CompTIA · 220-1102
CompTIA A+ Core 2 validates foundational IT support skills in operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. It is the second of two exams required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification, the industry-standard credential for entry-level IT support roles.
Questions
700
Duration
90 minutes
Passing Score
700/900
Difficulty
FoundationalLast Updated
Mar 2026
Use this 220-1102 practice exam to prepare for CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) with realistic questions, detailed explanations, and focused study modes. The practice bank includes 700 questions for CompTIA 220-1102, so you can review the exam steadily instead of relying on one long cram session.
As you practice, pay extra attention to recurring topics such as Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), Security, Software Troubleshooting, Operational Procedures, and Mobile Device Management. Start with short sessions to identify weak areas, then move into timed quizzes once your accuracy is consistent.
The explanations are especially useful when you want to connect exam wording to the responsibilities and scenarios described in the official certification guidance. Use the free preview first, then unlock the full question bank when you are ready to build a complete study routine.
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) is the second exam required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification, the industry standard credential for entry-level IT professionals. This exam validates essential skills in operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), security practices, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Core 2 focuses on the software and management aspects of IT support, complementing Core 1's hardware and networking emphasis. Together, these two exams demonstrate foundational competency in supporting end-users and maintaining IT infrastructure, making this certification a critical credential for anyone pursuing a career as an IT support specialist or help desk technician.
The CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam targets entry-level IT professionals seeking to validate their foundational support skills. Ideal candidates include help desk technicians, IT support specialists, junior system administrators, and field service technicians with hands-on experience in IT support roles. CompTIA recommends candidates have 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role before attempting the exam. This certification is also valuable for IT career changers, individuals transitioning from related technical fields, and professionals looking to advance into network administration, systems administration, or information security roles.
CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience working as an IT support specialist or in a similar IT support role before attempting the Core 2 exam. While there are no formal prerequisites to register for the exam, CompTIA suggests candidates should be comfortable with troubleshooting common PC hardware and software issues. Many organizations recommend passing Core 1 (220-1101) first, as the two exams together provide comprehensive coverage of foundational IT competencies. Candidates should be familiar with major operating systems, basic security concepts, and IT service management principles to maximize their chances of success.
CompTIA A+ Core 2 is delivered as a 90-minute computer-based exam with a maximum of 90 questions. The exam includes multiple-choice questions (both single and multiple response), drag-and-drop questions, and performance-based questions that simulate real-world IT scenarios. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 700 on a scale of 100-900 to pass. The exam can be taken online or at Pearson VUE testing centers. There may be unscored survey questions included as CompTIA gathers data for exam development, but these do not affect the final score.
The CompTIA A+ certification, earned by passing both Core 1 and Core 2, is recognized as the industry-standard entry-level credential for IT support professionals and is required or preferred by many employers and government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense. A+ certified professionals typically earn between $49,000 and $80,500 annually, with top earners exceeding $100,000 depending on experience, location, and specialization. The certification serves as an excellent launching pad for career advancement, with A+ holders frequently advancing to junior system administrator, network administrator, IT technician specialist, or information security positions. Stacking additional certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Security+ alongside A+ significantly increases market value, with potential salary increases of $10,000-$15,000 annually when combined with cloud certifications.
5 sample questions with answers and explanations. Start a practice session to test yourself across all 700 questions.
Preview — answers shown1. An IT manager at Northwind Traders is evaluating scripting options for automating administrative tasks across the company's Windows environment. The scripts need to manage Active Directory accounts, configure Windows services, and interact with Microsoft 365 cloud resources. Which scripting language is BEST suited for this requirement? (Select one!)
Explanation
PowerShell (.ps1) is the most powerful Windows scripting language and is specifically designed for system administration tasks. It provides native cmdlets for managing Active Directory, Windows services, and Microsoft 365 through dedicated modules. PowerShell supports object-oriented pipeline processing and remote management capabilities. Batch files (.bat) are the simplest Windows scripting option and lack the advanced capabilities needed for Active Directory and cloud resource management. VBScript (.vbs) is a legacy scripting language with limited modern functionality and no native Microsoft 365 integration. Bash (.sh) is designed for Linux, Unix, and macOS environments and cannot natively manage Windows Active Directory or services.
2. A technician at Northwind Traders is configuring a macOS workstation for a new graphic designer. The designer needs to encrypt the entire startup disk to comply with company policy, set up automated backups to an external drive, and store application credentials securely. Which of the following combinations of macOS features should the technician configure? (Select one!)
Explanation
FileVault provides full-disk encryption on macOS using XTS-AES-128 with a 256-bit key, meeting the company's encryption policy requirement. Time Machine is the built-in macOS backup solution that creates incremental backups to an external drive and can restore individual files or the full system. Keychain is the macOS password and credential manager that securely stores passwords, certificates, and keys. Gatekeeper controls which apps can be installed but does not provide encryption. Spotlight is a system-wide search tool. XProtect is malware scanning technology, not an encryption tool. System Integrity Protection prevents modifications to protected system files but does not encrypt the disk. Mission Control provides window and desktop management, and AirDrop is for wireless file transfers between Apple devices.
3. A systems administrator at Adatum Corp. is implementing Kerberos authentication for the company's Active Directory environment. Several users report they cannot authenticate to network services after returning from an international business trip with their laptops. The administrator confirms the users' credentials are correct. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the authentication failure? (Select one!)
Explanation
Kerberos authentication requires that the system clock on the client and the Key Distribution Center (domain controller) be synchronized within a maximum skew of five minutes. When users travel internationally, their laptops may have incorrect time settings due to time zone changes, disabled NTP synchronization, or network connectivity issues preventing time sync, causing Kerberos tickets to be rejected. Expired SSL certificates would affect HTTPS connections but not Kerberos authentication specifically. Account lockout would produce a specific error message indicating the account is locked, and the scenario states credentials are confirmed correct. Incorrect DNS settings would cause domain controller discovery issues but would present differently than authentication failures with correct credentials.
4. A technician at Adatum Corp. receives a report that an employee's smartphone is tracking their location, recording calls, and monitoring text messages without their knowledge. The employee's partner had physical access to the phone and may have installed monitoring software. Which type of malware does this BEST describe? (Select one!)
Explanation
Stalkerware is surveillance software specifically designed for monitoring a victim, often installed by someone with physical access to the device, such as an intimate partner. It tracks location, records calls, and monitors messages. While spyware also monitors user activity, it is typically profit-focused and spreads via downloads or links to steal financial data, not installed by someone with physical access for personal surveillance purposes. A keylogger only records keystrokes, not calls or location. Adware displays unwanted advertisements and does not perform surveillance.
5. A project manager at Contoso Ltd. needs to deploy a critical security patch to all production servers immediately after a zero-day vulnerability is discovered. The patch cannot wait for the next scheduled maintenance window or the full CAB review process. Which type of change management request should be submitted? (Select one!)
Explanation
An emergency change is the appropriate request type for critical security patches addressing active zero-day vulnerabilities. Emergency changes bypass the full CAB review process and use an expedited CAB (ECAB) for rapid approval, allowing implementation before the next scheduled maintenance window. A mandatory post-implementation review is required afterward to document the change. A standard change is pre-authorized for low-risk routine changes like password resets and would not apply to critical server patching. A normal change requires full CAB review and extensive sandbox testing, which takes too long when addressing an active zero-day threat. A change freeze exception is not a formal change type and would not provide the structured approval and documentation framework required for emergency implementations.
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