CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Practice Exams 2026

About the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 Exam

CompTIA A+ is the IT industry's most recognized entry-level certification, validating the foundational skills required for IT support roles. The A+ certification consists of two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)—both must be passed to earn the certification. Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and hardware troubleshooting. The 220-1201 version is the latest update, reflecting modern IT environments including cloud computing, virtual machines, and current hardware standards. A+ is the starting point for most IT careers and is recommended by CompTIA as the first certification before pursuing Network+ or Security+.

The 220-1201 exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions to complete in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 675 on a 100-900 scale. The exam costs $246 USD and is delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers or via online proctored exam. Questions include multiple-choice (single and multiple answer) and performance-based questions (PBQs) testing hands-on hardware identification, networking setup, and troubleshooting. A+ is valid for 3 years, renewable with 20 CEUs, and serves as the gateway to all other CompTIA certifications including Network+ and Security+.

A+ Core 1 220-1201 Domains and Weighting:

• Domain 1: Mobile Devices (15%) - Laptop hardware components (RAM, storage, display), mobile device types (smartphones, tablets, wearables), mobile connectivity (Bluetooth, NFC, cellular, Wi-Fi), mobile device synchronization, and mobile operating system features (iOS, Android)
• Domain 2: Networking (20%) - TCP/IP fundamentals (IPv4, IPv6, DNS, DHCP), networking hardware (routers, switches, access points, modems), wireless networking standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), network cable types (Cat5e, Cat6, fiber optic), and basic network configuration
• Domain 3: Hardware (25%) - PC components (CPU, RAM, storage drives, power supplies, motherboards), peripheral devices, printer types and maintenance (laser, inkjet, thermal), cable types and connectors, and hardware installation procedures
• Domain 4: Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%) - Cloud computing concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), cloud deployment models (public, private, hybrid, community), virtualization types and purpose, virtual machine configuration, and cloud storage solutions
• Domain 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%) - Troubleshooting methodology (identify problem, establish theory, test theory, implement solution, verify, document), hardware failure symptoms and solutions, networking connectivity troubleshooting, mobile device troubleshooting, and printer troubleshooting

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting is the largest domain at 29%, emphasizing that A+ is fundamentally about solving real-world IT problems. Candidates with hands-on experience building PCs, setting up networks, or working help desk will find many concepts familiar. Those new to IT should build a hands-on lab—even assembling a budget PC teaches A+ hardware concepts better than study guides alone.

Why Take CompTIA A+?

• The Standard Entry Point for IT Careers: CompTIA A+ is recognized by thousands of employers as the baseline credential for IT support roles. Many organizations use A+ as a minimum hiring requirement for help desk technicians, field service technicians, and IT support specialists. The certification demonstrates to employers that you have validated, job-ready skills—not just self-claimed knowledge. For career changers entering IT from non-technical backgrounds, A+ provides the credential needed to compete for entry-level positions against candidates with more direct experience.
• Broad Foundation That Accelerates All Subsequent Learning: A+ covers hardware, networking, operating systems, security, and troubleshooting—the complete foundation of IT. This breadth makes subsequent certifications (Network+, Security+, cloud certifications) significantly easier to understand because A+ provides the context for why cloud, network, and security concepts exist. Candidates who skip A+ and go directly to network or security certifications often struggle with fundamental concepts that A+ would have covered, requiring additional remedial study.
• DoD 8570 Approved for Technical Support Roles: CompTIA A+ is DoD 8570 approved for IAT Level I positions, making it a requirement for US military and defense contractor IT support roles. Many base IT support contracts and helpdesk positions at federal agencies require A+ certification. For candidates interested in government IT careers, A+ provides the necessary baseline credential for entry-level positions.
• Relatively Low Cost Entry with High Return: At $246 per exam ($492 for both Core 1 and Core 2), A+ is one of the more affordable CompTIA certifications while providing significant career value. Entry-level A+ certified technicians earn $40,000-$55,000 as help desk or field service technicians, with experienced A+ holders in desktop support and system administration roles earning $55,000-$75,000. The certification pays for itself quickly through better job prospects and higher starting salaries compared to uncertified candidates.

What You'll Learn in the A+ Core 1 220-1201 Exam

A+ Core 1 covers the hardware and networking knowledge required for IT support roles—identifying components, understanding how they work together, configuring basic networks, and troubleshooting hardware and connectivity issues. The exam emphasizes practical knowledge: you must recognize components by sight, understand their function, know how to install and configure them, and diagnose failures. Core 1 focuses on the physical and networking layer, while Core 2 covers operating systems, security, and software troubleshooting.

Hardware and Components

• PC Components and Assembly: Identifying and installing CPU sockets (LGA, AM4/AM5), RAM types (DDR4, DDR5) and configurations (dual-channel, ECC), storage interfaces (SATA, NVMe M.2, PCIe), power supply connectors and wattage requirements, motherboard form factors (ATX, mATX, ITX), expansion slots (PCIe x16, x1), and cooling solutions (air cooling heatsinks, liquid cooling); understanding POST (Power-On Self-Test) procedures and BIOS/UEFI configuration
• Peripheral Devices and Displays: Connecting and configuring monitors via display interfaces (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI); understanding display specifications (resolution, refresh rate, panel type—IPS, TN, VA); installing and troubleshooting input devices (USB keyboards/mice, Bluetooth peripherals); configuring printer types (laser, inkjet, thermal, 3D) and print servers; and understanding USB standards (USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB-C) and Thunderbolt connectivity
• Laptop and Mobile Hardware: Identifying replaceable laptop components (RAM modules, 2.5-inch storage drives, M.2 drives, batteries, keyboard assemblies, LCD panels); understanding laptop-specific hardware (docking stations, port replicators, proprietary connectors); differentiating mobile device types (smartphones, tablets, hybrid devices, wearables); and identifying mobile connectivity features (Bluetooth, NFC for contactless payments, IR blasters, wireless charging)

