Free CompTIA A+ Practice Test (Core 1 and Core 2)
CompTIA A+ practice questions for Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), with why every option is right or wrong.
A new second SSD is installed and detected in the firmware, but it does not appear in File Explorer. What should the technician do?
415 original A+ multiple-choice questions · 16 interactive performance-based questions · two full mock exams, one per Core
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) practice questions by domain
Core 1 covers the hardware, networking and mobile devices a support technician installs and fixes. Each domain has a guide with free sample questions and a free ten-question drill. Passing score: 675 on 100–900.
Mobile Devices (13%)
About 12 of 90 questions
Replacing laptop and phone parts, mobile ports and accessories, Bluetooth pairing, cellular and hotspot settings, MDM and synchronization.
Networking (23%)
About 21 of 90 questions
TCP and UDP ports, Wi-Fi bands and standards, server roles, DNS and DHCP, networking hardware, SOHO IP settings, connection types and network tools.
Hardware (25%)
About 22 of 90 questions
Displays, cables and connectors, RAM, storage and RAID, motherboards, CPUs and firmware settings, power supplies, and printer setup and maintenance.
Virtualization and Cloud (11%)
About 10 of 90 questions
Hypervisor types, VM uses and requirements, containers and VDI, cloud service and deployment models, and cloud characteristics such as elasticity and metering.
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)
About 25 of 90 questions
Diagnosing motherboards, RAM, CPUs and power, drives and RAID, displays and projectors, mobile devices, networks and printers from their symptoms.
Performance-Based Questions
5 interactive tasks per drill
Matching, ordering and table tasks from the 220-1201 objectives, answered row by row.
Ready for the full exam?
90 questions in 90 minutes in the official domain shares, performance-based questions included. The Core 2 mock is part of the same pass.
Or start with a free drillCompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) practice questions by domain
Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and how a technician works. Each domain has a guide with free sample questions and a free ten-question drill. Passing score: 700 on 100–900.
Operating Systems (28%)
About 25 of 90 questions
File systems, installs and upgrades, Windows editions, tools and commands, settings and networking, macOS and Linux basics, app installs and cloud productivity tools.
Security (28%)
About 25 of 90 questions
Physical and logical security, Windows security settings, wireless security, malware and social engineering, malware removal, hardening, mobile security, data destruction and browsers.
Software Troubleshooting (23%)
About 21 of 90 questions
Windows crashes, boot and performance problems, mobile OS and app issues, and the symptoms of security problems on phones and PCs.
Operational Procedures (21%)
About 19 of 90 questions
Tickets and documentation, change management, backups, safety and environment, incident response and licensing, professionalism, scripting, remote access and AI basics.
Performance-Based Questions
5 interactive tasks per drill
Matching, ordering and table tasks from the 220-1202 objectives, answered row by row.
The CompTIA A+ exams at a glance
CompTIA A+ is the entry-level certification for IT support specialist and help desk roles. You earn it by passing two exams from the same version: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), the V15 series launched March 25, 2025. Each exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. CompTIA’s V15 objectives say the troubleshooting methodology itself is not tested, though troubleshooting scenarios make up a large part of both exams.
- Exams
- Two: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Both must come from the same version (V15); mixing versions is not allowed
- Launched
- March 25, 2025. CompTIA retires exams usually three years after launch and estimates 2028 for V15
- Questions
- A maximum of 90 per exam: multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop and performance-based
- Time
- 90 minutes per exam
- Passing score
- Core 1: 675. Core 2: 700. Both on a scale of 100–900
- Core 1 domains
- Mobile Devices 13%, Networking 23%, Hardware 25%, Virtualization and Cloud Computing 11%, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 28%
- Core 2 domains
- Operating Systems 28%, Security 28%, Software Troubleshooting 23%, Operational Procedures 21%
- Recommended experience
- 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role. It is a recommendation, not a requirement
- Language
- English
- Retakes
- No wait between a first and second attempt; at least 14 calendar days before any later attempt. You pay the exam price for every attempt
- Where you test
- Pearson VUE test centers or online with OnVUE remote proctoring
- Renewal
- Valid for three years; renew with 20 continuing education units (CEUs) in that cycle, or by passing a newer exam
Two full mock exams and Network+
How to use this CompTIA A+ exam prep
- Pick your first exam; many candidates start with Core 1. Take its free mixed drill to see where you stand.
- Drill the largest domains first: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%) and Hardware (25%) on Core 1; Operating Systems and Security (28% each) on Core 2.
- Learn the ports, RAID levels, Windows tools and commands until you can answer without hesitating; they come up again and again.
- Take the performance-based drill for your exam until matching and ordering tasks feel routine.
- Take the full 90-question mock under the 90-minute clock, drill your two lowest domains, then take it again. Each new sitting draws questions you have not seen first.
Common questions
How many exams are in CompTIA A+?
Two: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You need to pass both, from the same version, to earn the certification. Core 1 covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization and cloud, and hardware and network troubleshooting; Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.
How many questions are on each A+ exam, and how long is it?
Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute limit. Questions are multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop and performance-based. CompTIA does not publish how many performance-based questions each exam has.
What score do you need to pass A+?
675 on Core 1 and 700 on Core 2, each on a scale of 100 to 900. CompTIA scales scores and does not publish how raw answers convert. Our mocks show your points, a score for every domain and an estimated scaled score from a straight-line conversion.
Which A+ exam should I take first?
Either order is allowed. Many candidates take Core 1 first because its hardware and networking topics come up again in Core 2 troubleshooting. Both exams must come from the same version, V15 (220-1201 and 220-1202).
Does the A+ exam test the troubleshooting methodology?
No. CompTIA’s V15 objectives say the six-step troubleshooting methodology is good practice for the job but is not tested on the A+ exams. Troubleshooting scenarios are still a large part of both exams; Network+ does test the methodology (objective 5.1).
How much does an A+ retake cost?
You pay the full exam price for every attempt; CompTIA gives no free retests or retake discounts. There is no waiting period between a first and second attempt, and you must wait at least 14 calendar days before a third or later attempt.
Are these real CompTIA exam questions?
No. Every question here is original, written to CompTIA’s published exam objectives. CompTIA’s exam content is confidential, and CompTIA treats material that copies or closely resembles live exam questions as unauthorized. Use practice questions to find gaps, and study the objectives themselves.
How long does A+ stay valid?
Three years. You renew by earning 20 continuing education units in that time, or by passing a newer exam or a higher-level CompTIA certification.
Ready for exam day?
90 questions in 90 minutes in the official domain shares, performance-based questions included. The Core 2 mock is part of the same pass.
Or start with a free drillSources
We write our own practice questions to help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications. They are original questions written to CompTIA’s published exam objectives, not real exam questions. Independent practice, not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA or Pearson VUE. CompTIA, A+ and Network+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc.