CompTIA A+ (Core 1: 220-1201 and Core 2: 220-1202) Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 90
- Time limit
- 1h 30m
- Passing score
- Core 1 (220-1201): 675 on a scale of 900; Core 2 (220-1202): 700 on a scale of 900
- Governing body
- CompTIA
CompTIA A+ is an entry-level IT certification and industry standard for launching an IT support career. It validates hands-on skills in hardware, networking, operating systems, and security—making it ideal for aspiring IT technicians, help desk professionals, and support specialists seeking to establish foundational credentials.
The A+ exam consists of two separate exams you may take in any order. Core 1 emphasizes hardware and networking through 5 domains: Hardware (25%), Mobile devices (13%), Networking (23%), Hardware and network troubleshooting (28%), and Virtualization and cloud computing (11%). Core 2 focuses on operating systems and security across 4 domains: Operating systems (28%), Security (28%), Software troubleshooting (23%), and Operational procedures (21%).
Cost varies by region and testing center. Check CompTIA's official pricing or your local Pearson VUE testing center for exact exam fees and any bundled study material options.
Each A+ exam allows 90 minutes and contains a maximum of 90 questions. Core 1 requires a passing score of 675 on a scale of 900, while Core 2 requires 700 on the same scale. Your certification is valid for three years from the certification date and can be renewed through Continuing Education Units (CEUs) without retaking the exam.
Frequently asked questions
How many exams do I need to pass to earn the CompTIA A+, and can I take them in any order?
CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Core 1 focuses on hardware and networking, while Core 2 focuses on operating systems and security. You may take the two exams in any order, so you can start with whichever topics you feel most prepared for and schedule the second whenever you're ready.
What score do I need to pass Core 1 and Core 2?
The two exams have different passing thresholds on the same 900-point scale. Core 1 requires 675 out of 900 to pass, while Core 2 requires the higher mark of 700 out of 900. Because the cut score for Core 2 is 25 points higher, it's worth budgeting extra study time for the operating systems and security material rather than assuming both exams demand the same level of accuracy.
How many questions are on each A+ exam and how much time do I get?
Each A+ exam contains a maximum of 90 questions and allows 90 minutes per exam. That works out to roughly one minute per question, so pacing matters — flag anything that stalls you and return to it rather than sinking several minutes into a single item early on. The question count and time limit are identical for Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202).
How long is the CompTIA A+ valid, and do I have to retake the exams to keep it?
CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the certification date, and the Continuing Education renewal cycle runs for that same three-year period from the date the certification is earned. You do not have to sit the exams again — A+ may be renewed by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) without retaking the exam. Planning your CEU activities across the three years is generally easier than scrambling to accumulate them right before the deadline.