What Is the Difference Between A+ Core 1 and Core 2?
Core 1 (220-1201) is the hardware exam; Core 2 (220-1202) is the software and security exam. You need both to earn A+, in either order. Each voucher costs $274, and Core 2 sets the higher bar to pass: 700 of 900 against Core 1's 675.
Core 1 covers the physical side of the job: mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud, hardware troubleshooting. Core 2 covers what happens once the machine boots: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures. Core 1 asks why the hardware stopped working; Core 2 asks whether the software is safe. Here is how the two compare on the facts that change how you study:
| Fact | Core 1 (220-1201) | Core 2 (220-1202) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Hardware, networking, mobile, cloud | Operating systems, security, procedures |
| Passing score | 675 of 900 | 700 of 900 |
| Format | Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes | Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes |
| Voucher | $274 | $274 |
| Biggest domain | Hardware and network troubleshooting, 28% | Operating systems and security, 28% each |
| What trips people up | Cable, connector and RAM identification | Command-line tools and Windows settings paths |
Core 1 (220-1201) domain weights: mobile devices 13%, networking 23%, hardware 25%, virtualization and cloud computing 11%, hardware and network troubleshooting 28%. Hardware and troubleshooting together are more than half the exam, which is why identification drills beat re-reading.
Core 2 (220-1202) domain weights: operating systems 28%, security 28%, software troubleshooting 23%, operational procedures 21%. Nothing here is a small domain. Operational procedures is the one candidates skim and then lose points on: documentation, safety, change management, backup and recovery.
Which core should you take first? Core 1, for most people. The passing bar is 25 points lower, the material is concrete enough to practice on real hardware, and its 23% networking domain is the same ground Network+ opens on later. Take Core 2 first only if you already administer Windows daily and would rather bank the core that is easier for you while you build hardware knowledge.
Which core is harder? Core 2, on the numbers: a higher threshold over material that is procedural rather than physical. Your history decides the rest. If you already swap RAM and chase cable faults for a living, Core 1 is close to a formality and Core 2 is the grind. Come from an office job with no hardware behind you and it runs the other way.
Two practical notes. Passing one core certifies you for nothing on its own, because there is no partial A+ credential and both results have to be live when the second one lands. And SecuSpark's A+ question bank still tracks the retired 220-1101 objectives, which overlap the V15 series by roughly 87%, so use it to drill the shared Core 1 fundamentals and read the V15 transition guide for the 13% that is new.