CompTIA A+ Core 2 (V15) is the second half of the A+ certification pathway and validates the practical skills employers expect from entry-level IT support professionals. This guide summarizes the Core 2 exam domains, exam logistics, real-world skills you’ll gain, and a focused study plan so you can pass the 220-1202 exam with confidence.

What Core 2 tests — exam focus and domain weights

Core 2 emphasizes operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. The exam’s domain breakdown helps you prioritize study time: Operating Systems (~28%), Security (~28%), Software Troubleshooting (~23%), and Operational Procedures (~21%). Use these percentages to structure your study schedule and practice focus. CompTIA+1

Exam logistics — what to expect on test day

Core 2 uses exam series code 220-1202 and launched as part of the V15 update on March 25, 2025. The test contains up to 90 questions (multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based) and you get 90 minutes to finish. The passing score for Core 2 is 700 on the 100–900 scale. Plan your practice to match the exam format and time pressure. CompTIA+1

Domain 1 — Operating Systems (≈28%)

This domain covers installing, configuring, and managing Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OSes. Expect tasks about:

• OS installation and upgrades (Windows command-line tools, disk partitioning).
• System utilities such as Task Manager, Command Prompt/PowerShell, and Disk Management.
• File system concepts, patches, and update strategies.

Hands-on labs — installing a Windows VM, using Command Prompt and Disk Management, or working with Linux file permissions — will solidify concepts and prepare you for performance-based questions. CompTIA Authorized Partner Program

Domain 2 — Security (≈28%)

Security makes up nearly a third of Core 2. You’ll need to demonstrate:

• Access controls, basic encryption concepts, and wireless security protocols.
• Threat identification and malware prevention/removal workflows.
• Best practices for authentication, patch management, and user training.

Practice removing malware in a safe lab environment, configure basic encryption settings, and rehearse security incident steps: detect, contain, eradicate, recover, and document. CompTIA Authorized Partner Program

Domain 3 — Software Troubleshooting (≈23%)

Software troubleshooting tests your methodical problem-solving skills:

• Diagnose OS and application faults, crashes, and performance issues.
• Troubleshoot mobile apps, connectivity problems, and update failures.
• Resolve security concerns like unauthorized access and malware impacts.

Apply a repeatable troubleshooting process: identify the symptom, isolate causes, test a fix, verify results, and document the resolution. Performance-based questions often simulate real-world issues, so practice on live systems or realistic VMs. CompTIA Authorized Partner Program

Domain 4 — Operational Procedures (≈21%)

Operational procedures focus on the non-technical but crucial parts of support:

• Proper documentation and change-management best practices.
• Safety protocols (electrical safety, ESD precautions) and effective communication with customers.
• Backup and recovery strategies, disaster readiness, and workstation imaging.

Employers value technicians who follow procedures and document changes clearly — these skills reduce repeat issues and speed incident resolution. CompTIA Authorized Partner Program

Skills you’ll gain (practical, on-the-job benefits)

Preparing for Core 2 builds job-ready skills:

• Install and manage Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS environments.
• Apply basic cybersecurity controls and respond to malware incidents.
• Troubleshoot software and application issues under time constraints.
• Follow documentation, backup, and recovery practices that protect data integrity. CompTIA

Recommended experience and certification lifecycle

CompTIA recommends roughly 9–12 months of hands-on IT support experience for A+ candidates to comfortably pass both Core exams. Note that CompTIA typically retires exam versions roughly three years after release, so plan certification timing accordingly if you’re using older or soon-to-retire resources. CompTIA Authorized Partner Program+1

Focused study plan — a 10-week blueprint

Week 1–3: Operating Systems — Install VMs, master command-line tools, practice updates and file system tasks.
Week 4–6: Security — Run malware removal drills, configure access controls, study encryption and wireless security.
Week 7–8: Software Troubleshooting — Solve app crashes, patch issues, and mobile app problems in timed diagnostics.
Week 9: Operational Procedures — Practice writing incident reports, backup restores, and change logs.
Week 10: Mock Exams & Performance Labs — Take timed practice tests and repeat performance-based labs until your troubleshooting flow is efficient.

Best resources & study habits

• Use official CompTIA exam objectives and align study sessions to domain percentages. CompTIA Authorized Partner Program
• Build a small home lab with VMs (VirtualBox/VMware) and a safe sandbox for malware removal practice.
• Combine video courses, hands-on labs, and question banks — mix modalities to reinforce learning.
• Time yourself on practice tests to get comfortable with the 90-minute constraint.

Mapping Core 2 to career growth

Passing Core 2 (with Core 1) qualifies you for roles such as help desk technician and IT support specialist, and it opens pathways to Network+, Security+, or junior sysadmin roles. CompTIA A+ demonstrates practical competence to hiring managers and forms a solid baseline for technical career progression. CompTIA

Final checklist before your exam

• Confirm you’re registered for 220-1202 (Core 2) and that both Core exams are the same V15 version. CompTIA
• Complete timed practice tests and two to three performance-based labs.
• Review documentation and backup/recovery procedures.
• Rest well the night before — clear thinking beats cramming.

Ready to study? Start by downloading the official exam objectives, set up a two-VM lab, and map your weekly goals to the domain percentages above. With deliberate practice, repeatable troubleshooting habits, and hands-on labs, you’ll convert knowledge into certified skills — and the 220-1202 credential will follow. Good luck!

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