A+ Core 1 vs Core 2: What Is on Each Exam and Which to Take First

The CompTIA A+ is one certification, but you earn it by passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). People treat "which is harder" as the main question, and it is the wrong one. The useful question is what sits on each exam, because the split is cleaner than most two-part certifications, and once you see it you know which one to take first and how to schedule your study. This guide lays out both exams side by side, then gives you a defensible take-order.

The one-line split: Core 1 is the hardware-and-wires exam, Core 2 is the software-security-and-procedures exam. Both are required, both are the current V15 versions, and per CompTIA you can take them in either order. Most candidates should still take Core 1 first, and the reason is about momentum, not difficulty.

Quick takeaways

• CompTIA A+ requires passing both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202); one alone does not earn the credential, per CompTIA.
• Core 1 covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud, and hardware/network troubleshooting.
• Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
• Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes, per CompTIA. Core 1 passes at 675 and Core 2 at 700, both on a 100-to-900 scale.
• Take Core 1 first for most people: it is more tangible, and it builds confidence and networking context that helps on Core 2.
• Both exams must be from the same version (V15), no mixing, per CompTIA.
• PrepClubs is independent prep material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA.

Core 1 vs Core 2 at a glance

Here is the direct comparison, grounded in CompTIA's V15 exam pages.

Two details matter for planning. Core 2's passing bar is slightly higher (700 vs 675), and Core 2 leans more on scenarios and judgment, which is why many test-takers report it feels harder even though the format is identical. That does not mean take it second by default, but it does mean do not walk into Core 2 assuming it is Core 1 with new topics.

What is on Core 1 (220-1201)

Core 1 is the exam about physical IT: the devices, the networks, and the infrastructure you can point at. Its domains, per CompTIA's V15 outline:

• Mobile Devices. Laptop and mobile hardware, ports, and configuration.
• Networking. Ports and protocols, network hardware, wireless, and network types.
• Hardware. Cables, connectors, storage, motherboards, CPUs, RAM, printers.
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing. Cloud models and client-side virtualization basics.
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting. Diagnosing device, storage, display, and network faults.

If you like tangible, memorizable material, Core 1 will feel fair. You are learning what a thing is, what it connects to, and how to spot when it fails. That concreteness is exactly why it is a good first exam.

What is on Core 2 (220-1202)

Core 2 shifts to the software-and-people side of IT support: operating systems, security, and the procedures a technician follows. Its domains, per CompTIA's V15 outline:

• Operating Systems. Windows features and tools, command line, macOS and Linux basics, installation and configuration.
• Security. Malware, social engineering, wireless and workstation security, and controls.
• Software Troubleshooting. Diagnosing OS, application, and mobile software problems.
• Operational Procedures. Documentation, change management, safety, communication, and professionalism.

Core 2 is more conceptual and scenario-driven. Security especially rewards understanding over memorization, and Operational Procedures asks you to apply judgment about process, not recall a spec. That is the "different kind of hard" people describe.

Which should you take first?

CompTIA lets you take the two exams in either order, so this is a strategy call, not a rule. For most candidates, take Core 1 first. Three reasons:

1. Momentum. Core 1 is more tangible, so it is a friendlier first pass. Clearing it early builds the confidence that carries you through Core 2's tougher scenarios.
2. Context. The networking you learn in Core 1 makes parts of Core 2's security domain click faster. Learning networks first, then how to secure them, is the natural order.
3. Scheduling. Because both count and neither expires the other within the version window, taking the easier one first lets you book Core 2 with a win already banked.

There is one exception. If you already work in desktop or help-desk support and your day job is heavy on operating systems and security, you may find Core 2 the more familiar exam and want to take it while that material is fresh. That is a legitimate reason to flip the order. For everyone building from scratch, Core 1 first is the safer plan. For the full domain-by-domain weightings on both cores, see the A+ exam objectives guide.

A note on codes: some articles and even AI summaries still list the retired 220-1101 and 220-1102. The current V15 exams are 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2), per CompTIA. Make sure your practice material targets the current codes.

FAQ

Do I need both A+ Core 1 and Core 2?

Yes. The CompTIA A+ credential requires passing both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), per CompTIA. Passing only one does not earn the certification. You can take them in either order, but both are mandatory.

Which is harder, A+ Core 1 or Core 2?

Many test-takers find Core 2 harder because it is more conceptual and scenario-driven, and its passing bar is slightly higher (700 vs 675 on a 900 scale). Core 1 is more tangible and memorization-based. The format is identical: max 90 questions in 90 minutes each.

What is the difference between Core 1 and Core 2?

Core 1 (220-1201) covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization and cloud, and hardware/network troubleshooting. Core 2 (220-1202) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Core 1 is the hardware-and-wires exam, Core 2 is the software-security-and-procedures exam.

Can I take Core 1 and Core 2 at the same time?

You take them as two separate exam sessions, but you can schedule them close together or on the same day if you feel ready for both. Per CompTIA, both must be from the same exam version (V15), with no mixing of Core 1 and Core 2 from different versions.

Which A+ exam should I take first?

For most people, take Core 1 first. It is more tangible, builds confidence, and the networking you learn helps you understand Core 2's security material. If you already work in support and know operating systems and security well, taking Core 2 first can make sense.

What are the current A+ exam codes?

The current V15 codes are 220-1201 for Core 1 and 220-1202 for Core 2, per CompTIA. The older 220-1101 and 220-1102 codes are retired, though some outdated guides still cite them.

Related on PrepClubs

• The CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives: Every Domain and Its Weight, Both Cores
• How Hard Is the CompTIA A+, Really?
• Is the CompTIA A+ Worth It in 2026?

The A+ is two exams with a clean split: Core 1 for the hardware and the wires, Core 2 for the software, the security, and the procedures. Learn what sits on each, take Core 1 first unless your job already leans toward Core 2's material, and make sure you are drilling the current 220-1201 and 220-1202 objectives, not the retired codes. PrepClubs' A+ track has separate original question banks for each core, weighted to the current V15 domains, with a written explanation on every question so you learn the reasoning, not just the answer, plus a free diagnostic per core to see where you stand. It is a one-time purchase with 30 days of access, not a renewing subscription. If you prepare with PrepClubs and do not pass your real test, we extend your access at no extra cost. No fine print. PrepClubs has helped more than 1,600 students prepare for cognitive and certification assessments. Try the free A+ diagnostic.