220-1202 · Original practice content · Last reviewed October 3, 2026
Free CompTIA A+ Core 2 Practice Test
Prepare for entry-level IT support with original 220-1202 practice questions. Start with a mixed sample, review the reasoning behind each answer, then focus on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Core 2: up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. Passing score: 700 on a 100–900 scale. Both Core 1 and Core 2 are required for CompTIA A+.
These short multiple-choice samples report practice accuracy, not official scaled scores, and do not simulate interactive performance-based questions.
Which filesystem is the default for the system volume on current versions of macOS?
APFS
ReFS
ext4
NTFS
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. APFS
A is correct because the Apple File System replaced HFS+ as the macOS default and is optimized for SSDs, with snapshots and native encryption. B is a Microsoft filesystem designed for data volumes on Windows, not a macOS filesystem. C is a default filesystem for many Linux distributions, not for macOS. D is the default Windows filesystem, and macOS can only read it natively without third-party software.
Operational Procedures
Sample question 2
Which IT system stores records of configuration items, such as servers and switches, along with the relationships and dependencies between them?
Knowledge base article library
Service-level agreement repository
Configuration management database
Help desk ticketing queue
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Configuration management database
C is correct because a CMDB records configuration items and how they relate to one another, which helps staff judge the impact of changes and outages. A stores how-to and troubleshooting articles, not configuration items and their dependencies. B holds agreed service commitments, not records of configuration items and their relationships. D tracks reported issues and requests, not the configuration of systems and how they depend on each other.
Security
Sample question 3
A data center wants an entry area with two doors where the second door cannot open until the first door has closed, so only one person passes at a time. Which physical security control meets this requirement?
Video surveillance
Motion sensors
Bollards
Access control vestibule
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Access control vestibule
D is correct because an access control vestibule traps each person between two interlocked doors, which stops tailgating and piggybacking. A records who enters but does not physically stop a second person from following the first. B detect movement in an area but do not physically limit how many people pass through an entrance. C are short posts that stop vehicles from reaching a building and do not control people passing through a door.
Software Troubleshooting
Sample question 4
A Windows PC shows a blue screen of death every time it starts normally after a new network driver was installed. Which startup option loads only a minimal set of drivers and services so the technician can remove the driver?
Fast Startup
Safe Mode
Secure Boot
Hibernate
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Safe Mode
B is correct because Safe Mode starts Windows with only basic drivers and services, which usually bypasses a faulty third-party driver so it can be removed. A speeds up booting by restoring a saved kernel session, which would load the faulty driver again. C checks that boot components are signed and does not limit which drivers load. D saves the current session to disk and does not change which drivers load at startup.
Operating Systems
Sample question 5
What is the maximum size of a single file that can be stored on a FAT32 volume?
2 GB
32 GB
16 TB
4 GB
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. 4 GB
D is correct because FAT32 uses a 32-bit file size field, which limits any one file to just under 4 GB. A is the file size limit of the older FAT16 filesystem, not FAT32. B is the volume size limit long imposed by the Windows FAT32 formatting tools, not the per-file limit. C is far larger than FAT32 can address for a single file.
Operational Procedures
Sample question 6
A help desk documents the exact steps for installing the company's customized accounting software package so every technician installs it the same way. What type of document is this?
Service-level agreement
Acceptable use policy
Standard operating procedure
Incident report
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Standard operating procedure
C is correct because an SOP gives step-by-step instructions for a routine task, such as a custom software package installation, so it is done consistently. A defines agreed service levels and response times, not installation steps. B defines how users may use company systems, not how technicians install software. D documents an unusual or unplanned event after it happens, not routine installation steps.
Security
Sample question 7
Which biometric device authenticates a user by scanning the pattern of blood vessels at the back of the eye?
Retina scanner
Palm print scanner
Facial recognition camera
Voice recognition system
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Retina scanner
A is correct because a retina scanner reads the unique pattern of blood vessels on the retina at the back of the eye. B reads the lines and features of the palm of the hand, not the eye. C measures the features and geometry of the face rather than structures inside the eye. D analyzes the characteristics of the user's speech, not the eye.
Software Troubleshooting
Sample question 8
A technician wants to force a Windows workstation to immediately synchronize its clock with its configured time source. Which command should the technician run?
gpupdate /force
w32tm /resync
net time /querysntp
ipconfig /renew
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. w32tm /resync
B is correct because w32tm controls the Windows Time service, and the /resync switch forces an immediate synchronization with the configured time source. A reapplies Group Policy settings and does not synchronize the clock. C is an old command for viewing a time server setting and does not perform a modern Windows Time resync. D requests a new DHCP lease and has no effect on the system clock.
