CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2: Which Is Harder and How to Pass Both (2026)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2: The Complete Comparison

The CompTIA A+ is unique among IT certifications: it requires passing two separate exams — Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). At $265 each, you need a clear strategy for which to take first, how to study for each, and how to avoid the common mistakes that cause failures.

This guide breaks down exactly what each exam covers, which one is harder, and gives you a complete plan to pass both.

free CompTIA A+ practice questionsPractice questions with detailed explanations

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Key difference: Core 1 is more concrete (physical hardware, cables, ports), while Core 2 is more abstract (security concepts, troubleshooting methodology, command-line tools).

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What's New in the 220-1201/1202 Exams (2025 Update)

The 220-1201/1202 exams launched March 2025, replacing the retired 220-1101/1102 series. If you've been studying with older materials, here's what changed:

New Topics Added:

• AI fundamentals — bias, hallucination, ethical AI considerations, AI-assisted troubleshooting
• Zero Trust security — never trust, always verify architecture
• Wi-Fi 6 GHz / Wi-Fi 7 — latest wireless standards
• DDR5 RAM and NVMe Gen 5 — current hardware standards
• USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 — modern connectivity
• Windows 11 / TPM / UEFI — current OS requirements
• Expanded Linux and macOS coverage — more cross-platform questions
• Software-defined networking (SDN) — cloud-era networking

Approximately 87% of the objectives remain the same as the 220-1101/1102, so existing knowledge transfers well. Focus your extra study time on the new topics listed above.

Important: Both exams must be from the same series. You cannot mix a 220-1101 pass with a 220-1202 pass. Since 220-1101/1102 retired September 2025, all 2026 candidates take the 220-1201/1202 series.

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Core 1 (220-1201): What You'll Study

Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, and mobile devices — the physical and foundational layer of IT.

Domain Breakdown

What Makes Core 1 Easier

1. Concrete topics — You can see and touch hardware components. RAM, CPUs, cables, and ports are visual and tangible.
2. Lower passing score — 675/900 gives you more room for error than Core 2's 700/900.
3. Fewer memorization requirements — Most Core 1 knowledge is conceptual rather than rote memorization.
4. Familiar content — If you've ever built a PC or set up a home network, you already know some of this.

Core 1 Topics That Trip People Up

• Network ports — Memorize the key ones: HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), FTP (20/21), SSH (22), DNS (53), DHCP (67/68), SMTP (25/587), POP3 (110), IMAP (143), RDP (3389), SMB (445)
• Printer troubleshooting — The laser printing process (7 steps), inkjet maintenance, thermal printers
• Cable types and standards — Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, fiber (single-mode vs. multi-mode), coaxial, pinout standards (T568A vs T568B)
• RAID levels — RAID 0 (striping), RAID 1 (mirroring), RAID 5 (striping with parity), RAID 10 (striping + mirroring)
• New hardware (2025+ content) — DDR5, NVMe Gen 4/5, USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E/7

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Core 2 (220-1202): What You'll Study

Core 2 focuses on software, security, and operational procedures — the higher-level IT skills that support users and protect systems.

Domain Breakdown

What Makes Core 2 Harder

1. Higher passing score — 700/900 means less margin for error.
2. Heavy memorization — Windows commands (sfc, DISM, gpupdate, etc.), Linux commands (ls, grep, chmod, etc.), security terminology, and troubleshooting procedures.
3. Security breadth — 28% of the exam covers malware types, attack vectors, authentication methods, encryption, and physical security. The security domain alone has more topics than some entire certifications.
4. Scenario-based questions — Core 2 loves "a user reports..." scenarios that require you to identify the problem, choose the correct troubleshooting step, AND know which tool to use.
5. Command-line proficiency — You need to know Windows cmd, PowerShell, and basic Linux commands. This can't be faked.

