CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2: What Are the Differences?

ou must pass two exams to get your CompTIA A+ certification. A popular entry point into the IT industry, CompTIA A+ stands out among IT certifications because it isn’t a single exam but two separate ones: Core 1 and Core 2. Every A+ holder has passed both, but what are Core 1 and Core 2, and how are they different?

Look no further: we’ve got you covered. In this article comparing CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2, we’ll explain both exams, the exam format, how to be eligible for either exam, exam domains, and a comparison of the Core 1 and Core 2 exams.

When you’re ready, let’s dive in.

Core 1 and Core 2 Explained

While other CompTIA certifications consist of only one examination, CompTIA A+ is an exception. It comprises two certification exams covering different topics:

• Core 1 focuses on hardware, cloud computing, and networking technology, and
• Core 2 is about software, operating systems, and cyber security basics.

As of the time of writing, the latest CompTIA A+ certification exam codes are 220–1101 for Core 1 and 220–1102 for Core 2. You must pass both to obtain the CompTIA A+ certification.

Exam Formats

Each Core examination has at most 90 questions, and you must complete each exam in 90 minutes. You can take the A+ exams at separate times.

The CompTIA A+ exams include two types of questions:

• Multiple-choice questions, which may admit single or multiple answers, and
• Performance-based questions (PBQs), including drag-and-drop items: They’re crucial for testing your ability to solve problems in a simulated environment, making CompTIA A+ such a valuable certification demonstrating one’s excellence in practical IT skills. Anywhere from one to 10 PBQs appear at the start of the A+ exam.

Managing your exam time is important. A+ exam questions carry different weights unknown to the candidate. Typically, PBQs have heavier weights than multiple-choice questions, and some multiple-choice questions are worth more than others.

You enroll in A+ exams through Pearson VUE — either in the comfort of your home using Pearson VUE’s online testing service or in person at a testing center.

If you take an A+ exam from home, a proctor monitors you through a webcam and microphone. In the on-site exam, which is preferable for various reasons, a closed-circuit television with a proctor on site will watch you. A+ exams are closed-book.

Pearson VUE will provide you with available exam time slots. Feel free to reschedule your exam within 24 hours of your original time slot if you need more time; you won’t be charged anything for rescheduling.

Eligibility for Core 1 and Core 2

Although A+ has no hard-and-fast prerequisites, CompTIA recommends that A+ candidates have nine to 12 months of hands-on experience in technical roles in academia or industry, which helps reduce study time for both Core 1 and Core 2. Three to four months is the average time for someone new to IT to prepare for both A+ exams.

From A+ study materials, you’ll gain technical knowledge of how hardware and software work. If you’re new to IT, you can get hands-on experience with various hardware components by joining a local hackerspace. Such participation will help you gain a practical understanding of how the nitty-gritty of the hardware works and aid you in questions on technical troubleshooting.

You don’t have to do Core 1 and Core 2 in order. However, if you feel more confident in either Core 1 or Core 2 material, you may opt to take the exam you find easier first.

Here’s the detailed breakdown of the latest Core 1 and Core 2 domains:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Domains

Core 1 tests your hardware, networking, virtualization, and cloud computing knowledge. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile devices are also part of the Core 1 syllabus. Virtualization and cloud computing are new topics that pertain to the proliferation of XaaS (anything-as-a-service) in cloud computing and remote access in recent years.

Specifically, the Core 1 domains are:

• Mobile devices: configuring them, peripherals, software, and network connectivity;
• Networking: basic knowledge of computer networks plus port numbers and protocols;
• Hardware: installation and configuration of PC hardware components;
• Virtualization and cloud computing: summarize cloud computing concepts and aspects of client-side virtualization.
• Hardware and network troubleshooting: applying the best practice methodology below

Anything related to hardware is likely on the A+ Core 1 exam.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 Domains

Core 2 assesses your knowledge of operating systems, (cyber) security, software, and operational procedures. Such knowledge is essential for a competent technician to help protect their company’s or client’s data, which has inestimable worth.

Specifically, the Core 2 domains are:

• Operating systems: mainly Windows installation and configuration, but touches upon macOS and Linux computer systems;
• Security: various physical and digital security measures;
• Software troubleshooting: common problems in software technologies of computers and mobile devices;
• Operational procedures: best practices in documentation, data management, change management, backup and recovery, safety, environmental and legal considerations, and professionalism.

You may view Core 2 as the A+ “everything soft” exam as it exclusively covers software technologies and soft skills you must possess to thrive as an up-and-coming IT professional.

Similarities and Differences

The most important topic that spans Core 1 and Core 2 is networking, which involves hardware cabling (Core 1) and mastering networking applications to perform necessary functions and beef up cyber security (Core 2). Since A+ only covers basic networking knowledge, it’s a good idea to take up Network+, which goes deeper into networking, after you’ve earned your A+; gaining Network+ also renews your A+ automatically.

Except for the overlapping element mentioned above, the content of the Core 1 and Core 2 exams are mostly separate. The difficulty of both exams is comparable, and the preparation required for both is similar: adequate study, as much hands-on experience as you can get, and practice tests to master the multiple-choice questions and the PBQs.

On a scale of 100–900, the passing scores for Core 1 and Core 2 are 675 and 700, respectively.

Conclusion

We hope this article on CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2 prepares you for this important entry-level certification. For more information on the CompTIA A+ exam, check out our CompTIA A+ cheat sheet and course offerings below. Last but not least, if you plan to take the A+ exam soon, we wish you all success

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CompTIA A+ Core 1 easier than Core 2?

It’s hard to say. Both exams are comparable in difficulty. If you’re strong in hardware and networking, you might find Core 1 easier; Core 2 might be a breeze in software and operating systems.

Can I take CompTIA A+ Core 2 before Core 1?

Yes, you may schedule the Core 2 exam before Core 1. Most candidates prefer to take Core 1 before Core 2.

Can I schedule both CompTIA Core 1 and Core 2 exams at the same time?

Yes, you may book Core 1 and Core 2 exams in the same session of Pearson VUE you’ve logged in to, but you can’t cram both exams into the same time slot.

Are the CompTIA A+ exams open book?

No, they’re not. You can’t bring study materials to the exam, regardless of venue. CompTIA deals severely with cheating on its exams.