CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Core 1 Exam Overview

The CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam validates foundational IT support skills across hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, cloud computing, and troubleshooting. It is one of the two exams required for the current CompTIA A+ certification, together with 220-1202 Core 2.

Core 1 is strongly focused on practical technical support. Candidates should be able to identify and install hardware, configure wired and wireless networks, support laptops and mobile devices, understand virtualization and cloud concepts, and diagnose common hardware, printer, mobile-device, and network problems.

Passcert provides updated 220-1201 Practice Tests and study materials to help candidates review the current Core 1 objectives, become familiar with scenario-based and performance-oriented questions, and identify areas that need additional study.

220-1201 Exam Information

CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam Domains

1.0 Mobile Devices — 13%

This domain covers the hardware, accessories, connectivity, and support requirements of laptops and mobile devices. Candidates should understand replaceable laptop components, wireless and wired mobile accessories, docking solutions, Bluetooth and NFC, mobile connectivity, synchronization, and common mobile-device configuration tasks.

2.0 Networking — 23%

Networking represents nearly one quarter of the Core 1 exam. Candidates should understand common TCP and UDP ports, protocols, wireless standards, IP addressing, DNS and DHCP, network devices, SOHO network configuration, internet connection types, network cables, and troubleshooting tools. The goal is to recognize how endpoint devices connect to and communicate across modern networks.

3.0 Hardware — 25%

This domain focuses on the installation, configuration, and maintenance of PC hardware and peripherals. Candidates should understand displays, cables and connectors, RAM, storage devices, motherboards, CPUs, expansion cards, power supplies, printers, and multifunction devices. Hardware is one of the largest Core 1 domains and provides the technical foundation for many troubleshooting scenarios.

4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing — 11%

Candidates should understand virtualization concepts such as virtual machines, hypervisors, virtual desktops, and resource requirements, together with common cloud computing concepts and service models. This domain is smaller in percentage but still requires candidates to understand how traditional endpoint infrastructure increasingly connects with virtual and cloud-based environments.

5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting — 28%

This is the largest domain on the 220-1201 exam. Candidates should be able to diagnose and resolve motherboard, RAM, CPU, power, storage, RAID, display, laptop, mobile-device, printer, and wired/wireless networking problems. The domain is heavily scenario-oriented and requires candidates to connect symptoms with likely causes and appropriate corrective actions.

How to Prepare for the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam

Build Strong Hardware Fundamentals

Learn common PC components, RAM, storage, CPUs, motherboards, power supplies, connectors, displays, and printers. Whenever possible, practise identifying, installing, and replacing hardware rather than relying only on diagrams.

Learn Networking Through Real Configurations

Study ports and protocols, IP addressing, Wi-Fi standards, network devices, cabling, DNS, DHCP, and SOHO networking. Practise configuring a home or lab network so that these concepts become operational rather than purely theoretical.

Practise Mobile Device Support

Review laptop components, mobile accessories, wireless connectivity, synchronization, docking, and common support scenarios for smartphones and tablets.

Understand Virtualization and Cloud Concepts

Learn the differences between virtual machines, hypervisors, VDI, and common cloud service models. Focus on practical use cases and how virtual or cloud resources affect endpoint support.

Make Troubleshooting Part of Every Study Session

Because troubleshooting is the largest domain, regularly practise symptom-based questions involving hardware, networks, storage, printers, displays, and mobile devices. Work through the problem logically instead of jumping directly to a fix.

Who Should Take the 220-1201 Exam?

The CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam is well suited to:

• Entry-level IT professionals
• Help desk technicians
• IT support specialists
• Desktop support technicians
• Field service technicians
• Students beginning an IT career
• Professionals building foundational hardware and networking knowledge

CompTIA recommends approximately 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role before attempting the exam.

220-1201 and 220-1202: How They Work Together

To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, candidates must pass both:

Exam	Main Focus
220-1201 Core 1	Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization & Cloud, Hardware/Network Troubleshooting
220-1202 Core 2	Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, Operational Procedures

The two exams complement each other: Core 1 is more focused on hardware, connectivity, and infrastructure troubleshooting, while Core 2 focuses more heavily on operating systems, cybersecurity, software support, and IT operational procedures. The current Core 2 domains are Operating Systems 28%, Security 28%, Software Troubleshooting 23%, and Operational Procedures 21%.

How Passcert Supports Your 220-1201 Preparation

Coverage of Current Core 1 Domains

The materials cover Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting.

Scenario-Based Practice

Practice questions help candidates apply hardware, network, mobile-device, and troubleshooting knowledge to realistic technical-support situations.

PDF and Test Engine Formats

Use PDF materials for structured review and the Test Engine for interactive practice, answer review, and progress evaluation.

Regular Content Reviews and Updates

Materials are reviewed when CompTIA changes exam objectives, certification requirements, technologies, or question formats.

Member Area Access and Customer Support

Eligible customers can access available materials through the Passcert Member Center and contact support for downloads, Test Engine use, updates, and related service questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam

What is the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam?

220-1201 is the current CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam. It covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware/network troubleshooting.

How many questions are on the 220-1201 exam?

The exam contains a maximum of 90 questions and allows 90 minutes.

What is the passing score?

The passing score is 675 on a scale of 100–900.

Does 220-1201 include performance-based questions?

Yes. CompTIA lists the exam as containing multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs).

Do I need to pass 220-1202 as well?

Yes. Candidates must pass both 220-1201 Core 1 and 220-1202 Core 2 to earn the CompTIA A+ certification.

Should I memorise the troubleshooting methodology?

It is useful as a way to work through support problems. However, CompTIA states that the methodology’s steps are not a formal exam objective. Spend your study time applying hardware and network knowledge to the troubleshooting scenarios listed in the objectives.