Which is harder, core 1 or core 2 CompTIA A+?

Most people find Core 1 (Hardware/Networking) slightly harder due to more facts/specs to memorize, while Core 2 (Software/Security) can be more challenging because it requires deeper application of knowledge, especially in troubleshooting scenarios (PBQs) and understanding security concepts, but often feels more intuitive if you have general IT experience. Ultimately, difficulty is subjective and depends on your personal strengths, but Core 1 is often considered the initial hurdle.

Is core 2 of CompTIA A+ easier than core 1?

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.

Do you need core 1 and 2 for A+?

CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard to start your IT career and appears in more tech support job listings than any other IT credential. You'll need to pass two exams: Core 1 (hardware and networking) and Core 2 (operating systems and security), which you can take in any order.

Is CompTIA Core 1 hard?

Pass Rates and Statistics

While CompTIA doesn't officially publish pass rates, the exam is designed to be challenging yet achievable for entry-level IT professionals. The passing score for Core 1 (220-1101) is 675 out of 900 (75%), and for Core 2 (220-1102) is 700 out of 900 (77%).

How long does IT take to study A+ Core 2?

The amount of time required to study for the A+ exam will vary based on an individual's study habits, experience, and available training materials. The average for most students is about three to four months to complete both exams.

#CompTIA A+: IS CORE 1 OR 2 HARDER IN *2023*? | What To Expect On The A+ Exam #zerotoheroprogram

Is CompTIA still worth IT in 2025?

Yes, CompTIA certifications remain highly relevant in 2025, especially for foundational IT roles like Help Desk (A+), Networking (Network+), and Security (Security+), acting as crucial entry points and building blocks for broader IT careers, with updates like the A+ launch in March 2025 ensuring they cover evolving tech, although some argue for more advanced certs for senior roles. 

What is the passing score for A+ Core 2?

The A+ certification has two exams: CompTIA A+ 220-1001 (Core 1): Minimum of 675 out of 900 to pass. CompTIA A+ 220-1002 (Core 2): Minimum of 700 out of 900 to pass.

Which CompTIA is the hardest?

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+): Still considered one of the most difficult due to its advanced topics. CompTIA Security+: Moderate difficulty, but highly sought after in 2025 for cybersecurity roles. CompTIA Network+: Slightly easier than Security+, but still challenging for beginners.

What is the pass rate for CompTIA Core 1?

Each A+ exam has its own passing score. Core 1 has a passing score of 75%. Core 2 has a passing score of 77%.

Do employers care about CompTIA A+?

Many companies recognize CompTIA A+ as a baseline certification for entry-level IT jobs, and some even require it for these positions. However, it's essential to consider that while CompTIA A+ can help you get your foot in the door, gaining experience and continuing education will be crucial for career growth.

Can I take core 2 before core 1?

There's no time restriction between these two exams. You could take these exams years apart if you wanted to and there's no order that you have to go through. You could take Core 1 first and then core second. Or you could reverse this and take Core 2 first and then take Core 1.

How many people fail the CompTIA A+ exam?

Understanding CompTIA Pass Rates

The success rate for CompTIA tests changes based on which exam you're taking and how well you prepare. From what students and teachers share, about 70-80% of people pass their CompTIA A+ exam on the first try. This means roughly 20-30% of test-takers need to try again.

Can you do core 1 and core 2 together?

The Core 1 and Core 2 modules can be taken separately in different sessions or together simultaneously on either a traditional (eight-week) or an extended (20-week) schedule.

Do I need to take CompTIA A+ Core 1 and 2?

One common question asked is if candidates need to take two exams in the same series, and the answer is yes. You must pass both exams within the same series to receive the CompTIA A+ certification. The updated CompTIA A+ Core Series (V15) has been released.

Is CompTIA A+ enough to get a job?

Yes, the CompTIA A+ is often enough to get your foot in the door for entry-level IT jobs like help desk or tech support, proving foundational knowledge, but the market is competitive, so combining it with soft skills, other certs (Net+, Sec+), or even IT-related call center experience significantly boosts your chances against others with degrees or prior experience. 

What happens if I fail CompTIA A+?

The good news is you can retake the CompTIA Security+ exam if you initially fail. After your first fail, you can retake the exam as soon as you feel ready. If a third attempt is needed, you must wait 14 days from your last exam date to retest. If additional retests are needed, the 14-day rule will apply.

Does CompTIA A+ expire?

Your CompTIA A+ certification is good for three years from the date you pass your certification exam.

Is 701 easier than 601?

Whether CompTIA Security+ 701 is "easier" than 601 depends on your background, but 701 focuses more on applying skills in current job roles, with fewer objectives but a more practical, relevant scope, while 601 had more foundational content, so experienced pros might find 701 better, but newcomers might struggle with the real-world application focus of 701, though some find 701 less demanding overall due to updated content.
 

What is the highest paid CompTIA certification?

The Top 10 Highest Paying CompTIA Certifications

1. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) ...
2. CompTIA Cloud+ ...
3. CompTIA Security+ ...
4. CompTIA Project+ ...
5. CompTIA Network+ ...
6. CompTIA Linux+ ...
7. CompTIA PenTest+ ...
8. CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)

What's the easiest CompTIA exam?

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+/Tech+): Ideal for First-Timers

If you're completely new to technology, the CompTIA Tech+ (formerly the IT Fundamentals or ITF+) certification is one of the easiest introductions to the field. Tech+ is ideal for people who want to see how IT might fit into their career.

What is the hardest certificate to get?

CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Exam

The CPA Exam is one of America's Toughest Exams. It tests accounting knowledge across multiple domains, including auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, information systems and controls, and tax compliance and planning.

Which is easier, CompTIA A+ Core 1 or Core 2?

One is based on hardware and the other is more on networking etc. Core 2 was easier for me because it was more about the hardware, layout of a machine etc. rather than port numbers etc. Neither are harder to pass, they are both the same difficulty level.