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1.1.1. Understanding the A+ Core 2 Exam: Purpose & Domains

💡 First Principle: Effective preparation begins with a clear understanding of what the exam measures and how it is structured.

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam is the second of two exams required to earn the A+ certification, the industry standard for establishing a career in IT. While Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking infrastructure, and device connectivity, Core 2 dives deep into the software that brings that hardware to life. It certifies your ability to be a competent software support professional. The exam measures your practical skills in installing, configuring, and maintaining operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. It heavily emphasizes security, ensuring you know how to protect systems from malware and other threats. Furthermore, it validates your ability to troubleshoot software issues logically and professionally. Finally, it covers the operational procedures—the "soft skills" and best practices like documentation, communication, and safety—that are crucial for working effectively in any IT environment. Understanding this focus is key; you are being tested not just on what you know, but on how you would act as a technician.

Exam Details:
  • Number of Questions: Maximum of 90
  • Question Types: Multiple-choice (single and multiple response) and Performance-Based Questions (PBQs). PBQs are simulations where you will perform tasks like using a command prompt or configuring a setting in a mock OS.
  • Length of Test: 90 minutes
  • Passing Score: 700 (on a scale of 100-900)
Exam Domains:
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The weighting shows that Operating Systems and Security are the dominant topics, each making up nearly a third of the exam. This tells you where to focus a significant portion of your study time. Troubleshooting and Operational Procedures are also substantial, emphasizing that practical application and professional conduct are just as important as technical knowledge.

Reflection Question: How does the "practical" focus of the A+ exam differ from a purely academic test, particularly in the types of problems you'll be expected to solve?