What is the CompTIA 220-1102 exam and what does it cover?

220-1102 is the Core 2 exam for CompTIA A+, and it covers the software, security, operating systems, and troubleshooting side of entry-level IT support. Specifically, it focuses on Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS basics, security practices, operational procedures, and software troubleshooting. It is not the hardware-heavy half of A+—that is 220-1101. To earn the full A+ certification, you must pass both 220-1101 and 220-1102. If you want help desk, desktop support, or junior IT technician roles, 1102 is one of the most relevant entry points because it tests the day-to-day tasks many support jobs actually involve.

Do I need to pass both 220-1101 and 220-1102 to get CompTIA A+?

Yes, you need to pass both exams to become CompTIA A+ certified. Passing 220-1102 by itself does not give you the full A+ credential. CompTIA split A+ into two parts: 220-1101 Core 1 covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and cloud basics, while 220-1102 Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Many candidates study for them separately, but employers usually care about the completed A+ certification, not just one half. If you are planning your prep, most people take 1101 first, then 1102, but the order is not mandatory.

What is the passing score for 220-1102?

The passing score for 220-1102 is 700 on a scale of 100 to 900. That is the official CompTIA score target for Core 2. The exam uses scaled scoring, so your result is not a simple percentage. Some questions may carry different weights, especially performance-based questions. The practical takeaway is that you should not aim to barely pass—target practice exam results comfortably above the minimum. If your practice scores are consistently in the mid-to-high 80% range on quality material, you are usually in a safer position than someone hovering near the edge. Core 2 can feel deceptively broad because it mixes Windows details, security, troubleshooting, and procedures.

How many questions are on the 220-1102 exam and what is the format?

220-1102 has up to 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. The exam format includes a mix of multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs are the part that catches people off guard because they simulate tasks like troubleshooting, matching configurations, or applying security settings rather than just asking for definitions. Expect the first few items to often be PBQs, although the order can vary. The exam is delivered through Pearson VUE, either at a test center or online if available in your region. Time management matters because PBQs can take longer than standard questions, so many candidates flag them and return later.

How much does the CompTIA 220-1102 exam cost?

The standard list price for a CompTIA A+ exam voucher in the U.S. is typically around $253 USD per exam, but pricing can vary by country, currency, taxes, and reseller discounts. Since A+ requires both 220-1101 and 220-1102, your total exam cost is usually roughly double that unless you buy a bundle or discounted voucher. CompTIA often offers training bundles that include retakes, CertMaster products, or eLearning, but those cost more than a basic voucher. Before buying, check the official CompTIA store and authorized partners because student discounts, employer reimbursement, and promo pricing can significantly reduce what you actually pay.

Are there any prerequisites for 220-1102?

No, there are no formal prerequisites for 220-1102. You can register and take it without any prior certification or required work experience. That said, CompTIA recommends roughly 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in a lab or field role before taking A+ as a whole. For Core 2 specifically, familiarity with Windows administration basics, security best practices, and troubleshooting workflows helps a lot. Many beginners still pass without real job experience by using virtual machines, practice labs, and good question banks. If you are brand new to IT, the lack of prerequisites is helpful, but you should expect a real learning curve on Windows tools, malware removal, and policy/procedure questions.

How hard is 220-1102 compared to 220-1101?

For many people, 220-1102 is slightly harder than 220-1101 because it tests more judgment-based troubleshooting and operating system detail. Core 1 is broader on hardware and networking basics, while Core 2 expects you to know Windows commands, security controls, malware response steps, change management, and support procedures. That makes 1102 feel less about memorizing parts and more about choosing the best action in realistic support scenarios. If you already work with Windows and help desk tickets, 1102 may feel easier. If you are new to IT, 1102 can be tougher because the exam expects you to think like a technician, not just recall terms.

What are the hardest topics on the 220-1102 exam?

The hardest topics are usually Windows administration tools, malware troubleshooting, security best practices, and operational procedures. Candidates often struggle with command-line tools, Windows settings and utilities, domain and user management concepts, and deciding the correct order of actions in troubleshooting scenarios. Operational procedures can also be underestimated because they include professionalism, documentation, change management, backup concepts, and safety/environmental practices. The exam is not just technical trivia—it asks what a competent support technician should do first, next, or instead. If your study plan ignores scenario-based troubleshooting and focuses only on definitions, 220-1102 will feel harder than expected.

How long should I study for 220-1102?

Most people need 3 to 8 weeks for 220-1102 if they study consistently, but the right timeline depends on experience. If you already work in IT support, 2 to 4 weeks may be enough to close exam-specific gaps. If you are new to IT, 6 to 10 weeks is more realistic, especially if you need time to learn Windows, security basics, and troubleshooting workflows from scratch. A practical target is 60 to 100 total study hours, including videos, reading, labs, and practice questions. Core 2 rewards active study more than passive study, so build a Windows VM, practice commands, review malware steps, and take timed mock exams before booking.

What are the best study resources for comptia-220-1102?

The best 220-1102 prep usually combines one official exam objective list, one video course, one book or notes source, labs, and a strong practice question bank. Start with CompTIA’s official objectives so you know exactly what can be tested. Then use a reputable video course and a trusted A+ study guide that matches the 220-1102 version. Hands-on practice matters: use Windows virtual machines, review Control Panel and Settings paths, practice command-line tools, and simulate malware troubleshooting steps. Finally, use realistic practice questions to identify weak areas. Avoid memorizing dumps. For this exam, understanding why one support action is better than another matters more than recognizing familiar wording.

