Two exams, 90 minutes each, 63 objectives: the A+ exams in plain English
A+ is two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Each has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, a mix of multiple choice and performance-based questions. You need 675 on Core 1 and 700 on Core 2, on a scale of 100 to 900. There are nine domains and 63 objectives. Troubleshooting is the largest domain in Core 1; security matches operating systems in Core 2.
Candidates enjoy hardware and give it most of their time. In Core 1, troubleshooting carries more weight than hardware, and in Core 2 security carries as much as operating systems. The maps below show where the marks are.
How do the two exams work?
| Item | Core 1 | Core 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam code | 220-1201 | 220-1202 |
| Questions | Up to 90 | Up to 90 |
| Time | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Pass mark | 675 | 700 |
| Scale | 100 to 900 | 100 to 900 |
| Covers | Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualisation and cloud, hardware and network troubleshooting | Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures |
Scaled scores are not percentages, so ignore any "percentage needed to pass" you read online. You see your result at the end of each exam. Exams are offered in English, German and Japanese.
Which question types will you meet?
| Format | What you do |
|---|---|
| Multiple choice, one answer | Choose the single best answer |
| Multiple choice, several answers | Choose every correct answer the question asks for |
| Drag and drop | Match items or put steps in order |
| Performance-based | Solve a task in a simulated environment, such as configuring settings or matching items |
Performance-based questions often appear early and take longer. Many candidates flag them, answer the multiple-choice questions first and return with the time left. Practise them in a lab or simulator, because reading alone will not prepare you.
What is in Core 1?
| Domain | Weight | Objectives | What it asks of you |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mobile Devices | 13% | 3 | Replace laptop parts, docks and ports, mobile networks and app support |
| 2 Networking | 23% | 8 | Ports and protocols, Wi-Fi, services such as DNS and DHCP, SOHO networks, tools |
| 3 Hardware | 25% | 8 | Displays, cables, RAM, storage, motherboards and CPUs, power supplies, printers |
| 4 Virtualization and Cloud | 11% | 2 | Hypervisors, containers, cloud models |
| 5 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 28% | 6 | Motherboards, RAM, drives and RAID, displays, mobile, networks, printers |
Domain 5 is the largest in Core 1. A candidate who rebuilds a PC with pleasure but has never worked through a "no image on screen" fault in order is under-prepared for it.
What is in Core 2?
| Domain | Weight | Objectives | What it asks of you |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Operating Systems | 28% | 11 | Windows, macOS, Linux, installs, command-line tools, networking, cloud productivity tools |
| 2 Security | 28% | 11 | Physical and Windows security, Wi-Fi, malware, social engineering, hardening, disposal |
| 3 Software Troubleshooting | 23% | 4 | Windows, mobile and PC security issues |
| 4 Operational Procedures | 21% | 10 | Tickets, change management, backups, safety, communication, scripting, remote access, AI basics |
Objectives total 27 in Core 1 and 36 in Core 2, which gives the 63 in the book. Core 2 holds more objectives but each has less depth, so breadth matters more than in Core 1.
Where do candidates lose marks?
The pattern repeats from year to year. Hardware and ports are memorised well. Troubleshooting order is not. Windows tools are recognised on a screenshot but not recalled from a description. Security procedures such as the malware removal order are skimmed. Professional communication is dismissed as common sense and then answered carelessly.
Nadia, in the book, rated herself on all 63 objectives. She scored 2 out of 5 on 2.1 in Core 1 (ports and protocols) and on 2.6 in Core 2 (malware removal), so she gave them extra time. Both turned up in her performance-based questions.
What should you do with this map?
Split your hours in proportion to the weights of each core, then move hours towards the objectives you rated lowest. The study hours guide shows a worked split for 140 hours, and ten scenario questions let you test both cores.
Download the exam objectives for 220-1201 and 220-1202 from CompTIA and check the version and the domain weights before you buy study material. Chapter 5 of CredenTrek For CompTIA A+ lists all 63 objectives with what each means in practice.
- Download the 220-1201 and 220-1202 objectives from CompTIA.
- Rate yourself from 1 to 5 on each of the 63 objectives.
- Plan how you will practise performance-based tasks: a lab or simulator, not reading.
- Write the troubleshooting steps from memory and check them against the objectives.
Questions readers ask
What score do I need to pass A+?
Can I flag and return to questions?
Which languages are the exams offered in?
Is the troubleshooting method tested directly?
- CompTIA A+ certification page
- CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam objectives
- CompTIA A+ 220-1202 exam objectives
This guide is independent and is not endorsed by CompTIA. Facts change: confirm them on the official page before you act.