CompTIA A+ is widely recognized as the global entry-level standard for IT support, appearing in more tech support job listings than almost any other certification. The 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) exams validate that you can install, configure, secure, and troubleshoot the systems your future stakeholders rely on every day. For aspiring cybersecurity professionals and IT auditors, A+ is often the first proof that you understand how endpoints really behave in the field before you start assessing or defending them.
Well-designed CompTIA 220-1201 and 220-1202 practice test resources dramatically improve exam performance by building recall, pattern recognition, and time management under pressure. Research in education has consistently shown that practice tests and retrieval-based learning significantly boost scores on high‑stakes exams by strengthening long‑term retention.
Exam Snapshot: 220-1201 vs 220-1202
Both exams are part of the same CompTIA A+ certification, but they measure different layers of your skill set. Understanding this split is critical when you choose practice tests and build your study plan.
Core exam overview
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Exam name: CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2)
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Exam codes: 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2)
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Price: About 265 USD per exam voucher (region-dependent taxes may apply).
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Number of questions: Up to 90 questions per exam, including multiple‑choice, drag‑and‑drop, and performance‑based items.
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Length: 90 minutes per exam.
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Passing scores:
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220-1201: 675 / 900
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220-1202: 700 / 900
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Recommended experience: Around 12 months of hands‑on IT support.
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Language: English at launch, with other languages often added later.
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Renewal: A+ must be renewed every three years under CompTIA’s continuing education policy.
What is CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2?
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) focuses on endpoint hardware, networking, mobile devices, and basic virtualization, while Core 2 (220-1202) targets operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Put simply: Core 1 proves you can build and connect things; Core 2 proves you can secure, operate, and support them responsibly.
For IT audit or cybersecurity career paths, this split mirrors how real reviews are done: auditors and defenders must understand both the physical and logical layers before assessing risk. Being conversant with Core 1 topics helps you interpret incidents at the hardware or network level, while Core 2 knowledge connects directly to configuration baselines, access controls, and operational policies.
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Feature / Exam Component |
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) |
CompTIA A+ 220-1202 (Core 2) |
|---|---|---|
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Primary Focus |
Hardware, networking, virtualization, mobile devices |
Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, IT procedures |
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Role in Certification |
Validates hardware and network support skills |
Validates OS configuration, security, and operational proficiency |
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Exam Difficulty |
Moderate (hardware-heavy) |
Moderate to high (security and OS-heavy) |
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Key Skill Domains |
Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, troubleshooting |
Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures |
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Domain Weightage |
Networking (23%), Hardware (25%), Troubleshooting (28%), Mobile (13%), Cloud/Virtualization (11%) |
OS (28%), Security (28%), Software Troubleshooting (23%), Ops Procedures (21%) |
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Ideal Candidates |
Candidates focused on hardware, onsite support, network troubleshooting |
Candidates focusing on OS, cybersecurity basics, and IT operations |
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Real-World Job Mapping |
Help desk, field technician, PC support specialist |
Service desk, desktop support, junior sysadmin, cybersecurity support roles |
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Hands-On Requirements |
Hardware installation, network setup, device repair |
OS configuration, malware removal, security policy enforcement, scripting basics |
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Preparation Strategy |
Hands-on hardware simulations, networking diagrams, practice tests |
OS labs, cybersecurity scenarios, troubleshooting exercises, PBQs |
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Career Relevance |
Strong foundation for Network+, hardware engineering, field support |
Core background for Security+, system administration, cyber operations |
220-1201 (Core 1) Domains and Focus Areas
The 220-1201 exam measures how confidently you handle devices, networks, and cloud‑adjacent technologies in a live environment. Weighting matters: it tells you where to invest your practice hours.
Core 1 domain breakdown
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Mobile devices – 13%
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Networking – 23%
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Hardware – 25%
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Virtualization and cloud computing – 11%
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Hardware and network troubleshooting – 28%
Key skills you reinforce with a CompTIA A 220-1201 practice test
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Deploying, configuring, and maintaining laptops, tablets, and smartphones for end users, including connectivity and accessories.
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Designing and troubleshooting SOHO networks, interpreting ports and protocols, and using common networking tools such as ping, tracert, and cable testers.
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Selecting appropriate cables, storage, memory, and power supplies, then diagnosing issues like boot failure, overheating, or RAID degradation.
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Understanding basic virtualization, virtual machines, and cloud service models so you can support hybrid environments.
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Systematically troubleshooting hardware and network issues using structured workflows a mindset that directly supports later cyber incident handling.
