CompTIA A+ 2026: test dates, format, how to book and free practice tests
CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification for IT support and help desk work. To earn it you pass two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), both from the same version. There is no fixed A+ exam date in 2026: you buy an exam voucher and book your own slot. The current version, V15, launched on 25 March 2025, and CompTIA's page estimates its retirement in 2028 (checked 20 October 2026), so V15 is the right version to study for now. This guide covers booking, the exam pattern, both syllabi, pass marks and a study plan.
CompTIA A+ at a glance
| Conducting body | CompTIA |
| What it is for | Entry-level IT support certification |
| Exams | Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202); both needed |
| Mode | Computer-based |
| Questions | Up to 90 per exam: multiple choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based |
| Time | 90 minutes per exam |
| Marking | Scaled 100–900; Core 1 passes at 675, Core 2 at 700; no negative marking |
| Languages | Core 1 page lists English, German and Japanese |
| Recommended experience | 12 months in an IT support role (not required) |
| Official website | comptia.org |
Test dates and booking
You choose when to sit each exam. As of 20 October 2026, CompTIA's A+ V15 pages give:
| Core 1 | Core 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam code | 220-1201 | 220-1202 |
| Launch date | 25 March 2025 | 25 March 2025 |
| Retirement | Usually three years after launch (estimated 2028) | Same version |
CompTIA sells exam vouchers through the "Buy now" links on its pages; prices were not printed on the pages read on 20 October 2026, so check the current price when you buy. The two exams are booked separately, and both must be V15: a 220-1201 pass does not combine with an older Core 2.
How to book
- Open the A+ Core 1 and Core 2 page and buy a voucher for each exam (or a bundle).
- Create a CompTIA account with your legal name as on your ID.
- Use the voucher to schedule each exam with CompTIA's test delivery partner, choosing a test centre or online testing if it is offered for your exam.
- Pick your date and time, and save the confirmation.
Keep ready: a government photo ID matching your account name; for online testing, a private room and a computer that passes the system check.
Exam pattern
Both exams have the same shape:
| Questions | A maximum of 90; a form may have fewer |
| Types | Single-answer and multiple-answer multiple choice, drag-and-drop, performance-based tasks in a simulated environment |
| Time | 90 minutes on one clock |
| Scoring | Scaled 100–900; some items may be unscored, and some performance-based items may carry more weight or partial credit |
| Negative marking | None |
CompTIA does not publish a table from raw marks to the scaled score. CompTIA says a virtual performance-based item must be finished when you reach it. Our practice test turns those tasks into multiple-choice questions and reports raw marks.
Syllabus
Core 1 (220-1201)
| Domain | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 13% | Mobile hardware, accessories, wireless and cellular setup, MDM |
| Networking | 23% | Ports and protocols, wireless standards, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, SOHO networks, cabling tools |
| Hardware | 25% | RAM, storage and RAID, motherboards, CPUs, power, displays, printers |
| Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% | VMs, hypervisors, VDI, containers, cloud models |
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 28% | Diagnosing motherboards, RAM, power, drives, displays, mobile devices, networks, printers |
Core 2 (220-1202)
| Domain | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 28% | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS and mobile OS; installation, file systems, command-line tools |
| Security | 28% | Threats, hardening, wireless security, malware prevention, authentication |
| Software Troubleshooting | 23% | Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile app problems |
| Operational Procedures | 21% | Documentation, change management, backups, safety, professional conduct |
See our A+ syllabus page and CompTIA's Core 1 and Core 2 pages. Our mock test covers Core 1.
A plan for the weeks before each exam
A simple order is Core 1 first, then Core 2, with about five weeks for each.
Core 1, weeks 1–2: hardware and networking, which together are nearly half the exam. Memorise the common port numbers and Wi-Fi standards with flashcards; learn RAID levels and cable types by drawing them.
Core 1, week 3: mobile devices, virtualization and cloud. Sit a full A+ Core 1 mock test, 90 minutes.
Core 1, week 4: troubleshooting (28%). For each symptom (no POST, no display, intermittent shutdown, no network, faded print), list the likely causes in order. Hands-on practice on an old PC helps more than reading.
Core 1, week 5: second full mock, review every wrong answer by domain (see our guide on analysing a mock test), then sit the exam.
Core 2: spend the most time on operating systems and security (28% each): Windows settings and command-line tools, then malware removal steps and hardening. Finish with operational procedures, which are quick marks.
Useful links
- CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 (V15): buy a voucher
- A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam details
- A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam details
- How CompTIA exams are scored
- Free CompTIA A+ Core 1 mock test
- CompTIA A+ syllabus
- CompTIA A+ exam dates
- CompTIA Security+ 2026: dates, versions and how to book
Frequently asked questions
What is the CompTIA A+ passing score?
675 for Core 1 (220-1201) and 700 for Core 2 (220-1202), both on a scale of 100 to 900. CompTIA does not publish how many correct answers that takes.
Is there negative marking in CompTIA A+?
No. A wrong answer does not take marks away, so answer every question.
Do I have to pass both A+ exams?
Yes. You need Core 1 and Core 2, and both must be the same version (220-1201 and 220-1202 for V15).
When will the A+ 220-1201 exam retire?
CompTIA's page says usually three years after launch, estimated 2028. No exact date was printed on 20 October 2026; check the page before you plan.
How many questions are on the CompTIA A+ exam?
A maximum of 90 per exam, in 90 minutes, including performance-based questions.
Do I need experience to take A+?
No experience is required. CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support role.