Exam Details
CompTIA · 220-1201
Master foundational IT hardware, networking, and cloud computing to launch your tech career with CompTIA A+ Core 1.
Practice with ExamOS for CompTIA A+ (Core 1 V15). Learn daily with scenario-based questions, timed quizzes, detailed explanations, and exam-style difficulty.
Try a sample quiz for free : 10 questions, 10 mins.
Who is this for?
Level: Beginner. This is the definitive entry-level certification for starting a career in IT support. While there are absolutely no formal prerequisites to take the exam, CompTIA officially recommends having 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or the field. You should have a basic understanding of hardware components, mobile devices, and introductory networking concepts. Are you ready? You are fully prepared to pass if you can confidently identify hardware issues, configure basic network settings, troubleshoot mobile device connectivity, and explain the fundamentals of cloud and virtualization. Start your IT journey with a fast-paced, 30-minute practice sprint today!
Overview
Kickstart your career in information technology with the industry's most trusted entry-level credential. The CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) certification is the globally recognized gold standard for launching a successful career in IT support and operations. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations depend entirely on flawless endpoint performance and seamless connectivity. This foundational exam rigorously tests your practical, hands-on ability to configure, troubleshoot, and manage the critical hardware that keeps businesses running. You will master a wide array of technical domains, including mobile devices, enterprise networking technologies, hardware components, virtualization, and foundational cloud computing concepts. Perfect for aspiring IT support specialists, help desk technicians, and field service engineers, this credential proves you have the tactical skills to solve real-world technical problems quickly and efficiently. By passing Core 1, you demonstrate to prospective employers that you are not just a technology enthusiast, but a capable professional ready to tackle front-line IT challenges. Certified A+ professionals are in massive demand worldwide, enjoying robust job security, highly competitive starting salaries, and a definitive springboard into lucrative advanced roles in systems administration, cybersecurity, and cloud architecture. Prove your foundational mastery and take the first crucial step toward becoming an indispensable IT asset.
FAQ
The 220-1101 exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions to be completed in 90 minutes. The format is a mix of traditional multiple-choice questions (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop activities, and Performance-Based Questions (PBQs). PBQs are hands-on simulations that require you to perform tasks such as configuring a SOHO router, troubleshooting a hardware issue in a virtual environment, or matching socket types to motherboards.
The exam is scored on a scale of 100–900. To pass the Core 1 (220-1101) exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 675. It is important to note that the passing score for Core 2 (220-1102) is higher (700), so ensure you are tracking the correct benchmark for this specific test. ExamOS offers scenario-based practice quizzes that help you build the technical intuition needed to reach this threshold consistently.
The Core 1 exam focuses primarily on hardware, networking, and troubleshooting. The weightings are:
PBQs are simulations that test your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. You might be asked to set up a wireless network or identify components on a circuit board. Coach's Tip: PBQs usually appear at the very beginning of the exam and can be time-consuming. Many successful candidates skip them initially, flag them for review, answer all multiple-choice questions first, and then return to the PBQs with their remaining time.
Effective preparation requires a mix of theory and visual hardware identification:
The retail price for a single exam voucher is currently $253 USD. Remember that because the A+ is a two-part certification, you will eventually need to pay this fee twice (once for Core 1 and once for Core 2) to become fully certified. You can often find discounted vouchers through academic stores or by purchasing "Bundle" deals that include a retake voucher.
CompTIA has a tiered retake policy:
The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass your second exam (Core 2). To keep it active, you must participate in CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. This requires earning 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over the three-year cycle or passing a higher-level CompTIA certification (like Network+ or Security+), which automatically renews your A+.
The A+ is the industry standard for starting a career in IT. There are no formal prerequisites, though CompTIA recommends having 9–12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field. The target audience includes:
The A+ is often a mandatory requirement for entry-level IT roles at large enterprises and government contractors. It qualifies you for positions such as Desktop Support Specialist, Technical Support Analyst, and Tier 1 Help Desk. While it is an entry-level credential, it acts as a critical "foundation" for your resume, proving you have the troubleshooting skills necessary for more advanced cybersecurity or networking roles.