CompTIA Exam Codes Explained: What 220-1102, and 220-1201 Actually Mean

Many people find the current CompTIA A+ exam codes confusing. You're not alone if you struggle to figure out what codes like 220-1201 and 220-1202 mean. Understanding these codes is vital for your certification trip.

The CompTIA A+ certification needs you to pass two exams. The latest versions are Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). These exams released on March 25, 2025 will remain accessible to more people for about three and a half years. Test-takers previously had to complete exams 220-1101 and 220-1102, which will retire on September 25, 2025. CompTIA made a most important change in June 2025 by introducing a simpler labeling system for their exams. This update brought new content that focuses on hybrid work environments and expanded cybersecurity topics.

In this piece, you'll learn what these exam codes mean and how they differ from product versions. You'll also learn to avoid common mistakes while scheduling your tests. Practice tests from Crucial Exams for both 220-1201 and 220-1202 can help you assess your readiness.

What are CompTIA exam codes?

CompTIA exam codes are unique identifiers for their certification exams. These numerical codes might look random at first, but they contain valuable information about your upcoming exam. The codes are official designations you'll need throughout your certification process, unlike product versions we'll discuss later.

How exam codes are structured (e.g., 220-1102)

CompTIA exam codes follow a consistent format that helps you tell different certifications and versions apart. A+ certification codes start with "220," which identifies this specific certification. The remaining numbers show the exam version and whether you're looking at Core 1 or Core 2.

The latest CompTIA A+ exam codes are structured as:

• 220-1201: The current Core 1 exam
• 220-1202: The current Core 2 exam

The first three digits (220) show these are A+ certification exams. The fourth digit (1) represents the exam series, and the last two digits tell you if it's the first exam (01) or the second exam (02) in your certification path.

CompTIA used 220-1101 and 220-1102 for their previous A+ exams. This numbering system lets you track exam versions easily. The middle numbers change with each content update to show the new version.

Why codes are used for scheduling exams

Exam codes do more than just identify tests. You need them to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, CompTIA's testing partner. Without the right code, scheduling your test becomes impossible.

Your exam code appears clearly on your documentation when you buy a voucher or register for an exam. You'll see it on your test voucher and throughout the scheduling process. This system helps you avoid mixing up different certification exams and will give a smooth registration experience.

Each code links directly to specific certification objectives. The topics and skills tested in 220-1201 are different from 220-1202, with each focusing on specific IT knowledge areas.
Keep in mind that both Core 1 and Core 2 exams must come from the same version series. You can't mix 220-1201 with the older 220-1102. Both exams need to be from the same version cycle (V15 for 220-1201 and 220-1202). This rule exists because each version pair tests complementary knowledge that creates a complete certification.

Getting the right exam codes becomes crucial as you plan your certification path. The current A+ exams (220-1201 and 220-1202) became available in March 2025 and should stay active until 2027-2028. Using resources that match these codes will help you study effectively.

What do product versions like V14 or V15 mean?

CompTIA uses a simpler version system like V14 or V15 to identify its certification materials, beyond just numerical exam codes. The company launched this new versioning approach with their updated website in June 2025. This created an easier way to reference exam generations.

How product versions differ from exam codes

Product versions and exam codes might look similar, but they serve different roles in the CompTIA ecosystem. Exam codes are the official identifiers you need to register for tests. Product versions work as internal identifiers used in the CompTIA store.

These versions show specific iterations of certification learning materials, bundles, or resources you can buy. To name just one example, "A+ Version 15" points to the latest generation of A+ learning materials and vouchers. The numbering system gives you a quick reference that's easier to remember than the full exam code.

The difference becomes clear with the latest A+ certification:

• Exam codes: 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2)
• Product version: A+ V15

You need exam codes to schedule your test with Pearson VUE. These codes appear on your voucher and throughout registration. The version number gives you a simpler way to talk about it. You can say "I'm studying for A+ V15" instead of "I'm studying for 220-1201 and 220-1202".

This dual system keeps the technical precision of exam codes for official use but gives you an easier way to discuss certification paths. V14 matches the previous A+ certification series (220-1101 and 220-1102), while V15 lines up with the current series (220-1201 and 220-1202).

Note that you must take both Core 1 and Core 2 exams from the same version. You can't mix exams from different versions, like taking 220-1101 with 220-1202.

Where product versions are used (e.g., CompTIA store)

The CompTIA store changed how it displays certifications. The store used to show exam codes like 220-1201 for the A+ Core 1 exam. Now you'll see product versions such as "A+ Version 15".

