The 220-1202 Guide
Everything you need to know before sitting for CompTIA A+ Core 2
Why 220-1202 matters in 2026
CompTIA A+ Core 2 is one of the most recognized credentials issued by CompTIA, and 2026 hiring data continues to show 220-1202 on job postings as either required or strongly preferred for the roles it targets. The certification validates that you can apply real working knowledge, not just recall facts, across 4 distinct exam domains, with the largest weight on Operating Systems. For candidates competing in the CompTIA ecosystem, 220-1202 is a clear signal to a hiring manager that you have invested in measurable, third-party-verified competence.
Who should take 220-1202
220-1202 is most useful for professionals working in or moving toward the CompTIA ecosystem. In short: Operating systems, security, and troubleshooting for IT support technicians. If you are early in your career, 220-1202 is one of the fastest credentials to add to a résumé that recruiters actively screen for. If you are mid-career, it formalizes the skills you already use day-to-day and unlocks roles that gate on it. If you are switching tracks, it gives you a structured curriculum that tells you exactly what to study, in what order, weighted by what the real exam tests.
Exam structure and difficulty
The CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam is organized into 4 domains, each weighted by the official CompTIA exam guide. The heaviest weighting is Operating Systems at 28% of the exam, so that is where you should spend the most preparation time. The lightest is Operational Procedures at 21%, meaning you can dedicate roughly proportional review time without over-investing.
Format details: Maximum 90 questions · 90 minutes · Multiple-choice and performance-based · Recommended 12 months hands-on experience · Passing score 700/900. Following the domain weights is the single biggest leverage point candidates miss, because many over-study lower-weighted material that feels comfortable.
How to prepare
A practical four-step plan for 220-1202:
- Read the official CompTIA exam guide for 220-1202 and write down every sub-objective. This becomes your study checklist.
- Use the domain practice quizzes on this page in weight order (heaviest first). Aim for 80% on each domain before moving on.
- When you miss a question, read the explanation for every wrong answer, because that contrastive learning is where understanding compounds.
- Once every domain is at 80%+, take the Mix Quiz repeatedly to simulate real exam conditions across all topics.
Career outcomes and salary
Holders of 220-1202 in the US currently see compensation in the range of $45k to $81k per year, with median around $64k. Help desk / IT support entry roles Salary varies by region, employer size, and complementary skills, but the 220-1202 credential consistently lifts the floor of what you can negotiate against. Source: ZipRecruiter, Coursera, 2026.
Common pitfalls
The three traps that kill 220-1202 candidates: (1) over-memorizing acronyms instead of practicing the application of concepts in scenarios, when the exam is scenario-driven, not a vocab quiz. (2) Skipping the heaviest-weighted domain because it feels less interesting, which can fail the whole exam by neglecting Operating Systems. (3) Not timing practice sessions, when the exam has a real clock and pacing is its own skill. Build timing into your last two weeks of prep.
220-1202 questions, answered
How many questions are on the A+ Core 2 exam?
Up to 90 questions, multiple-choice and performance-based, in 90 minutes.
What is the passing score for A+ Core 2?
You need 700 out of 900.
How much does A+ Core 2 cost?
The exam costs $274 as of 2026. You also need to pass Core 1 (220-1201), also $274, so the full A+ certification runs about $548 total.
What is on the A+ Core 2 exam?
Operating systems (installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OSes), security (physical security, malware, social engineering, wireless security), software troubleshooting, and operational procedures (documentation, change management, safety, professionalism).
Should I take Core 1 or Core 2 first?
CompTIA does not require a specific order, but most study plans go Core 1 (hardware and networking) first since Core 2 builds on some of that foundation, especially in troubleshooting.
How long is A+ certification valid?
CompTIA A+ is valid for 3 years and renews through CompTIA's Continuing Education program or by earning a qualifying higher-level certification.
Is this A+ Core 2 practice test free?
Yes. Every A+ Core 2 practice question on QuizBuffet is free, with instant feedback and an explanation for each answer, no signup required.