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Free CompTIA A+ Practice Test

Core 1 & Core 2 Prep — Current 220-1201/220-1202 Exams

Last updated: September 2026

CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level IT certification, requiring you to pass two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, and mobile devices; Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security, and troubleshooting. Use these free practice questions to prepare for both exams.

Practice Set
8 Questions
Exam Duration
90 Minutes per Core Exam (180 Min Total)
Access Level
Instant & Unrestricted

Core 1 vs. Core 2: What's Actually Different

If you're using older A+ study materials, confirm they reference the current 220-1201/220-1202 exam codes (released March 2025) — the previous 220-1101/1102 series has been retired. Core 1 is the more hands-on, hardware-focused exam covering physical components, networking infrastructure, mobile devices, and cloud computing fundamentals. Core 2 covers operating systems, security concepts, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

CompTIA A+ Exam Format & Structure

Earning your CompTIA A+ credential requires passing both the Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) examinations through Pearson VUE (at a testing center or via OnVUE online proctoring).

  • Each exam (Core 1 and Core 2) has a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit — averaging about 60 seconds per question, though performance-based simulation questions can take 5–10 minutes each on their own.
  • Question types include traditional multiple-choice, multiple-response (select multiple correct answers), drag-and-drop matching, and performance-based simulation questions (PBQs) that test hands-on operational configuration.
  • Scoring is on a scaled 100–900 range: Core 1 requires 675 to pass, Core 2 requires a higher 700 — reflecting that Core 2's security and software content tends to have more ambiguous answer choices.
  • Both exams must be from the same version series (both from the 220-1201/1202 generation, not mixed with older codes).
  • You can take Core 1 and Core 2 in either order and schedule them weeks or months apart based on your individual technical strengths and preparation pace.

Your CompTIA A+ certification is officially awarded as soon as passing scores for both Core 1 and Core 2 are recorded in your CompTIA account.

Core 1 & Core 2 Domain Breakdown

01

Core 1 (220-1201): Mobile Devices & Accessories

Laptop hardware components, displays (OLED, LCD/LED backlights, digitizers), mobile ports, docking stations, smartphone/tablet accessories, biometric readers, and mobile network connectivity.

02

Core 1 (220-1201): Networking Infrastructure & Protocols

TCP/IP protocols and default ports (SSH, DNS, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, RDP), IPv4/IPv6 addressing, subnetting basics, routers, managed switches, access points, cabling (Cat 6/6a, fiber), and Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 standards.

03

Core 1 (220-1201): Hardware Components & Storage

CPU architectures, motherboard form factors and bus slots (PCIe), DDR4/DDR5 RAM speeds, NVMe M.2 and SATA SSD storage, power supply sizing and rails, cooling solutions, and peripheral connections.

04

Core 1 (220-1201): Cloud Computing & Virtualization

Cloud deployment and delivery models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, private/public/hybrid), hypervisor types (Type 1 bare-metal vs. Type 2 hosted), virtual machine resource provisioning, and cloud storage synchronization.

05

Core 2 (220-1202): Operating Systems & Management

Windows 10/11 system features, editions, installation methods, control panels, administrative tools, Command Prompt and PowerShell CLI utilities, macOS finder/terminal tools, and Linux basic shell commands.

06

Core 2 (220-1202): Security Concepts & Hardening

Threat types, social engineering (phishing, spear phishing, vishing, tailgating), authentication protocols, MFA, workstation physical security, BitLocker encryption, firewall rules, and endpoint protection.

07

Core 2 (220-1202): Software & OS Troubleshooting

Diagnosing OS startup failures, BSOD crashes, application errors, service hangs, profile corruption, and executing the official CompTIA 7-step malware removal and remediation process.

08

Core 2 (220-1202): Operational Procedures & Professionalism

IT ticketing documentation, change management processes, incident response, ESD and environmental safety precautions, software licensing compliance, customer communication, and remote support etiquette.

Passing scores: Core 1 (220-1201) requires 675/900; Core 2 (220-1202) requires 700/900. Both exams must be passed to earn the CompTIA A+ credential.

