Failed CompTIA A+? Here's Your Recovery Plan

Pro tip: Passing one core is permanent within its version, so failing Core 2 does not put Core 1 at risk, but both must come from the same version. A voucher is consumed by the attempt whether you pass or fail, and vouchers expire 12 months after issue with no extensions. Violating the retake policy invalidates the test and can trigger a suspension, and CompTIA states that repeat violators are permanently banned from the certification programme. Score reports name the objectives attached to the questions you missed, which is the most useful input for planning a second attempt.

• Studying V14 material for a V15 exam
  The 220-1101 and 220-1102 series retired on 25 September 2025 and the domain weights changed with V15. Core 1 networking moved from 20 percent to 23 percent, mobile devices dropped from 15 percent to 13 percent, and on Core 2 operating systems moved from 31 percent to 28 percent while security rose from 25 percent to 28 percent and operational procedures fell from 22 percent to 21 percent. Check the exam code on every resource you buy.
• Mixing exam versions across the two cores
  CompTIA states that Core 1 and Core 2 must be taken from the same version, with no mixing allowed. Passing 220-1101 and then 220-1202 does not certify you. If you passed a V14 core before retirement, confirm your position with CompTIA before booking the second exam.
• Assuming Core 2 is the easier exam because it has fewer domains
  Core 2 has four domains against Core 1's five, but it needs 700 to pass against Core 1's 675. Two domains, operating systems and security, carry 28 percent each, so 56 percent of Core 2 sits in two subject areas. Fewer domains means less margin, not less work.
• Ignoring operational procedures because it looks like common sense
  Operational procedures is 21 percent of Core 2, roughly one question in five. It tests change management steps in order, documentation types, safety and disposal routes and scripted communication responses. It is pure recall, which makes it the cheapest domain to secure and the most expensive to leave to instinct.
• Never touching a performance-based question before exam day
  Performance-based questions are a published question type on both cores and they put you in a simulated interface rather than in front of four options. Rehearse them in CertMaster Labs or an equivalent browser-based lab. Under OnVUE you cannot use paper, a pen or an erasable whiteboard, only the built-in digital whiteboard, so practise scratch work that way too.
• Chasing a published pass rate to calibrate difficulty
  CompTIA states as policy that it does not disclose pass rates to any external third party, because its exams are criterion-referenced against a cut score rather than norm-referenced, and because a single data point invites misinterpretation. Calibrate against your own domain scores on full-length practice exams instead.
• Booking a retake immediately after a second failure
  CompTIA requires no waiting period between the first and second attempts, but before the third attempt and any subsequent attempt you must wait at least 14 calendar days from your last attempt. A test taken in violation of the retake policy is invalidated and the candidate may be suspended.
• Letting the voucher expire while studying
  A CompTIA exam voucher is valid for 12 months from the date it is received and CompTIA states the expiration date cannot be extended under any circumstances. Buy the voucher when your practice scores are within reach of the cut score, not at the start of a 14-week plan.
• Turning up to OnVUE on an unprepared machine or network
  OnVUE needs Windows 10 or macOS 14 or higher, a working webcam, microphone and speaker with no headphones, exactly one display, and at least 6 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. Virtual machines, VPNs, corporate networks and public networks are all prohibited. Pearson VUE warns that failing these checks on the day can cancel the exam and forfeit the fee.
• Presenting ID that does not match the registration name
  CompTIA requires two original, unexpired IDs and states that the first and last name used to register must match exactly on both. IDs must be issued by the country you are testing in, or an international travel passport plus a secondary ID. US military IDs cannot be used for OnVUE under any circumstance, so serving candidates testing online need a different primary ID.

• Two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102)
• Computer-based at Pearson VUE
• Professor Messer free videos
• Hardware, networking, security, troubleshooting
• Performance-based questions included
• Entry point for IT career