Free CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) practice test

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) covers the software half of the A+: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. This site gives you 367 original Core 2 practice questions and 21 performance-based questions, free and without an account.

Practice two ways: adaptive drills that repeat your weak topics more often and explain every answer, or a full exam simulation with 66 questions plus 4 PBQs in 90 minutes, scored on the real 100 to 900 scale with Core 2's actual 700 pass line. Every topic links to the matching free Professor Messer video.

What 220-1202 covers

220-1202 domainExam weightQuestions here
1.0 Operating Systems31%about 114
2.0 Security25%about 92
3.0 Software Troubleshooting22%about 81
4.0 Operational Procedures22%about 81

Real exam facts: up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, passing score 700 on the 100 to 900 scale. Preparing for both cores? The combined A+ practice test page covers Core 1 and Core 2 together, and Core 1 has its own 220-1201 practice test page.

Practice questions from this bank

Sample question 1 · 220-1202 · 1.0 Operating Systems

Which operating system is developed by Google and is designed primarily around the Chrome browser with most applications running in the cloud?

  1. AAndroid
  2. BChromeOS
  3. CiOS
  4. DLinux Mint
Show answer and explanation

B. ChromeOS

ChromeOS is Google's desktop OS built around the Chrome browser; most apps and storage are cloud-based.

Topic: Operating Systems Overview

Sample question 2 · 220-1202 · 2.0 Security

A data center entrance uses two sets of doors where only one can open at a time, allowing entry of one person at a time. What is this called?

  1. ABollard
  2. BAccess control vestibule
  3. CFaraday cage
  4. DTurnstile fence
Show answer and explanation

B. Access control vestibule

An access control vestibule (mantrap) prevents tailgating by controlling passage between two interlocked doors.

Topic: Physical Security

Sample question 3 · 220-1202 · 3.0 Software Troubleshooting

A Windows PC displays a blue screen (BSOD) immediately after a new video driver was installed. What is the BEST first step?

  1. AReinstall the operating system from media
  2. BBoot into Safe Mode and roll back the driver
  3. CReplace the graphics card with a spare
  4. DRun Disk Cleanup on the system drive
Show answer and explanation

B. Boot into Safe Mode and roll back the driver

Safe Mode loads minimal drivers, letting you roll back or remove the faulty driver via Device Manager.

Topic: Troubleshooting Windows

Sample question 4 · 220-1202 · 4.0 Operational Procedures

A help desk technician resolves an issue. What information is MOST important to add to the ticket before closing it?

  1. AThe user's job title and office location
  2. BThe problem, the steps taken, and the resolution
  3. CThe device's asset tag and warranty expiration
  4. DThe list of other open tickets from the same user
Show answer and explanation

B. The problem, the steps taken, and the resolution

Clear problem/progress/resolution notes make tickets useful for the user, future technicians, and the knowledge base.

Topic: Ticketing Systems

Sample question 5 · 220-1202 · 1.0 Operating Systems

Which of these is a hardware requirement specific to Windows 11 that was not required for Windows 10?

  1. A1 GB RAM
  2. BTPM 2.0
  3. C32-bit CPU support
  4. DOptical drive
Show answer and explanation

B. TPM 2.0

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, UEFI with Secure Boot, 4 GB RAM, and a supported 64-bit CPU.

Topic: Upgrading Windows

Sample question 6 · 220-1202 · 2.0 Security

A third-party antivirus was removed from a Windows PC. What happens with Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

  1. AIt must be purchased separately from Microsoft
  2. BIt re-enables itself and resumes protection
  3. CIt only functions on Windows Server editions
  4. DIt requires the PC to be joined to a domain
Show answer and explanation

B. It re-enables itself and resumes protection

Defender Antivirus is built into Windows and automatically activates when no other AV is registered.

Topic: Defender Antivirus

Sample question 7 · 220-1202 · 3.0 Software Troubleshooting

A smartphone battery drains much faster than usual. Which is the MOST likely software cause?

  1. AA screen timeout set to thirty seconds
  2. BApps running constantly in the background
  3. CA large collection of locally stored photos
  4. DAn email account set to fetch once per day
Show answer and explanation

B. Apps running constantly in the background

Background app activity, poor cell signal searching, and buggy apps are the primary software causes of rapid drain.

Topic: Troubleshooting Mobile Devices

Sample question 8 · 220-1202 · 4.0 Operational Procedures

Which documentation process covers collecting equipment, disabling accounts, and recovering data access when an employee leaves?

  1. AOnboarding
  2. BOffboarding
  3. CEscalation
  4. DProcurement
Show answer and explanation

B. Offboarding

Offboarding checklists ensure accounts are disabled, assets returned, and access revoked when someone departs.

Topic: Document Types

Common questions

How many questions are on the 220-1202 exam?

Core 2 has a maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple choice with performance-based questions. The passing score is 700 on a 100 to 900 scale, slightly higher than Core 1's 675.

What does 220-1202 cover?

Four domains: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Windows administration and security together dominate the exam, so command-line and settings fluency pay off.

Do I need to pass Core 1 before Core 2?

No. CompTIA lets you take the two core exams in either order; you just need to pass both within the same series to earn the A+ certification.

Is this actually free?

Yes. Every Core 2 question, every PBQ, and the full exam simulator are free with no account. Every topic links to the matching video in Professor Messer's free 220-1202 course.

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