How to Pass CompTIA A+ (220-1201/1202) in 2026: Study Plan for Both Cores

CompTIA A+ is the entry point to an IT career, and it's unusual in one way: it's two exams, not one. You must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) — the current series, launched in 2025 — to earn the certification. They cover different material, so treat them as two goals with one study plan. Here's how to pass both.

If you're weighing whether it's hard, read Is CompTIA A+ Hard? first. This is the how-to-pass roadmap.

The domains — different for each core

Core 1 (220-1201) is hardware-and-networking-heavy:

| Domain | Weight |
|---|:---:|
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 28% |
| Hardware | 25% |
| Networking | 23% |
| Mobile Devices | 13% |
| Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% |

Core 2 (220-1202) is software, OS, and security:

| Domain | Weight |
|---|:---:|
| Operating Systems | 28% |
| Security | 28% |
| Software Troubleshooting | 23% |
| Operational Procedures | 21% |

Core 1 leans on troubleshooting and hardware (53% combined); Core 2 splits evenly between OS, security, and software. The domains barely overlap, so plan to study — and often test — them separately.

The study plan (6–10 weeks total)

Budget roughly 3–5 weeks per core at ~8–10 hours a week; complete beginners should aim toward the top of that range.

Weeks 1–2 — Core 1 hardware and troubleshooting (53%). Components (CPU, RAM, storage, motherboards, power), connectors and cables, printers, and the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology applied to hardware and network faults. This is the biggest chunk of Core 1.

Week 3 — Core 1 networking, mobile, and cloud. Networking fundamentals (ports/protocols, IP addressing, wireless standards), mobile device hardware and connectivity, and virtualization/cloud concepts. Then take Core 1.

Weeks 4–5 — Core 2 operating systems and software (51%). Windows (and macOS/Linux basics): installation, configuration, command line, and features; plus software troubleshooting for OS and applications.

Week 6 — Core 2 security and operational procedures. Security concepts (malware, social engineering, authentication, securing devices and data) and operational procedures (safety, documentation, communication, environmental). Then take Core 2.

Exam logistics and PBQ strategy

• Each exam: up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, a mix of multiple choice and performance-based questions (PBQs).
• Passing scores differ: Core 1 (220-1201) is 675, Core 2 (220-1202) is 700, both on a 100–900 scale.
• The PBQs usually come first — simulations and configuration tasks. Flag and skip them, answer the multiple-choice first, then return. Fill in everything; there's no penalty for wrong answers.
• Cost is per exam (roughly $270+ each in the US, so budget for two vouchers). Certification is valid for 3 years, renewed via CompTIA's CE program (20 CEUs).

The practice-test loop

A+ rewards broad recall plus applied troubleshooting — both built by timed questions. The loop:

1. Take a timed set on the core and domain you're studying.
2. Review every question — including correct ones — and read why each distractor is wrong.
3. Repeat until you're consistently 85%+ on fresh questions for each core before you book it.

CertBase's A+ bank is built for that: vendor-neutral questions written to the 220-1201/1202 objectives across both cores, weighted like the real exams, each with a detailed explanation of the correct answer and every distractor. Rebuilt and independently verified in July 2026, one-time purchase, lifetime access, free samples on the exam page, and a 30-day money-back guarantee — cheap next to two exam vouchers.

Are you ready?

• ✅ Consistently 85%+ on fresh, timed questions for the core you're about to take
• ✅ You apply the troubleshooting methodology in the correct order
• ✅ Ports/protocols (Core 1) and OS commands (Core 2) don't slow you down
• ✅ PBQ-style tasks don't rattle you

FAQ

Is A+ one exam or two? Two. You must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) — the current 2025 series — to earn CompTIA A+. They cover different material and have different passing scores.

What are the passing scores? Core 1 (220-1201) requires 675 and Core 2 (220-1202) requires 700, both on a 100–900 scale. Each exam is up to 90 questions in 90 minutes.

Do the two exams have to be the same version? Yes — you can't mix versions. Both must be from the current 220-1201/1202 series (the prior 220-1101/1102 series retired in 2025).

How long is A+ valid? Three years, renewed through CompTIA's Continuing Education program (20 CEUs) or by earning a higher-level CompTIA certification.