220-1202 (Core 2) Domains and Focus Areas
Core 2 builds your foundation in operating systems, security, and support processes the same elements auditors and security teams review in real environments. A strong CompTIA A+ 220-1202 practice test routine ensures you can apply this knowledge quickly under exam time pressure.
Core 2 domain breakdown
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Operating systems – 28%
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Security – 28%
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Software troubleshooting – 23%
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Operational procedures – 21%
Key skills reinforced with a CompTIA A+ 220‑1202 practice test
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Installing, configuring, and maintaining Windows, Linux, and macOS clients, including command‑line tools and networking features.
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Applying workstation and mobile security hardening, browser security, patching, and malware response techniques.
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Troubleshooting OS, application, and security issues following repeatable processes critical for both SOC and IT support roles.
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Applying change management, documentation, safety, and communication practices that align with professional IT and audit standards.
220-1201 vs 220-1202: How to Balance Your Prep
Both exams are equally important, but they test different thinking styles: Core 1 is more “hands‑on technical,” while Core 2 is more “operational and security‑driven.” A smart plan uses CompTIA 220-1201 and 220-1202 practice test free resources to simulate this split.
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If you come from a hardware/help‑desk background, you may find 220-1201 more intuitive but need deliberate practice for Core 2 security and procedures.
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If you come from a cybersecurity or audit‑theory background, Core 2 may feel natural, but Core 1 will expose gaps in physical troubleshooting and device behavior.
For many candidates, alternating practice blocks (for example, two 220‑1201 practice sessions followed by one 220‑1202 session) keeps both domains warm without overload. Research on practice exams shows that spreading practice tests over time improves retention more than cramming near the exam date.
Why Practice Tests Work (and how to use them wisely)
Multiple controlled studies show that taking practice tests improves performance on high‑stakes exams by strengthening retrieval and metacognition your ability to know what you truly understand. In other words, every serious CompTIA A 220-1201 practice test and CompTIA A+ 220-1202 practice test session trains your brain to recall under pressure.
Educational research from peer reviewed journals has repeatedly confirmed the “testing effect”: learners who regularly self‑test outperform those who only re‑read or highlight notes. For working professionals and career changers, this approach is especially valuable because it respects limited study time while generating measurable score gains.
Why Use the EduSum CompTIA 220-1201 and 220-1202 Practice Exams
EduSum offers a dedicated CompTIA 220-1201 and 220-1202 practice test environment modeled closely on the live A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exam structure. The platform maintains domain weightings, question styles, and timing so you build exam stamina, not just topic familiarity.
Key benefits of the EduSum online practice exams for CompTIA A 220 1201 and 220 1202 practice exams free trial and premium users include:
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A large question bank for both Core 1 and Core 2, updated with community and subject‑matter expert input to stay aligned with current objectives.
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Timed practice sessions that mirror the 90‑minute limit, training you to pace performance‑based questions alongside multiple‑choice items.
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Detailed score breakdowns by domain and topic, so you can see whether, for example, networking (23%) or security (28%) is dragging down your composite score.
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Result history and trend analysis that let you track progress from “borderline” to “comfortably above passing” for both 220‑1201 and 220‑1202.
For candidates pursuing an IT audit or cybersecurity path, this analytics‑driven approach mimics the way you will later evaluate risk and controls using data, trend lines, and evidence rather than intuition alone.
Step‑by‑Step Roadmap: Using Practice Tests For Exam Success
Use this structured plan to turn any CompTIA 220-1201 and 220-1202 practice test free resource into a full exam success system.
1. Map your baseline
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Start with a full‑length CompTIA A 220-1201 practice test and a full‑length CompTIA A+ 220-1202 practice test on EduSum’s sample platform to simulate real exam pressure.
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Do not pause or look up answers; the goal is to expose your true baseline across all domains.
2. Read the blueprint, not just the questions
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Review the official CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 objectives from the certification page to understand exactly what 220‑1201 and 220‑1202 will test.
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Cross‑check those objectives against EduSum’s Core 1 and Core 2 exam syllabus pages to ensure your study notes and flashcards cover each sub‑objective.
3. Turn weak areas into focused sprints
- Use your EduSum result reports to identify domains below 75–80%, such as virtualization or operational procedures.
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For each weak domain, build a mini‑cycle:
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Study the relevant objective list.
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Practice lab or configuration steps where possible.
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Take a short domain‑focused CompTIA A+ 220-1201 practice test free or 220‑1202 mini‑quiz to verify improvement.