This change came in 2025 to make buying easier. The CompTIA website now shows clear version labels:

• A+ Core 1 V15
• A+ Core 2 V15
• A+ Core 1 & 2 V15

Version numbers show up everywhere in the store's product listings and certification pages. The A+ certification page displays "A+ Core 1 Certification V15 (New Version)" with other exam details.

Switching from exam codes to product versions makes shopping easier, especially for newcomers who might find numerical exam codes confusing. The product version still connects to specific exam codes – which you'll need when you register for your test.

The product version system will keep going with future updates. The next major revision after V15 will be V16. This naming system lets you spot new versions right away and helps certification candidates know the current standard.

Understanding the current CompTIA A+ exam codes (2026)

CompTIA released its newest A+ certification exams in March 2025 with updated content and fresh exam codes. These codes show what entry-level IT professionals need to know now. The right study materials and test registration depend on knowing these specific codes.

Core 1: 220-1201

The 220-1201 exam is the first part of the current CompTIA A+ certification path. This Core 1 exam tests basic IT skills in hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, cloud computing, and hardware/network troubleshooting.

You'll face up to 90 questions that include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based items. The exam gives you 90 minutes to finish. You need a score of 675 out of 900 to pass. This score shows you've learned the basic technical skills.

Core 1 domains include:

• Mobile devices (15%)
• Networking (20%)
• Hardware (25%)
• Virtualization and cloud computing (11%)
• Hardware and network troubleshooting (29%)

The CompTIA A+ 1201 practice tests from Crucial Exams are a great way to get familiar with the question types and format you'll see on test day.

Core 2: 220-1202

The 220-1202 exam completes your A+ certification as the second required test. Core 2 moves toward software-related topics and covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

The exam structure matches Core 1 with 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. You'll need a higher score of 700 out of 900 to pass. This higher requirement shows how vital security knowledge has become in today's IT world.

Core 2 domains include:

• Operating systems (31%)
• Security (25%)
• Software troubleshooting (22%)
• Operational procedures (22%)

Just like Core 1, CompTIA A+ 1202 practice tests from Crucial Exams can help boost your confidence before the real exam.

CompTIA launched both 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams on March 25, 2025. They should stay active until around September 2028. CompTIA rules say you must pass both exams from the same version series - you can't mix exams from different versions.

Previous versions: 220-1101 and 220-1102

The 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) A+ certification exams came before the current ones. These April 2022 exams will retire on September 25, 2025. So if you've passed one of these exams, you need to complete the second from the same series before they retire.

The domain percentages have changed between versions:

• The current Core 1 (220-1201) puts more emphasis on hardware and network troubleshooting (29% vs 27% previously) and mobile devices (15% vs 14% previously).
• The new Core 2 (220-1202) focuses more on operating systems (31% vs 27% previously) but less on software troubleshooting (22% vs 26% previously).

About 87% of the topics stay the same between the 220-1101 and 220-1201 exams, which makes switching versions easier if you know the previous one. The new 13% covers advanced technologies and practices.

Both current and previous exams prove the basic skills needed for entry-level IT support jobs. The updates reflect changes in the digital world, with newer versions including recent technologies, tools, and practices.

New certification candidates should focus on the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams. These represent today's standard and will stay active for about three years. That gives you plenty of time to prepare well and retake exams if needed.

What changed in 2025 with CompTIA’s versioning system?

June 2025 brought a major update to CompTIA's certification exam presentation. The organization introduced a new labeling system that changed how candidates interact with certification materials. A complete website redesign accompanied this update, showing CompTIA's steadfast dedication to making certification paths available to more people.

Change from code-based to version-based display

CompTIA's versioning system underwent its biggest change by moving from technical exam codes to simple version numbers across their website and store. This update transformed how certification materials appear to candidates:

Before June 2025:

• Primary display: Technical exam codes (220-1201, 220-1202)
• Product listings emphasized exam codes first
• Version information (V15) appeared as secondary information

After June 2025:

• Primary display: Version numbers (A+ Version 15)
• Product listings now emphasize version numbers
• Exam codes remain available but take a back seat

You'll see these changes across the CompTIA ecosystem. Product pages now show "A+ Core 1 V15" instead of leading with the 220-1201 designation. The technical exam codes still exist and work as before for scheduling purposes.

This new approach uses a dual-identity system. Version numbers like V15 serve as consumer-facing identifiers, while traditional exam codes (220-1201, 220-1202) work behind the scenes for registration and technical documentation.

The exam content remains the same. A candidate preparing for "A+ V15" studies the same material as someone working on exams 220-1201 and 220-1202. Only the presentation has changed.

