CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 Exam Overview

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam validates the software, security, troubleshooting, and operational skills required for entry-level IT support and technical support roles. Together with 220-1201 Core 1, it forms the current CompTIA A+ certification path.

While Core 1 focuses more heavily on hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and hardware troubleshooting, Core 2 concentrates on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Candidates should be prepared to work with Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile operating systems, security controls, malware, command-line tools, troubleshooting workflows, documentation, backup, remote support, scripting basics, and professional support practices.

Passcert provides updated 220-1202 Practice Tests and study materials to help candidates review the current Core 2 objectives, identify weaker areas, and supplement official CompTIA training, documentation, labs, and hands-on IT support experience.

220-1202 Exam Information

220-1202 Exam Domains and Skills Measured

1.0 Operating Systems — 28%

This domain focuses on installing, configuring, and supporting operating systems commonly used in business environments. Candidates should understand Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, mobile operating systems, file systems, installation and upgrade methods, Windows editions, system utilities, command-line tools, networking settings, applications, and cloud-based productivity tools. It also emphasizes practical support scenarios where technicians must choose the correct OS feature or administrative tool.

2.0 Security — 28%

Security is tied with Operating Systems as the largest domain. Candidates should understand physical and logical security, authentication and authorization, least privilege, zero trust, malware, social engineering, wireless security, browser security, workstation and mobile-device hardening, data protection, and secure data destruction. Many questions are scenario-based and require choosing the most appropriate security control or remediation step.

3.0 Software Troubleshooting — 23%

This domain measures the ability to diagnose and resolve common software, operating system, mobile-device, and security-related problems. Candidates should be able to recognize symptoms, identify likely causes, apply structured troubleshooting methods, resolve Windows and application issues, remove malware, and restore systems to normal operation.

4.0 Operational Procedures — 21%

This domain covers the professional and procedural side of IT support, including documentation, change management, backup and recovery, safety, environmental controls, licensing, policies, scripting basics, remote access, communication, professionalism, and support workflows. Candidates should understand not only how to fix a problem but also how to document, communicate, and manage the work correctly.

How Core 2 Differs from Core 1

To earn the current CompTIA A+ certification, candidates prepare for both Core 1 and Core 2. Core 1 builds the hardware and infrastructure foundation, while Core 2 focuses more heavily on software, security, support processes, and day-to-day user troubleshooting.

How to Prepare for the CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Exam

Build Strong Operating System Skills

Review Windows editions, installation methods, file systems, command-line tools, administrative utilities, networking configuration, macOS and Linux basics, mobile operating systems, and application installation. Practise choosing the correct tool for common support tasks.

Prioritize Security Scenarios

Security accounts for 28% of the exam. Focus on access control, authentication, least privilege, zero trust, malware, social engineering, wireless security, browser security, workstation hardening, mobile-device security, and secure data handling.

Practise Software Troubleshooting Workflows

Learn to connect symptoms to likely causes. Work through Windows startup issues, performance problems, application failures, malware symptoms, mobile issues, and security incidents using a structured troubleshooting process.

Learn Operational Procedures, Not Just Technical Fixes

Review change management, documentation, backups, disaster recovery, safety, licensing, remote support, scripting basics, communication, and professionalism. CompTIA often tests the best next action, not simply the technically possible action.

Use Practice Questions and PBQ-Style Scenarios

After studying each domain, complete scenario-based questions and performance-oriented exercises. Review incorrect answers by identifying which clue in the scenario should have guided you to the correct tool, control, or troubleshooting step.

Who Should Take the 220-1202 Exam?

The 220-1202 exam is designed for candidates pursuing the CompTIA A+ certification and professionals beginning careers in:

• Help Desk Support
• IT Support
• Desktop Support
• Technical Support
• Field Service
• Junior Systems Support

CompTIA recommends approximately 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role before taking the exam.

How Passcert Supports Your 220-1202 Preparation

Coverage of All Four Core 2 Domains

The materials cover Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures, helping candidates structure their review around the current exam blueprint.

Scenario-Based Support Practice

Practice questions help candidates work through realistic operating system, security, malware, troubleshooting, and support-process scenarios.

PDF and Test Engine Formats

Use PDF materials for structured review and the Test Engine for interactive practice, scoring, and progress evaluation.

Regular Content Reviews and Product Updates

Materials are reviewed when CompTIA changes the A+ objectives, supported technologies, exam structure, or certification requirements.

Member Area Access and Customer Support

Eligible customers can access available materials through the Passcert Member Area and contact support for downloads, Test Engine use, updates, and related service questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Exam

What is the CompTIA A+ 220-1202 exam?

220-1202 is the CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam. It focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures and is taken alongside Core 1 as part of the CompTIA A+ certification path.

How many questions are on the 220-1202 exam?

The exam contains a maximum of 90 questions.

How long is the 220-1202 exam?

Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam.

What is the passing score for 220-1202?

The passing score is 700 on a scale of 100–900.

Does 220-1202 include performance-based questions?

Yes. The current exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions.

What is the difference between 220-1201 and 220-1202?

220-1201 focuses mainly on hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization/cloud, and hardware/network troubleshooting. 220-1202 focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.