4. Simulate exam day conditions
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Complete several full, timed practice exams for both Core 1 and Core 2 without breaks, mimicking the Pearson VUE testing environment described by CompTIA.
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Practice reading questions once, identifying key constraints, and eliminating distractors quickly skills particularly important on performance‑based items.
5. Convert practice into career value
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Treat each scenario‑based question as a mini case study: How would an auditor, system administrator, or cyber defender document and escalate this issue?
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Reflect on how A+ knowledge would apply in common frameworks or best‑practice environments you might meet later, such as ISO/IEC 27001 controls or NIST guidelines.
Building a Study Stack
In addition to EduSum’s practice platform and the official CompTIA resources, layering in a few high‑authority references will strengthen your understanding and credibility.
Recommended non‑competing, informational sources include:
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A general background on CompTIA’s role in the industry from an encyclopedia‑style reference.
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Career guidance articles from major job platforms explaining how hiring managers view CompTIA A+ for entry‑level IT, support, and junior cybersecurity roles.
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Peer‑reviewed research on testing and practice exams that validates why regular practice testing is such an effective strategy.
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Reputable explanations of DoD 8140 and the DCWF to understand how baseline certifications like A+ map into government and defense workforce structures.
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Combining these sources with targeted practice ensures not only that you pass, but that you can speak confidently about your skills in interviews and performance reviews.
Turning Exam Stress into Momentum
Most candidates juggling work, family, and study feel real pressure heading into the CompTIA A 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams. It is normal to worry about time limits, tricky simulations, or the cost of retakes, especially if this certification is your gateway into cybersecurity or IT audit.
A disciplined CompTIA a+ 220-1201 practice test free routine changes that narrative: instead of guessing whether you are ready, you see your scores rise and your weak domains shrink over time. For many professionals, that data‑driven confidence is exactly what reduces anxiety on exam day and creates the calm, methodical mindset needed for real‑world incident response or audit walkthroughs.
Sample High‑Impact Daily Routine (60–90 minutes)
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10–15 minutes: Quick review of flashcards for ports, commands, and OS utilities.
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30–40 minutes: Timed block of 220‑1201 or 220‑1202 practice questions, focused on one domain.
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10–15 minutes: Review incorrect items, update notes with root causes and key takeaways.
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10–20 minutes: Watch or read one short tutorial or official CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 explanation aligned to your weaker topic.
Repeat this cycle five days per week for several weeks, adding full‑length timed practice exams on weekends. This pattern reflects how effective learners use testing as a study strategy in research settings.
FAQ
Q1. What is the difference between 220-1201 and 220-1202?
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220-1201 (Core 1) focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and troubleshooting, while 220-1202 (Core 2) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Both are required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification.
Q2. How many questions are there in each exam?
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Each exam contains up to 90 questions, including multiple‑choice, drag‑and‑drop, and performance‑based items, delivered in a 90‑minute window.
Q3. What scores are needed to pass 220-1201 and 220-1202?
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You need a scaled score of 675 out of 900 for Core 1 (220‑1201) and 700 out of 900 for Core 2 (220‑1202).
Q4. Are free practice tests enough to pass?
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Free CompTIA A 220-1201 and 220-1202 practice test resources are excellent for orientation, but research suggests that repeated, structured practice exams combined with targeted study produce the best results. Premium, exam‑like practice with detailed analytics significantly improves readiness.
Q5. How long is CompTIA A+ valid, and can it help in cybersecurity?
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CompTIA A+ is typically valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education. It is widely recognized as a gateway certification for help desk, junior system admin, and entry‑level cybersecurity roles, including some DoD 8140‑aligned positions.
Q6. Where can I find official information about the A+ exams?
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Official objectives, exam details, and recommended training for Core 1 and Core 2 are available on CompTIA’s A+ certification page and main certification catalog.
Q7. Is there any benefit for IT auditors to take A+?
- Yes, A+ gives IT auditors and GRC professionals a practical grounding in how endpoints, operating systems, and basic controls behave in the real world, which strengthens risk assessments and technical interviews.
Conclusion: Turn Free Practice Into a Full Exam Strategy
CompTIA 220-1201 and 220-1202 practice test free resources are the starting point, not the finish line: use them to diagnose your skills, then shift into deeper, analytics‑driven practice on structured platforms like EduSum. By aligning your study plan with the official Core 1 and Core 2 objectives, focusing on high‑weight domains, and committing to regular timed practice, you position yourself not only to pass A+ but to step confidently into technical support, system administration, cybersecurity, or IT audit roles worldwide.