Why Performance-Based Questions Deserve Real Practice Time

Performance-based questions (PBQs) simulate real troubleshooting tasks (configuring settings, identifying components, diagnosing an issue) rather than just testing recall, so hands-on practice with actual hardware or simulation tools matters as much as reading study guides.

Free CompTIA A+ Practice Questions

Completed: 0/8
Question 1 of 8
Interactive Practice

A desktop technician is assembling a high-performance CAD workstation and needs to install primary storage that provides maximum sequential read and write throughput for rendering massive 3D models. Which storage interface and form factor combination will deliver the highest sustained transfer speeds directly across the PCIe bus?

Question 2 of 8
Interactive Practice

A network administrator needs to configure secure remote terminal access to network switches and routers across the corporate WAN, ensuring that all administrative authentication credentials and session commands are strongly encrypted in transit. Which network protocol and default transport port should the administrator implement?

Question 3 of 8
Interactive Practice

A field technician is diagnosing a company-issued laptop where the user reports that the screen is "completely black" and unreadable. When the technician shines a bright flashlight directly onto the laptop screen at an angle in a darkened room, the Windows desktop icons and open windows are faintly visible. Which internal display component has failed?

Question 4 of 8
Interactive Practice

An enterprise software development team needs a cloud computing environment where developers can build, test, and deploy web applications without managing underlying operating system patches, hypervisors, server hardware, or storage provisioning. Which cloud service model should the enterprise select?

Question 5 of 8
Interactive Practice

A Windows 11 workstation is experiencing random application crashes and system stability issues following an abrupt power failure. A systems administrator wants to scan all protected operating system binaries and automatically replace corrupted files with cached, verified copies from the Windows component store. Which command-line utility should the administrator execute in an elevated Command Prompt?

Question 6 of 8
Interactive Practice

A senior corporate accountant receives an urgent email that appears to originate directly from the company's Chief Executive Officer. The email addresses the accountant by first name, references an active confidential corporate acquisition, and instructs them to immediately wire $75,000 to an offshore escrow account before end of day. Which specific type of social engineering attack does this scenario represent?

Question 7 of 8
Interactive Practice

A corporate workstation has been infected with browser-hijacking spyware and rogue redirect pop-ups. In accordance with the official CompTIA 7-step malware remediation best practice process, which action must a technician perform immediately AFTER identifying and researching the malware symptoms?

Question 8 of 8
Interactive Practice

A systems engineer plans to deploy a major firmware upgrade to the core routing infrastructure of an enterprise data center during a scheduled maintenance window. Under standard IT change management procedures, what critical documentation must the engineer prepare and submit to the Change Advisory Board (CAB) to outline how to restore the network to its prior operational state if the upgrade fails?

How to Prepare for CompTIA A+

1

Confirm Your Study Materials Reference the 220-1201 / 220-1202 Codes

CompTIA launched the 1200-series (220-1201 and 220-1202) in March 2025, retiring the older 1100-series. Ensure all textbooks, video courses, and practice question banks reflect the latest objectives, including modern virtualization, Wi-Fi 6E/7, Windows 11 enterprise features, and current security threats.

2

Choose Which Core Exam to Tackle First Based on Your Strengths

You do not have to take Core 1 before Core 2. If you already have strong experience with desktop operating systems, security concepts, and software troubleshooting, starting with Core 2 can build confidence. If you are more comfortable with physical PC building, cabling, and networking hardware, start with Core 1.

3

Practice Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) Specifically

Performance-based questions appear at the beginning of each exam and test practical, applied skills (such as configuring SOHO router security, mapping IP addressing schemes, or using CLI commands like ipconfig, ping, and sfc). Dedicate time to hands-on lab simulators so you are comfortable with interactive environments.

4

Use the Official CompTIA Exam Objectives PDF as Your Master Checklist

CompTIA publishes free, comprehensive Exam Objectives PDFs listing every single term, acronym, port number, and command tested on Core 1 and Core 2. Print or download the objectives and check off each topic as you master it to ensure you have no blind spots on test day.

5

Get Hands-On Practice with Real or Virtual Environments

Reading alone is rarely enough for A+. Set up free virtual machines using VirtualBox or Hyper-V to practice Windows, Linux, and macOS administration, disassemble an old desktop or laptop to identify components physically, and practice command-line network troubleshooting tools on your home network.

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