CompTIA A+ Practice Questions (Core 1 220-1101 + Core 2 220-1102)
A+ is the entry credential for IT support and help-desk roles, and earning it means passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Most prep products make you buy each core on its own. This one bank preps both. It is 10 full-length timed forms, roughly 900 original questions across all nine domains of both cores at official weighting, with a clear rationale for every answer. Take a free timed practice test first, then unlock the full bank for $69 one time, which is less than most candidates pay for a single core elsewhere.
By PrepClubs Editorial Team, updated April 18, 2026
CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral, entry-level IT certification earned by passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. Core 1 passes at a scaled 675 and Core 2 at a scaled 700, both on a 100 to 900 range. The exams mix multiple-choice items with performance-based questions (PBQs). Core 1 covers Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting. Core 2 covers Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures. Each exam is scored as one overall scaled result with no published per-domain minimum. It is widely recognized as the baseline requirement for IT support and help-desk roles.
Source: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) Exam Objectives. PrepClubs is not affiliated with CompTIA.
Both A+ cores in one bank, with a rationale for every answer
What you get with the full bank
A large bank of original CompTIA A+ practice questions written to the Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) objectives. Full coverage of all nine domains across both cores, weighted to the official blueprint: Core 1 covers Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting; Core 2 covers Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures.
A clear rationale for every question. We explain why the correct answer is correct and why each other option is wrong, so you build the reasoning the exam actually tests rather than memorizing answers. PBQ-style items are included: the performance-based tasks the real exams use, such as configuring a SOHO router, matching a connector to a port, or picking the exact command that produces a result, are rendered as scenario items so they work on any device.
Two ways to practice. Exam mode is a timed, full-length 90-question form that spans both cores at the real domain weighting, so you rehearse under exam conditions. Study mode lets you practice by domain, review rationales as you go, and retry the questions you missed.
The nine A+ domains and their official weight
A+ is two exams. Core 1 (220-1101) has five domains and Core 2 (220-1102) has four. Every form in this bank spans both cores at the official weighting, so each is a true full-length rehearsal.
Core 1: Mobile Devices (15%)
Laptop and mobile hardware, display components, accessories, mobile connectivity, and application support. Where a call often starts.
Core 1: Networking (20%)
Ports and protocols, network hardware, wireless standards, SOHO configuration, and network services. Concrete ports, connectors, and settings.
Core 1: Hardware (25%)
The heaviest Core 1 domain. Cables and connectors, RAM and storage, motherboards and CPUs, power supplies, and peripheral installation.
Core 1: Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
Cloud models and characteristics, and client-side virtualization. The lightest Core 1 domain by count, but a reliable source of easy points.
Core 1: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)
The largest Core 1 domain. Diagnosing hardware, storage, display, mobile, and network problems using the correct troubleshooting method and the right NEXT step.
Core 2: Operating Systems (31%)
The largest single A+ domain. Windows features and tools, command-line utilities, installation and configuration, and macOS and Linux basics.
Core 2: Security (25%)
Physical and logical security, malware detection and removal, social engineering, wireless security, and workstation and mobile-device hardening.
Core 2: Software Troubleshooting (22%)
Diagnosing OS, application, and malware problems and mobile-device software issues, in the correct troubleshooting order.
Core 2: Operational Procedures (22%)
Documentation, change management, safety and PPE, environmental controls, incident response, and professional communication. The policy-and-procedure domain.
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How A+ is scored
A+ is two separate exams and you must pass both to earn the credential. Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. Core 1 (220-1101) passes at a scaled 675 and Core 2 (220-1102) passes at a scaled 700, both on a 100 to 900 range. They are sat separately, not as one combined test.
The passing score is a scaled score, not a percentage of correct answers, so there is no published question-to-score formula and no per-domain minimum. Each exam is scored as one overall scaled result, which means strength in one domain can offset weakness in another within the same core. Our exam-mode form spans both cores at the real domain weighting so your practice percentage tracks close to exam conditions.
Performance-based questions usually appear first and can carry more weight than a single multiple-choice item. Do not sink all your time into them at the start. Flag, move on, and return with the time you have left.
Who uses the A+?
A+ is a common baseline for help-desk, desktop-support, and field-technician roles, and many IT employers list it as a requirement or a strong preference for entry-level support hiring. It is frequently the first certification on the path into an IT career.
An A+ prep approach (about 30 days)
Days 1-3: Take the free diagnostic and read your domain breakdown
Start with the free 25-question timed diagnostic. It samples both cores and scores you domain by domain, so you can see exactly where you stand before spending a cent. Your two weakest domains become the focus of the plan.
Days 4-14: Study mode by domain, weakest first
Work through study mode one domain at a time, reading the rationale on every question including the ones you get right. Hardware, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting, and Operating Systems carry the most weight, so do not leave them for last.
Days 15-24: Drill PBQ-style and troubleshooting items
PBQs and multi-step troubleshooting are the number-one candidate anxiety point. Work the router-configuration, connector-matching, and command-selection items, and drill the correct order of troubleshooting steps until the reasoning is automatic.
Days 25-29: Full-length timed forms
Sit exam-mode forms under a strict 90-minute clock. Aim to consistently clear the pass approximation with time to spare, and review every miss by domain and by core.
Day 30: Light review and rest
Review only your flagged and missed items from the last two forms. Do not cram new material the day before. Settled recall beats last-minute volume.
Common A+ mistakes
Preparing for one core and forgetting the other
A+ is two exams. Candidates who drill Core 1 hardware and neglect Core 2 operating systems and security get blindsided on the second sitting. This bank spans both cores so you prepare for the whole credential.
Memorizing answers instead of reasoning
A+ is scenario-heavy and troubleshooting-first. If you learn "answer B" without the why, a reworded stem will beat you. Read the rationale on every question, especially the ones you got right.
Skipping troubleshooting order
Core 1 troubleshooting and Core 2 software troubleshooting reward the correct ORDER of steps: identify, theorize, test, plan, verify, document. Many hard items hinge on the best NEXT step, not the eventual fix.
Freezing on the PBQs
PBQs usually come first and eat time. Candidates who try to perfect them up front run out of clock. Flag, move on, and come back.
Related reading
A+ FAQs
Prove you are ready for both cores before exam day.
One bank for both A+ exams: 10 timed forms, roughly 900 original questions, a rationale for every answer. Start free, then unlock it for a one-time $69 with 30-day access and a Pass Guarantee.
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