Why CompTIA made this change

CompTIA updated their versioning system to:

1. Simplify user experience - Version numbers offer an accessible reference point that's easier to remember than numerical codes
2. Minimize confusion - New candidates found the technical exam codes hard to follow
3. Match industry practices - Other certification providers use version numbers, making this a natural step
4. Create better marketing - Version numbers make marketing materials that appeal to potential certification candidates
5. Plan for the future - The versioning system grows easily with future updates (next will be V16, then V17, etc.)

This change tackles a common issue in certification. Technical exam codes, while needed for registration systems, often confused newcomers trying to pick the right materials.

It's like car models – saying "I drive a Camry" works better than using a technical model number. The same goes for "I'm studying for A+ V15" versus "I'm preparing for exams 220-1201 and 220-1202."

The core structure stays the same despite the interface update. Exam codes still work as before for scheduling with Pearson VUE. Your voucher purchase includes the right exam code (220-1201 or 220-1202) for registration.

This dual system serves different needs: version numbers for clear communication and exam codes for technical accuracy. You'll see both during your certification experience - version numbers when buying materials and exam codes when scheduling tests.

How to find the right exam code for your certification

Looking up the right exam code can be confusing because CompTIA uses two different naming systems. The good news is that their website has the quickest way to find this vital information. Let me show you how to find the exact exam codes you need for your certification.

Using the CompTIA website's Objectives tab

The CompTIA website is your best place to find current exam codes. Here's how you can find what you need:

1. Visit the CompTIA website and click on your certification page (A+, Network+, or Security+)
2. Find and click on the Objectives tab
3. Look at the Exam Objectives section at the bottom of the page

This section gives you key details about your certification exams. The A+ certification page shows you:

• Exam Version: The version you're looking at (V15 for A+ right now)
• Exam Series Code: The code you need to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE (220-1201 for A+ Core 1)

The Objectives tab has many more details besides the codes. You'll find breakdowns of exam topics, question counts, time limits, and passing scores. This makes it a great resource to get both your exam codes and test prep information.

Note that for A+ certification, you must take Core 1 and Core 2 exams from the same version - you can't mix different versions.

Checking the exam series and version mapping

You can also find your exam code through CompTIA's version-to-code mapping resources. After the 2025 versioning system change, CompTIA now has reference tables that link product versions to their exam codes.

Here's what the current A+ certification mapping shows:

• A+ Version 15: Uses exam codes 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2)
• Previous A+ Version 14: Uses exam codes 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2)

These mapping tables are on several CompTIA help pages and certification sections. They help a lot if you need to compare versions or check which exam codes match your study materials.

The current A+ exams are 220-1201 and 220-1202 as of March 25, 2025. You'll need these codes to schedule your test with Pearson VUE, even though the CompTIA store might show the V15 designation more prominently.

Make sure to verify both the version number and exam code, especially when buying study materials or practice tests. For current exams, resources like the CompTIA A+ 1201 practice tests and CompTIA A+ 1202 practice tests are a great way to get ready for these specific exams.

The exam launch and retirement dates help you plan your study schedule better. The current A+ exams started in March 2025 and will likely run until around 2028. This gives you plenty of time to prepare and take your tests.

Why exam codes still matter for scheduling

CompTIA's new version-based labeling system doesn't change one thing: you need exam codes to schedule your certification exams. These codes play a vital role in the scheduling process and can help you avoid registration problems.

Exam registration with Pearson VUE

You'll need the specific exam code, not just the product version, to schedule your CompTIA certification exam. Pearson VUE, CompTIA's official testing provider, uses these codes throughout their registration system.

The scheduling process follows these simple steps:

1. Log in to your CompTIA account (or create one if needed)
2. Get redirected to Pearson VUE's website
3. Select the exam code you want to schedule (like 220-1201 for A+ Core 1)
4. Choose between in-person testing at a test center or online testing through OnVUE
5. Complete the registration process

Your exam voucher will show the exam code too. This code appears on test vouchers and throughout the exam scheduling process. The technical codes work as the "official language" of the testing system, whatever way CompTIA markets the exams on their store.

The process works much like booking a flight. Airlines might advertise "European Getaway Packages," but you need the specific flight number (UA7642) to check in. Similarly, you might buy "A+ V15" materials, but you'll schedule exam "220-1201."

Each certification component needs its own exam code. A+ certification requires both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) exams.

Avoiding confusion between product version and exam code

The 2025 versioning update created a system where version numbers and exam codes exist side by side. They serve different purposes:

• Product versions (like V15): We used these mainly for marketing and communication
• Exam codes (like 220-1201): These are needed for technical scheduling processes

Product versions work as quick reference points, shorthand that tells you which exam series you're dealing with. Exam codes serve as precise technical identifiers that registration systems need.