Can I take 220-1102 online or do I have to go to a test center?

You can usually take 220-1102 either online through Pearson VUE OnVUE or at an in-person test center, depending on local availability and CompTIA policies at the time you book. Online testing is convenient, but it comes with strict rules: quiet room, clean desk, ID verification, webcam monitoring, and no interruptions. If your internet, room setup, or computer are unreliable, a test center is often the safer choice. Many candidates prefer test centers because the environment is controlled and less stressful. If you choose online delivery, run the system test in advance and read the check-in rules carefully so you do not lose your appointment over a preventable issue.

What happens if I fail the 220-1102 exam?

If you fail 220-1102, you can retake it, but you will need to buy another voucher unless you purchased a retake bundle. CompTIA does not require a waiting period for your first retake after a failed attempt. If you fail again, a 14-day waiting period applies before each additional attempt. There is no lifetime cap on attempts, but repeated failures get expensive fast, so it is smarter to diagnose weak areas before rebooking. Review your score report by domain, focus on the lowest objective areas, and spend extra time on PBQ-style tasks. Many people pass on the second try after shifting from passive reading to labs and timed practice.

How long is CompTIA A+ valid after I pass 220-1102?

CompTIA A+ is valid for three years from the date you earn the certification, which means after you have passed both 220-1101 and 220-1102. Passing only 1102 does not start a full A+ certification cycle by itself because A+ is not awarded until both exams are complete. Once certified, you keep it active through CompTIA’s Continuing Education program or by earning a qualifying higher-level certification. If your goal is to use A+ for entry-level job applications, make sure you track the expiration date early. Letting it lapse is avoidable, but many people forget until renewal becomes urgent.

How do I renew or recertify CompTIA A+ after passing 220-1102?

You renew CompTIA A+ through Continuing Education (CE) or by earning a qualifying newer or higher certification. The standard renewal cycle is three years, and CompTIA generally requires 20 CEUs for A+ renewal, along with the annual CE fees if you use the CE program route. You can also renew by passing certain higher-level CompTIA certifications, which may automatically renew A+. The easiest path depends on your career plans: if you are moving into networking or security, a higher cert can be more efficient than collecting CEUs separately. Always verify current CE rules on CompTIA’s site because renewal policies and qualifying activities can be updated.

Is 220-1102 worth it if I want a help desk or desktop support job?

Yes, 220-1102 is worth it as part of the full A+ certification, especially for help desk, desktop support, field technician, and junior IT support roles. Core 2 is closely aligned with what entry-level support staff actually do: Windows issues, malware response, user support, permissions, ticket handling, and basic security. On its own, 1102 has limited standalone value because employers look for the completed A+ rather than one exam half. But as part of A+, it is one of the strongest beginner certifications for getting interviews when you have little or no experience. It will not guarantee a job, but it can absolutely improve credibility and resume visibility.

220-1102 vs 220-1101: which one is harder and which should I take first?

220-1102 is often considered harder, but 220-1101 is usually the better one to take first. Core 1 builds the broad technical foundation—hardware, networking, mobile devices, and cloud/virtualization basics—while Core 2 moves into operating systems, security, and support procedures. Starting with 1101 helps many candidates because it eases them into A+ and gives context for later troubleshooting. That said, if you already work in a Windows-heavy support role, 1102 may feel more familiar. There is no rule about order. The main point is that you need both. If you are unsure, compare the official objectives and start with the exam whose topics match your current strengths.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 vs Google IT Support Certificate: which is better?

CompTIA A+ Core 2 is more recognized by employers, but the Google IT Support Certificate can be a good beginner learning path. They are not direct equivalents: Google’s program is a training certificate, while 220-1102 is one half of an industry certification exam. If your goal is employability, A+ generally carries more weight on resumes and job postings, especially in traditional IT support hiring. If your goal is learning from zero, Google’s course can be easier to start with. The strongest combination for beginners is often using Google IT Support to build fundamentals, then taking 220-1101 and 220-1102 to earn the full A+ credential.

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 vs Network+: which should I do first?

Do A+ first unless you already have solid IT support experience. 220-1102, together with 220-1101, is designed for entry-level technicians and covers the practical support foundation that Network+ assumes you can build on. Network+ is more specialized and goes deeper into networking concepts, protocols, troubleshooting, and infrastructure. If you are trying to land your first help desk or desktop support job, A+ is usually the better first certification. If you already work in IT and want to move toward network administration, Network+ may offer better next-step value. For most beginners, the progression of A+ then Network+ is the safer and more marketable route.

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 vs Security+: should I skip A+ and go straight to Security+?

Most beginners should not skip A+ and jump straight to Security+, unless they already have strong IT fundamentals. 220-1102 teaches everyday support and operating system skills that make Security+ easier to understand in practice. Security+ is broader and more security-focused, but it assumes you can already think in terms of systems, accounts, permissions, troubleshooting, and basic enterprise environments. If you have no IT background, A+ is usually the better starting point because it builds the foundation employers expect for entry-level support jobs. If you already have hands-on IT experience or prior study, Security+ can be a valid first cert, but it is not a substitute for core support skills.