Core 2 Topics That Trip People Up

• Windows commands — Know these cold: sfc /scannow, DISM, chkdsk, gpupdate /force, ipconfig /all, netstat, nslookup, pathping, robocopy, diskpart
• Linux commands — ls, cd, pwd, grep, find, chmod, chown, cat, nano/vi, apt-get, yum, sudo, df, top, ps
• Malware removal process — The 7 steps in order: 1) Identify symptoms, 2) Quarantine system, 3) Disable System Restore, 4) Remediate, 5) Schedule scans, 6) Enable System Restore, 7) Educate user
• Security concepts — MFA, SSO, PKI, certificates, encryption (AES, RSA), hashing, VPN protocols
• Change management — Documentation, approval process, rollback plan, communication, scope of impact

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Which Should You Take First?

Take Core 1 First (Recommended)

Reasons:

1. Foundation building — Core 1's hardware and networking knowledge is assumed in Core 2 troubleshooting scenarios
2. Confidence boost — Core 1's lower passing score and more concrete topics build confidence for the harder Core 2
3. Logical progression — Hardware → Software → Security → Troubleshooting is how IT support work actually flows
4. Troubleshooting context — When Core 2 asks "a user can't connect to the network," you need Core 1's networking knowledge to troubleshoot effectively

When to Consider Core 2 First

Only take Core 2 first if you:

• Have zero hardware experience but strong software/Windows background
• Already work in IT support and handle software issues daily
• Have Security+ or similar security knowledge

For 90% of candidates, Core 1 first is the right choice.

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The 8-10 Week Study Plan (Both Exams)

Phase 1: Core 1 Preparation (Weeks 1-4)

Target: Score 80%+ on Core 1 practice exam → Schedule Core 1

Gap Week: Take Core 1 Exam

Schedule Core 1 within 5-7 days of hitting 80%+ on practice exams. Don't wait too long — you'll start forgetting.

Phase 2: Core 2 Preparation (Weeks 5-8/10)

Target: Score 82%+ on Core 2 practice exam → Schedule Core 2

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Command-Line Cheat Sheet (Core 2)

Essential Windows Commands

Essential Linux Commands

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Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) on Both Exams

Both Core 1 and Core 2 include performance-based questions — hands-on simulations that test practical skills.

Common Core 1 PBQs:

• Drag and drop the correct cable type to each scenario
• Configure a SOHO wireless router (SSID, security, DHCP)
• Identify components on a motherboard diagram
• Match network ports to the correct service

Common Core 2 PBQs:

• Execute the correct sequence of commands to troubleshoot a network issue
• Configure Windows firewall rules
• Perform malware removal steps in the correct order
• Set appropriate file permissions

PBQ Strategy (Same for Both):

1. Skip PBQs on first pass — do all multiple choice first
2. Return to PBQs with remaining time
3. Read PBQ instructions carefully — partial credit is possible
4. Even if you're not sure, attempt every part of the PBQ

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Budget-Friendly Study Resources

Total cost of free path: $530 (just the two exam fees)

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Start Practicing Today

The CompTIA A+ is your gateway to an IT career. Here's your action plan:

1. Start with Core 1 — hardware and networking build the foundation
2. Study 4-5 weeks per exam — don't rush
3. Practice with questions daily — active recall beats passive reading
4. Score 80%+ before scheduling each exam
5. Use free resources — Professor Messer + practice questions cover everything you need

Free CompTIA A+ Practice Questions

• 200 exam-style questions covering both Core 1 and Core 2
• Detailed explanations for every answer
• AI tutor to explain hardware, networking, and security concepts
• Track your progress by domain

Start Free CompTIA A+ Practice →Practice questions with detailed explanations

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Key Takeaways

1. Core 2 is harder — higher passing score (700 vs 675) and more memorization
2. Take Core 1 first — it builds the foundation for Core 2 troubleshooting
3. Plan 8-10 weeks total — 4-5 weeks per exam with consistent daily study
4. Memorize commands — Windows and Linux CLI proficiency is essential for Core 2
5. PBQs appear on both exams — skip them first, return with remaining time
6. Total cost: $530 for both exams — pass on the first attempt to avoid retake fees

The CompTIA A+ is the most recognized entry point into IT. Follow this plan, pass both exams, and launch your tech career.

Good luck with your CompTIA A+ certification!