Many candidates make the mistake of mixing up these two systems. You can't register for an exam using just "A+ V15", you must use the specific exam code like 220-1201.

Here's how to stay on track:

• Check the exact exam code on the CompTIA website's Objectives tab before scheduling
• Make sure your study materials match your target exam code
• Verify you're registering for exams from the same series (don't mix 1101 with 1202)

Voucher holders have some flexibility, exam vouchers are specific to the exam but not tied to a particular version. Your A+ exam voucher could work for either the current or previous version (if it's still active). This makes it even more important to be very clear about which exam code you're scheduling.

A smart approach is to note both the product version and exam code when researching or buying certification materials. This helps ensure everything from study guides to exam registration lines up correctly.

How to choose the right version to study for

Picking the right CompTIA A+ exam version needs good planning. Multiple versions can be available at once, and your choice will affect how you study and when you get certified.

Check exam retirement dates

Exam retirement dates are vital to decide which version you should take. These dates set the deadline to finish your certification path.

For the current exams:

• The CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams launched on March 25, 2025
• These exams should stay active until approximately September 2028

For the previous exams:

• The CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams will retire on September 25, 2025
• Testing will not be available after this date

Note that you must pass both Core 1 and Core 2 exams before your chosen version retires. If you passed one exam from the 220-1101/1102 series, you need to complete the second exam from that same series before September 2025. Missing this deadline means starting over with the newest version.

New certification seekers should pick the current 220-1201/1202 exams. This gives you about three years to prepare, take, and retake the exams if needed.

Match study materials to the correct version

Your exam success depends on using version-specific study materials. Each version tests different content and emphasizes topics differently.

Professor Messer advises, "We highly recommend you use study materials written to match the version of the exam you're planning to take". This means your videos, books, and practice tests should be created specifically for the 220-1202 objectives if that's your target exam.

The reason is clear. While 87% of topics overlap between versions, that 13% difference can substantially affect your success. The current version puts more weight on operating systems (31% vs 27% previously) and less on software troubleshooting.

Here are tips to find version-matched materials:

• Check publication dates on books and courses
• Look for the exam code in material descriptions
• Make sure resources were updated after March 2025 for current exams
• Use practice tests that match your target version

Your choice of version comes down to timing and study resources. The most current version works best in most cases, but make sure you have enough time before retirement dates to complete both required exams.

Tips to avoid mistakes when buying or scheduling exams

Smart planning can save you time and money while preparing for CompTIA certification. Many candidates make mistakes that get pricey, but you can avoid them with proper preparation.

Don't mix exam series (e.g., 1101 with 1202)

A basic rule applies here - you should never mix exams from different series. You need to pass both Core 1 and Core 2 exams from the same version cycle to get your A+ certification. The system won't accept a combination of 220-1101 with 220-1202. Your exams must come from similar version sets - either the current 220-1201/1202 pair or the retiring 220-1101/1102 duo.

Double-check version before purchasing bundles

CompTIA exam vouchers cannot be refunded and they expire after 12 months. The expiration dates stay fixed once set.

Make sure your vouchers match your exam location's region. You'll run into problems if you try using a South African voucher in Canada.

The timing needs careful thought - wait for the next version if the current one expires before you can finish both exams. Your vouchers work only with the specific exam version you bought. You're ready for the actual test when you consistently score 85% on practice exams.

Conclusion

CompTIA exam codes may look technical at first, but learning this system will substantially affect your certification trip. These numerical identifiers like 220-1201 and 220-1202 tell you a lot about your exams.

Exam codes do more than just identify tests. You need these codes to schedule your tests with Pearson VUE, whatever CompTIA's move toward version-based labeling in their store. You might buy "A+ V15" materials, but you'll still need the specific exam code to book your test.

The timing of your certification path really matters. The current A+ exams (220-1201 and 220-1202) should stay active until 2028, giving you plenty of time to get ready. If you're still working on the old version (220-1101/1102), note that these exams expire on September 25, 2025.

Without doubt, we found that there was one vital rule - never mix exam series. Core 1 and Core 2 must come from similar version sets. This rule exists because each version pair tests knowledge that works together.

Getting ready for your exams with version-specific materials will boost your confidence. Crucial Exams' CompTIA A+ 1201 practice test and CompTIA A+ 1202 practice test are a great way to get questions that line up with the current exam content. These help you see your readiness before test day.

CompTIA's dual naming system might seem tricky at first, but knowing how exam codes and product versions connect makes your certification trip easier. Whether you talk about "A+ V15" or "220-1201/1202," you now know how to pick the right study materials, schedule the right exams, and complete your certification successfully.