The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) certification is the final step to earning your complete A+ certification—the industry-standard credential that validates your ability to configure, secure, and troubleshoot operating systems and software. Combined with Core 1, A+ opens doors to IT support careers averaging $57,890-$76,000 annually.
Exam Quick Facts
What is CompTIA A+ Core 2?
The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 exam validates your knowledge of operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), security implementation, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Launched on March 25, 2025, this is the second of two required exams for the full A+ certification.
Target Audience: Aspiring IT support specialists, help desk technicians, desktop support analysts, systems administrators, and professionals completing their A+ certification journey.
Complete Your A+ Certification
Passing Core 2 after Core 1 earns you the full CompTIA A+ certification—recognized by 96% of HR managers and required for most entry-level IT positions. The complete certification provides a 16% salary premium over non-certified peers and qualifies you for DoD 8140 approved work roles including technical support specialist and system administrator.
Preparing for 220-1202? Practice with 455+ exam questions
Why Get Certified?
Career Impact:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $40,000-$60,000
- Mid-Level (3-5 years): $60,000-$75,000
- Senior (5+ years): $75,000-$90,000
Skills Validation:
- Install and configure Windows 10/11, macOS, and Linux
- Implement security best practices and access controls
- Troubleshoot OS and application issues systematically
- Manage user accounts, permissions, and authentication
- Follow proper operational procedures and documentation
- Implement malware prevention and removal
DoD Approval:
- DoD 8140 approved for: Technical Support Specialist, System Administrator, Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist
Salary ROI Calculator
* Calculations based on industry averages. Actual salary increases vary by location, experience, and employer.
Exam Domains Breakdown
The A+ Core 2 exam covers four major domains with increased emphasis on security (25%) compared to previous versions.
Exam Strategy
Security increased from 22% to 25% in V15, reflecting modern cybersecurity priorities. Spend 30% of your study time on Security and Operating Systems (28%), which together make up 53% of the exam. Software Troubleshooting and Operational Procedures are each 22-25%—allocate time evenly and focus on systematic troubleshooting methodology for real-world scenarios.
Study Path (2-3 Months)
Operating Systems Foundations
Weeks 1-2- •Study Windows 10/11 installation methods and configuration
- •Learn file systems (NTFS, FAT32) and permissions
- •Practice command-line tools: CMD, PowerShell basics
- •Study Windows utilities: Task Manager, Device Manager, Services
- •Complete Professor Messer Core 2 videos (Sections 1.1-1.10)
- •Hands-on: Install Windows 10/11 in a VM, create user accounts
- •Take Practice Exam 1 (untimed) to establish baseline
Security Implementation
Weeks 3-4- •Study physical and logical security controls
- •Learn malware types and prevention strategies
- •Practice Windows security features: Defender, Firewall, BitLocker
- •Study social engineering attacks and defenses
- •Learn authentication methods (MFA, biometrics, smart cards)
- •Hands-on: Configure Windows Firewall rules and BitLocker encryption
- •Take Practice Exam 2 (untimed), aim for 60%+
Software Troubleshooting
Weeks 5-6- •Master Windows boot process and troubleshooting boot failures
- •Study BSOD errors and common causes
- •Learn system recovery options: Safe Mode, WinRE, System Restore
- •Practice malware removal procedures
- •Study application compatibility and performance troubleshooting
- •Hands-on: Troubleshoot boot failures in a test VM
- •Take Practice Exam 3 (timed), target 65%+
Operational Procedures & Linux/macOS
Weeks 7-8- •Study change management and documentation best practices
- •Learn backup strategies (3-2-1 rule, full/incremental/differential)
- •Practice professional communication scenarios
- •Study basic macOS and Linux commands (ls, cd, chmod, sudo)
- •Learn privacy regulations (PII, PHI, GDPR) and data handling
- •Hands-on: Create backup schedule, practice remote access tools
- •Take Practice Exams 4-5 (timed), aim for 70%+
Review & Final Preparation
Weeks 9-10- •Review all four domains with focus on weak areas from practice exams
- •Memorize key security concepts, malware types, and troubleshooting steps
- •Speed practice: Complete 90 questions in 80 minutes
- •Retake Practice Exams 4-7 until consistently scoring 75%+
- •Review Professor Messer study groups and course notes
- •Final review day before exam: security features, troubleshooting methodology
Common Mistake
Many candidates focus on theoretical security concepts without practicing hands-on implementation. Core 2 includes performance-based questions (PBQs) testing your ability to configure security settings, troubleshoot boot failures, and use command-line tools. Practice in a Windows VM environment to build muscle memory for real PBQ scenarios.
Prerequisites and Recommended Experience
Experience Recommended:
- 9-12 months of hands-on experience in IT support
- Completion of CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
Required for Full Certification:
- Must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)
- Both exams must be from the same version (V15)
Technical Skills (Helpful):
- Strong Windows OS knowledge
- Basic networking understanding (from Core 1)
- Command-line familiarity
- Troubleshooting mindset
Hands-On Skills to Develop:
- Windows OS installation and configuration
- Creating and managing user accounts
- Troubleshooting boot and application issues
- Configuring Windows security features
- Using command-line tools (CMD, PowerShell)
- Malware removal procedures
Take Core 2 Soon After Core 1
Most successful candidates take Core 2 within 2-4 weeks of passing Core 1 while knowledge is fresh. The exams overlap significantly (networking, troubleshooting), so taking them close together maximizes efficiency and pass rates.
