simulated environment.
- CompTIA frequently includes unscored pretest questions mixed in with the graded questions to evaluate them for future exams.
- Using unauthorized study materials or 'brain dumps' violates the CompTIA Candidate Agreement and can result in certification revocation.
- Windows objectives naturally cover versions up to and including Windows 11 as they relate to typical IT support job roles.
Reading isn’t remembering.
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) expects you to move confidently across Windows, macOS, Linux, security controls, troubleshooting flows, and support procedures, but those domains are easy to study in fragments instead of as one coherent help desk skill set.
Only Ever turns the official CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) objectives into focused 15-minute study sessions so you can build durable understanding across the 220-1202 syllabus without drifting off-spec.