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CompTIA · IT Support · Entry

CompTIA A+ exam guide

Exam 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2)

CompTIA A+ is the standard entry certification for IT support roles. The V15 version requires two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) covers hardware, mobile devices, networking, virtualization and troubleshooting, and Core 2 (220-1202) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. Employers and the US DoD widely use it as a baseline for help desk and desktop support hiring.

QuestionsUp to 90 per exam
Time limit90 minutes
Passing scoreCore 1: 675; Core 2: 700 (100-900 scale)
Exam fee$274 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryPearson VUE test center or online proctored (OnVUE)

Format: Multiple choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop and performance-based. Fee note: Price is per exam; both exams are required (about $548 total). Both must be from the same version.

Who it's for

Aspiring help desk, desktop support and field technicians with up to about a year of hands-on experience, and career changers entering IT.

What the exam covers

Core 1: Mobile Devices13%
Core 1: Networking23%
Core 1: Hardware25%
Core 1: Virtualization and Cloud Computing11%
Core 1: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting28%
Core 2: Operating Systems28%
Core 2: Security28%
Core 2: Software Troubleshooting23%
Core 2: Operational Procedures21%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role.

Keeping it active

Valid 3 years. Renew through CompTIA Continuing Education: earn 20 CEUs in the 3-year cycle and pay the $75 CE fee, or pass a newer version or a higher-level CompTIA exam that renews it automatically, or complete the matching CertMaster CE course.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Installing and configuring PC, laptop and mobile hardware
  • Configuring SOHO networks and troubleshooting connectivity
  • Installing and supporting Windows, macOS and Linux
  • Applying endpoint security, malware removal and account controls
  • Using virtualization and cloud basics
  • Following troubleshooting methodology and documentation procedures
  • Scripting and remote access basics

Job roles

Help Desk TechnicianIT Support SpecialistDesktop Support TechnicianField Service TechnicianTechnical Support AnalystAssociate Network Technician

DoD 8140

Recognized in the DoD 8140 qualification matrix for entry-level IT support and technical support work roles. Open the DoD Workforce Navigator

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1-2: Core 1 hardware and mobile devices: components, RAID, printers, laptop parts and mobile sync. Build or disassemble a PC if possible.
  2. Week 3-4: Core 1 networking and virtualization: ports and protocols, Wi-Fi standards, SOHO setup, cloud models; then hardware and network troubleshooting (28%).
  3. Week 5: Timed Core 1 practice tests including performance-based simulations; book and pass Core 1.
  4. Week 6-7: Core 2 operating systems and security (56% combined): Windows tools and commands, macOS and Linux basics, malware removal, wireless and account security.
  5. Week 8: Core 2 software troubleshooting and operational procedures (change management, safety, scripting); timed practice tests, then sit Core 2.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Treat the two exams separately; schedule Core 1 first while hardware details are fresh, then Core 2 within a few weeks.
  • Memorize common port numbers and Wi-Fi standards; they appear in both multiple choice and drag-and-drop items.
  • Core 2 rewards knowing the exact Windows tool for a task (for example msconfig vs Task Manager vs services.msc).
  • Learn the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology steps in order; scenario questions test the next step.
  • Do the performance-based questions last if they look long, but return to them since they carry significant weight.
  • Core 2 has a higher passing score (700) than Core 1 (675), so do not underprepare for it.

Key terms for this exam

All 886 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does CompTIA A+ cost in 2026?

Each exam voucher is $274 USD at the 2026 US retail price. You need both 220-1201 and 220-1202, so about $548 total before discounts.

Do I have to pass both A+ exams?

Yes. You earn A+ only after passing both Core 1 and Core 2 from the same series (220-1201 and 220-1202).

How long does A+ last?

Three years. Renew with 20 CEUs and the $75 CE fee, or by earning a higher CompTIA certification such as Network+ or Security+.

Is A+ still worth it in 2026?

Yes for entry-level IT support. Many help desk postings list it, and it meets DoD 8140 requirements for technical support roles.

A+ vs Google IT Support Certificate?

The Google certificate is a training program; A+ is a proctored, vendor-neutral certification with broader employer and DoD recognition.

Official page: www.comptia.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.