Exam Preparation Checklist
Your A+ Core 2 Preparation Roadmap
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Our 220-1202 practice bundle includes:
- 7 full practice exams (455+ questions)
- Detailed explanations for every answer
- Domain-by-domain performance tracking
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Comparison with Other IT Certifications
A+ Core 2 vs Other IT Certifications
| Feature | A+ Core 2 | Security+ SY0-701 | Microsoft MD-100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Focus | OS, security, troubleshooting | Cybersecurity fundamentals | Windows 10/11 administration |
| Prerequisites | Core 1 required | None (A+ recommended) | None |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes | 100 minutes |
| Difficulty | Entry-level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Career Impact | $40K-$60K (with Core 1) | $60K-$90K | $55K-$75K |
| Security Focus | 25% of exam | 100% security-focused | Windows security only |
| Vendor | Vendor-neutral | Vendor-neutral | Microsoft-specific |
| Best For | IT support generalists | Security career path | Windows administrators |
| Full Cert Requirement | Must pass Core 1 also | Single exam | Part of MD-102 track |
Recommendation: Complete A+ (Core 1 + Core 2) first for a solid foundation. Then pursue Security+ if interested in cybersecurity or Microsoft certifications (MD-100, MD-102) for Windows administration specialization. A+ provides the broadest foundation for IT career entry.
Registration and Exam Policies
Registration Steps:
- Visit Pearson VUE CompTIA
- Use your existing Pearson VUE account from Core 1
- Purchase exam voucher ($265 for 220-1202)
- Schedule exam date and time (testing center or online proctored)
- Take exam within 2-4 weeks of passing Core 1 (while knowledge is fresh)
Retake Policy:
- First failed attempt: 14-day waiting period before retake
- Second failed attempt: 14-day waiting period (applies to all subsequent attempts)
- Cost: Full $265 exam fee for each retake (no discounts)
- Unlimited attempts: No limit on number of retake attempts
2025 Pearson VUE Free Retake Promotion:
- Use voucher code VUERetake2025 when registering
- Take first exam by June 12, 2025
- If you fail, schedule free retake between July 7, 2025 - January 20, 2026
- One free retake included per exam
Important Version Requirement:
- Both Core 1 and Core 2 must be from the same version (V15: 220-1201 and 220-1202)
- Mixing versions (e.g., V14 Core 1 + V15 Core 2) does NOT award certification
Don't Delay Too Long
While there's no official time limit between Core 1 and Core 2, the longer you wait, the more you'll forget. Most successful candidates take Core 2 within 1 month of Core 1. Both exams are available until 2028, but don't risk version mismatches—complete both in the same version.
Exam Day Tips
Week Before:
- Review flagged practice questions
- Memorize security features (Defender, Firewall, BitLocker, UAC)
- Refresh malware types and removal procedures
- Review command-line tools and troubleshooting methodology
- Test computer, webcam, internet (if online proctored)
Day Of:
- Light breakfast/lunch (avoid drowsiness)
- Review quick reference notes (command-line tools, security features)
- Use restroom before starting
- Log in 15 minutes early
- Have two forms of ID ready
During Exam:
- PBQ Strategy: Core 2 PBQs may ask you to configure security settings, troubleshoot boot issues, or use command-line tools. If stuck, flag and return later.
- Read questions carefully (watch for "BEST," "MOST secure," "FIRST step")
- For troubleshooting questions, apply systematic methodology
- Time management: ~1 minute per multiple choice question
- Flag uncertain questions for review
- Submit with 2-3 minutes remaining
Common PBQ Topics:
- Configuring Windows Firewall rules
- Troubleshooting boot failures using recovery options
- Using command-line tools (ipconfig, sfc, chkdsk)
- Configuring user permissions and access controls
- Matching malware types to symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
After You Pass
Immediate Next Steps:
- Claim Digital Badge - Check email for Credly badge notification (2-3 business days)
- Update LinkedIn - Add "CompTIA A+ Certified" to certifications section, update headline
- Update Resume - Prominently display CompTIA A+ certification with exam codes and date
- Celebrate! - You've earned an industry-recognized certification
Career Next Steps:
- Start Job Search - Filter for "A+," "IT support," "help desk," "desktop support"
- Tailor Resume - Highlight A+ certification and hands-on skills from study
- Prepare for Interviews - Review troubleshooting scenarios and technical questions
- Consider Next Certification:
- Network+ - For networking career path ($60K-$85K)
- Security+ - For cybersecurity career path ($60K-$90K)
- Cloud+ - For cloud administration career path ($75K-$110K)
- Vendor-specific - Microsoft (MD-100), AWS, or Cisco certifications
Recertification
The A+ certification expires after 3 years. Renew by earning 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through training, higher certifications, or professional activities. Earning Network+, Security+, or other CompTIA certifications automatically renews A+. Alternatively, retake the current A+ exams.
Get Started with Preporato
Passing A+ Core 2 completes your journey to full A+ certification. Preporato offers the most comprehensive A+ Core 2 practice exam platform:
What's Included:
- 7 Full-Length Practice Exams (630 total questions matching real exam format)
- Performance-Based Question Practice (PBQ simulations for security, troubleshooting)
- Detailed Explanations for every answer with links to study resources
- Performance Analytics to track scores by domain and identify weak areas
- 90-Minute Timed Mode with realistic question interface
- Domain Study Guides with security diagrams, command-line references, troubleshooting flowcharts
Why Preporato:
- ✅ Expert-developed by A+ certified professionals
- ✅ Reflects March 2025 V15 exam objectives (220-1202)
- ✅ 70-75% of students pass on first attempt
- ✅ $19.99 for all 7 exams (vs. $265 exam retake fee)
- ✅ PBQ practice for security configuration and troubleshooting scenarios
Ready to earn your complete A+ certification? Get started with Preporato's Core 2 practice exams today!
Sources:
- CompTIA A+ Core 2 Official Page
- CompTIA A+ Complete Guide 2025
- A+ Core 2 V15 Study Guide
- CompTIA Certification Retake Policy
Last updated: December 18, 2025
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