CompTIA A+ Core 2 — Practice Questions and Mock Exam

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) validates the skills needed for IT support roles, covering operating systems (Windows 11, macOS, Linux, mobile OS), security fundamentals (encryption, access controls, malware prevention, zero trust), software troubleshooting (OS, mobile, application, and browser issues), and operational procedures (documentation, change management, backup/recovery, incident response). This is the second of two exams required for A+ certification. The 220-1202 version (V15) includes new coverage of cloud productivity tools, AI basics, fileless malware, passwordless authentication, zero trust architecture, and EDR/MDR/XDR.

Operating Systems and Security tie for the largest share of the exam at 28% each, covering Windows installation and administration alongside access controls, hardening, and malware defense across desktop and mobile devices. Software Troubleshooting follows at 23%, testing OS boot failures, application crashes, and malware symptoms, while Operational Procedures closes the blueprint at 21% with documentation, change management, and workplace safety.

The even split between Operating Systems and Security means neither domain can be treated as secondary — a candidate strong on Windows administration but weak on hardening and malware identification fails as often as the reverse. Operational Procedures accounts for over a fifth of the exam as well, even though it tests process and documentation rather than technical configuration.

Maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes. Question types include multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs are delivered either as simulations of a tool or interface, or inside virtual environments running real operating systems. A simulation PBQ can be skipped and revisited; a virtual PBQ must be completed when you reach it. The passing score is 700 on a scale of 100 to 900.

Every domain of the COMPTIA-ACORE2 exam has enough questions in the pool to practice it in depth. A mock exam asks 90 questions in one sitting, on the same 90-minute clock as the real thing.

How long you'll need depends on how much hands-on experience you bring. The rest is set by the vendor: how the exam is delivered, how soon you can retake it, and how long the credential stays valid.

Delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers or online through Pearson OnVUE, in English, German, and Japanese. The certification holds for three years and renews through CompTIA's continuing education program or by earning a higher-level CompTIA certification. Core 2 counts toward the A+ credential only alongside a passing Core 1 score.

Performance-based questions take longer than the 90-question, 90-minute pacing implies: budget roughly a minute for a standard multiple-choice item and several times that for a PBQ built around live command-line work. Windows utilities like ipconfig, sfc, gpupdate, and PowerShell cmdlets get tested alongside a smaller set of Linux commands (ls, chmod, grep, sudo), and candidates who only study one platform miss the other's syntax on sight. The Security domain ties Operating Systems for the largest share at 28%, so it needs equal study weight, and Operational Procedures items on change management and documentation are easy to underweight since they don't feel as technical as the rest of the exam.