CompTIA A+ is the only major CompTIA cert that requires two separate exams. Most candidates spend more time deciding "which one first?" and "which is harder?" than they need to. The official guidance is to take Core 1 first, and there are good study-flow reasons to follow it. This page walks through the real differences in content, difficulty, study time, and pass strategy so you can plan your A+ journey with confidence.
CompTIA A+ requires passing two exams: Core 1 (hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, cloud) and Core 2 (operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures). Most candidates find Core 1 more memorization-heavy and Core 2 more concept- and scenario-heavy. Take Core 1 first — it's the official order, and the foundational hardware knowledge frames everything in Core 2.
Domain Breakdown — What Each Core Covers
Core 1 — Hardware, Networking, Mobile, Virtualization & Cloud - 1.0 Mobile Devices (15%) - 2.0 Networking (20%) - 3.0 Hardware (25%) - 4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%) - 5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)
Core 2 — Operating Systems, Security, Software & Operational Procedures - 1.0 Operating Systems (28%) - 2.0 Security (28%) - 3.0 Software Troubleshooting (22%) - 4.0 Operational Procedures (22%)
Core 1 is wider (5 domains) but more atomic — lots of discrete facts (port numbers, RAM types, connector pinouts). Core 2 is deeper (4 domains) and leans on scenario understanding — how to walk a user through a security incident or troubleshoot a corrupted profile.
Which Is Harder?
Pass-rate data and candidate sentiment are split — but in different ways:
Core 1 feels harder if: you have no hardware background. The volume of physical components, connector types, RAM standards, and printer mechanisms is intimidating from zero.
Core 2 feels harder if: you have a hardware background but limited OS/security exposure. The scenario-based questions reward judgment over memorization, which can feel less concrete.
For complete beginners, Core 2 is often rated slightly easier because the operating-system and security material connects to everyday computer use. For working hardware techs, Core 1 is the easy one.
Both exams use the same scaled 100–900 score with a 675 (Core 1) or 700 (Core 2) passing score. Plan equal study weight for each.
Which to Take First
Take Core 1 first. Three reasons:
1. Official order. CompTIA publishes them as Core 1 → Core 2 for curriculum reasons.
2. Foundational knowledge transfers. Hardware and networking from Core 1 makes the OS, security, and troubleshooting material in Core 2 click faster.
3. Cleaner study planning. Most prep resources (including Professor Messer's free videos) are structured Core 1 → Core 2. Following that order keeps you aligned with the materials.
You can take them in either order if you have to — both certifications are valid only when both are passed — but Core 2 → Core 1 is the harder path for most candidates.
Study Time Per Core
Typical study time for each, by experience level:
| Experience Level | Core 1 | Core 2 | Combined Calendar | |---|---|---|---| | Zero IT background | 8–10 weeks | 6–8 weeks | 14–18 weeks | | Some hardware exposure | 4–6 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 8–12 weeks | | Working help desk | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
Don't take both exams in the same week. Most candidates schedule Core 2 2–3 weeks after passing Core 1 — long enough to refresh between, short enough not to forget the cross-domain material.
Pro Tips
Schedule Core 1 first, then book Core 2 only after you pass Core 1 — momentum is real.
Don't take both exams the same day — fatigue tanks the second exam's score.
Use the same study system for both cores — switching resources between exams adds friction.
For Core 1, build a one-page hardware reference (ports, RAM types, connectors) — it pays off enormously.
For Core 2, practice incident response scenarios out loud — the exam rewards explaining your reasoning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Taking Core 2 first because "OS sounds easier" — the missing hardware foundation makes Core 2 prep slower.
Booking both exams in the same week — the second one almost always scores lower from fatigue.
Studying only Core 1 for 3 months then starting Core 2 from scratch — overlapping prep is more efficient.
Underestimating the security domain in Core 2 — it's 28% of the exam, not a footnote.
Skipping PBQ practice for either core — both contain PBQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — CompTIA A+ requires passing both Core 1 and Core 2. Passing only one doesn't earn the certification.
Core 1. It's the official order, and the hardware/networking foundation makes Core 2 easier.
2–3 weeks is typical — long enough to refresh, short enough to retain cross-domain material.
Depends on your background. Hardware-experienced candidates find Core 1 easier; complete beginners often find Core 2 slightly easier.
Technically yes, but pass rates drop significantly from fatigue. Most candidates separate them by 2–3 weeks.
$253 per exam × 2 = $506 in exam fees. Plus optional study materials.
Yes — both Core 1 and Core 2 contain 5–10 performance-based questions at the start of the exam.
Yes — his free YouTube course covers both Core 1 and Core 2 in full.
Related Resources
Free CompTIA A+ Practice CompTIA A+ Practice Tests Hub Does CompTIA A+ Expire? Messer 8-Week Study Schedule CompTIA Cert PathPractice for 25+ Certifications—Free
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