Operating Systems
Sample question 9
Which operating system is built primarily around the Chrome browser and web applications and is commonly used on low-cost laptops in schools?
ChromeOS
macOS
Android
iPadOS
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. ChromeOS
A is correct because ChromeOS is a lightweight Linux-based OS centered on the Chrome browser, Google accounts and cloud apps. B runs only on Apple Mac computers and is not designed around a single web browser. C is a mobile OS for phones and tablets rather than a browser-centered laptop OS. D runs only on Apple iPad tablets and is not sold on low-cost third-party laptops.
Operational Procedures
Sample question 10
A user calls the help desk and says, "My computer is broken." Which ticket description is the BEST example of clear, concise written communication?
User says computer is broken again and needs it fixed today
PC dead, tried stuff, nothing worked, see user for more info
Laptop LT-0412 shows a black screen at power-on; fans spin, no beeps
Probably a bad motherboard or maybe the RAM, check it out ASAP
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Laptop LT-0412 shows a black screen at power-on; fans spin, no beeps
C is correct because it identifies the device and states the observable symptoms precisely, so the next technician can act without re-interviewing the user. A repeats the user's vague words and gives no device information or specific symptoms. B is vague and forces the next technician to start over with the user. D guesses at a cause without recording the symptoms that were actually observed.
Take the mixed sample without looking up answers. Treat the result as a short diagnostic, not a readiness guarantee. Record the topics behind each mistake.
Focus your domain review
Operating systems and security together account for 56% of Core 2. Review your weaker topics in these domains while continuing to study software troubleshooting and operational procedures.
Practice hands-on support tasks
Use operating-system tools in a safe lab, inspect permissions, plan malware remediation, troubleshoot application errors, and document changes and recovery steps. Practice backups and safe remote support.
Build exam endurance
Review all four domains and revisit missed questions. Use a full 90-minute mock session when your preparation is sufficient, and separately prepare for interactive performance-based questions.
Revise before you practice
Review operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures in our free 220-1202 quick reference, then return to a mixed or domain sample test.
Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization/cloud, and troubleshooting
Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures
Exam code
220-1201
220-1202
Passing score
675 on a 100–900 scale
700 on a 100–900 scale
Practice on this page
Available in the separate Core 1 sample suite
Mixed and domain-focused multiple-choice samples
Exam booking, retakes, and renewal
Check the official CompTIA page for current exam objectives, regional voucher pricing, retake rules, and renewal options before booking. Both exams from the same A+ series are required. FlashGenius is an independent practice resource, not CompTIA, and these are original practice questions—not exam dumps.
Core 2 supports preparation for help-desk, desktop-support, and junior IT-support work involving operating systems, security, software diagnostics, and support procedures. Employers may also expect customer-service skills, hands-on experience, and the complete A+ credential. Pay varies by role, location, and experience; this practice result is not a job or salary guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Is this CompTIA A+ Core 2 practice test free?
Yes. The mixed 10-question sample and four domain samples are free and do not require an account. Each test includes answer explanations. An account lets you continue with the platform's full practice tools.
Which A+ exam version does this cover?
These samples cover CompTIA A+ Core 2, exam 220-1202 (V15). Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. This is not a Core 1 or 220-1102 question set.
How many questions and how much time are on Core 2?
The real 220-1202 exam has a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. FlashGenius's full mock exam is configured for 90 questions in 90 minutes; the free samples are shorter practice sessions.
What is the Core 2 passing score?
The passing score is 700 on a 100–900 scale. A percentage on this short sample is practice accuracy, not an official CompTIA scaled score or a prediction that you will pass.
Does passing Core 2 earn the full A+ certification?
No. You must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) from the same exam series to earn CompTIA A+.
Does the free sample include performance-based questions?
These samples use four-option multiple-choice questions. The actual CompTIA exam also includes performance-based questions. Practice hands-on tasks separately; this sample does not reproduce interactive PBQs.
How should I use the four domain tests?
Take the mixed sample first, review every explanation, and then choose the domains where you missed questions. Operating systems and security each account for 28% of Core 2; software troubleshooting accounts for 23% and operational procedures for 21%. Review all four domains.
How do exam costs, retakes, and renewal work?
Exam voucher prices and retake policies depend on the current CompTIA policy and your region. Verify them on CompTIA's official site before booking. CompTIA A+ is normally valid for three years and can be renewed through eligible continuing-education options.