Networking Fundamentals

• Network Hardware and Cabling: Identifying networking hardware (routers, Layer 2 switches, wireless access points, modems, patch panels, PoE injectors); understanding cable types and specifications (Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a for Ethernet, single-mode vs multimode fiber, coaxial for cable internet); using crimping tools to create Ethernet cables (T568A and T568B wiring standards); and understanding network ports and connectors (RJ45, RJ11, LC/SC fiber connectors)
• TCP/IP and Wireless Networking: Understanding IPv4 addressing (address classes, private vs public addresses, subnetting basics, APIPA addresses); configuring DHCP and static IP addresses on client systems; understanding DNS resolution process; configuring wireless networks (802.11 standards and frequencies, SSID configuration, WPA2/WPA3 security); and troubleshooting common wireless issues (interference, signal strength, authentication failures)
• Virtualization and Cloud Basics: Understanding hypervisor types (Type 1 bare-metal: VMware ESXi, Hyper-V; Type 2 hosted: VMware Workstation, VirtualBox); creating and configuring virtual machines; understanding cloud service models (IaaS: virtual servers; PaaS: managed databases; SaaS: Microsoft 365, Salesforce); understanding cloud deployment models; and identifying cloud storage benefits (accessibility, redundancy, scalability)

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

• Hardware Failure Diagnosis: Identifying symptoms of failing components (POST beep codes, unusual noises from HDDs, blue screen of death causes, overheating symptoms); using diagnostic tools (multimeters for voltage testing, POST diagnostic cards, cable testers); and applying CompTIA's troubleshooting methodology to hardware problems systematically
• Network Connectivity Troubleshooting: Using command-line tools (ping, ipconfig, tracert, nslookup, netstat) to diagnose connectivity issues; identifying physical connectivity problems (damaged cables, wrong cable type, misconfigured switch ports); troubleshooting wireless connectivity (driver issues, incorrect security settings, IP address conflicts, DNS resolution failures); and resolving printer network sharing issues

How to Prepare for the A+ Core 1 220-1201 Exam

A+ Core 1 preparation typically takes 6-10 weeks for candidates new to IT, or 3-5 weeks for those with IT support experience. The exam heavily emphasizes hardware identification and troubleshooting—hands-on experience with actual PC components significantly accelerates learning and retention. Unlike pure knowledge-based exams, A+ tests whether you've actually worked with hardware and networks. Build a lab environment if possible, or use virtualization to practice network concepts.

1. Study Hardware with a Hands-On Approach (3-4 weeks): Begin with Mike Meyers' "CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Guide" which includes comprehensive hardware coverage with photos and diagrams. Supplement with Professor Messer's free A+ video series (YouTube) which provides visual hardware demonstrations. If possible, obtain an old PC for hands-on disassembly and reassembly—physically handling components (RAM sticks, CPUs, hard drives, expansion cards) teaches A+ hardware concepts more effectively than studying photos. Practice identifying components from images: A+ exams frequently show component photos and ask for identification. Build a physical or digital component reference sheet with form factors, connector types, and specifications.
2. Master Networking Fundamentals and Subnetting Basics (2-3 weeks): A+ Core 1 tests networking at an introductory level compared to Network+, but subnetting basics, common port numbers, and networking hardware are required knowledge. Create flash cards for: common TCP/UDP port numbers (HTTP 80, HTTPS 443, FTP 20/21, SSH 22, SMTP 25, DNS 53, DHCP 67/68, RDP 3389), wireless standards and their maximum speeds and frequencies, cable types and their maximum distances, and IP address classes. Practice basic subnetting calculations. Understanding IPv4 addressing will help significantly on networking troubleshooting questions.
3. Complete Practice Questions and Performance-Based Question Practice (2-3 weeks): Use Jason Dion's or Mike Meyers' A+ practice exams to assess your knowledge across all 5 domains. Pay special attention to troubleshooting methodology questions—A+ exams frequently test the correct order of troubleshooting steps (identify, theorize, test, implement, verify, document). Practice performance-based questions (PBQs) which often involve drag-and-drop hardware identification, cable labeling, or network configuration. For each incorrect answer, trace back to the underlying concept and review it. Aim for 80%+ on practice exams before taking the real exam. Review the official CompTIA A+ exam page for current objectives.
4. Prepare for Exam Day Strategy (final week): Take a full timed practice exam (90 minutes, 90 questions) to develop time management. On exam day, tackle PBQs strategically—if a PBQ is complex and time-consuming, flag it and complete multiple-choice questions first, then return. Read each question carefully; A+ questions often use "BEST" or "MOST LIKELY" to indicate a specific expected answer among several plausible options. Remember that you must also pass Core 2 (220-1202) to earn A+ certification—plan your Core 2 preparation to follow Core 1 within a few months while knowledge is fresh.

Total study time estimate: 100-150 hours for candidates new to IT, 50-80 hours for those with hands-on IT support experience. Candidates who have built PCs or worked help desk roles often find significant portions of Core 1 already familiar, significantly reducing preparation time.

Frequently Asked Questions