Welcome to my CompTIA A+ Core 1 course for exam number 220-1201. The information that I will be presenting in this course is going to give you everything you need to know to successfully pass the CompTIA A+ 1201 examination, assuming you study properly.
The CompTIA A+ (A Plus) certification is an entry-level computer certification for PC computer service technicians. The exam is designed to certify the competency of entry-level PC computer service professionals in installing, maintaining, customizing and operating personal computers.
What Skills Will You Learn?
The CompTIA A+ 1201 exam will focus on 5 primary areas of study, which are also known as domains:
- (1.0) Mobile Devices will make up 13% of the exam
- This domain will focus on:
- Hardware Setup: installing components like batteries, cameras, & WiFi antennas.
- Accessory Options: Configuring USB, Bluetooth, NFC, & docking stations.
- Network Setup: Configuring WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular data, & synchronization settings.
- Troubleshooting: Identifying & fixing hardware & connectivity issues.
- This domain will focus on:
- (2.0) Networking will make up 23% of the exam
- This domain will focus on:
- Protocols & Ports: Learning about networking protocols, ports, & wireless technologies.
- SOHO Networks: Setting up small office / home office networks, including IP addressing & VPNs.
- Networking Tools: Troubleshooting with crimpers, cable testers, & WiFI analyzers.
- This domain will focus on:
- (3.0) Hardware will make up 25% of the exam
- This domain will focus on:
- Component Installation: Setting up RAM, CPUs, & storage devices.
- Cables & Connectors: Working with HDMI, Ethernet, & USB cables.
- Peripheral Devices: Installing & maintaining printers, scanners, & other peripherals.
- Motherboards & Power: Configuring motherboards, power supplies, & cooling solutions.
- This domain will focus on:
- (4.0) Virtualization & Cloud Computing will make up 11% of the exam
- This domain will focus on:
- Virtualization Concepts: Understanding virtual machines, hypervisors, & desktop virtualization.
- Cloud Models: Learning about IaaS, SaaS, & PaaS..
- This domain will focus on:
- (5.0) Hardware & Network Troubleshooting will make up 28% of the exam
- This domain will focus on:
- Diagnosing Issues: Identifying & fixing hardware, network, & connectivity problems.
- Troubleshooting Tools: Using multimeters, cable testers, & loopback plugs.
- This domain will focus on:
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam Details
The CompTIA A+ 220-1201, which is the latest & greatest exam version, was launched March 25, 2025.
- At the time of this posting, CompTIA has not scheduled a retirement date for this exam, but normally 3 years after the launch of an exam is when you can expect for that exam to be officially retired so they can begin introducing the latest version.
- Number of Questions: 90 max
- The questions are presented in multiple choice format (single & multiple response), drag & drop questions, and performance-based questions.
- Time Limit: 90 minutes
- Passing Score: 675 out of 900 points (75%)
- Recommended: Candidate have at least 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role.
- Languages: English (at the time of this post)
- Administered By: Pearson VUE Testing Centers
- Cost: $265 USD (at the time of this post)
- Discounts available HERE.
Side Note: Understand that the CompTIA A+ certification is a 2-part exam. You must pass the 220-1201 (hardware test) and the 220-1202 (software test) in order to be awarded the CompTIA A+ certification. You can take either test in any order and you can schedule the exams days, weeks or months apart if you like, so long as you pass both exams, you will be awarded the CompTIA A+ certification and the certification will go into effect the day you pass the 2nd exam.
