CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) CertMaster Study

ISBN: 978-1-64274-593-1

Your Tech Career Starts Here. Seriously. 🚀

Every IT professional — every network engineer, every cybersecurity analyst, every cloud architect — started somewhere. For over 1.3 million certified professionals worldwide, that somewhere was CompTIA A+.

A+ is the industry-standard entry-level credential that launches tech careers. It's the certification that appears in more tech support job listings than any other. It's the one that companies like Intel, Dell, HP, and the U.S. Department of Defense look for when hiring. And it starts with Core 1.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 is the first of two exams required to earn your A+ certification. It focuses on the foundational skills that every IT professional needs from day one — hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, cloud computing, and troubleshooting. Pass Core 1 and Core 2, and you've earned the credential that opens the door to everything else.

CertMaster Study for A+ Core 1 (220-1201) covers 100% of the V15 exam objectives — structured, official, and designed to take you from where you are now to confidently certified.

What You Get With CertMaster Study 📚

Full exam coverage, zero guesswork. Every topic on the A+ Core 1 V15 blueprint is covered — mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware/network troubleshooting. No gaps. No exam-day surprises.

Learn at your own pace. Narrative lessons and video content break down complex topics into clear, manageable steps — from installing CPUs and configuring RAM to setting up SOHO networks and understanding cloud service models. Whether you learn by reading or watching, you're covered.

Study however works best for you. Bookmark pages, search content instantly, use the built-in glossary for quick reference, or download PDFs for offline study during your commute or between classes.

A full 12 months of access. Your access code activates a full year of training — plenty of time to learn at your pace, revisit tricky concepts, and build real confidence before exam day. Redeemable within 12 months of purchase through CompTIA Central.

Delivered through CompTIA's CertMaster Platform via CompTIA Central — with seamless navigation, centralized resources, and robust classroom management tools if you're studying in a classroom or group setting.

What the A+ Core 1 V15 Exam Covers

Mobile Devices (13%)

Hardware setup — installing components like batteries, cameras, and Wi-Fi antennas. Accessory options — configuring USB, Bluetooth, NFC, and docking stations. Network setup — configuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and synchronization settings. Troubleshooting — identifying and fixing hardware and connectivity issues on mobile devices.

Networking (23%)

Protocols and ports — learning about networking protocols, ports, and wireless technologies. SOHO networks — setting up small office/home office networks, including IP addressing and VPNs. Networking tools — troubleshooting with crimpers, cable testers, and Wi-Fi analyzers.

Hardware (25%)

Component installation — setting up RAM, CPUs, and storage devices. Cables and connectors — working with HDMI, Ethernet, and USB cables. Peripheral devices — installing and maintaining printers, scanners, and other peripherals. Motherboards and power — configuring motherboards, power supplies, and cooling solutions.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)

Virtualization concepts — understanding virtual machines, hypervisors, and desktop virtualization. Cloud models — learning about IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

Diagnosing issues — identifying and fixing hardware, network, and connectivity problems. Troubleshooting tools — using multimeters, cable testers, and loopback plugs.

Exam Quick Facts

• Exam code: 220-1201
• Exam version: V15 (launched March 25, 2025)
• Passing score: 675 / 900
• Question types: Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, + performance-based
• Questions: Up to 90
• Time: 90 minutes
• Testing options: Pearson VUE test centers or online remote proctoring
• Prerequisites: None — though 9–12 months of hands-on experience is recommended
• Certification validity: 3 years (from the date you pass your second exam — both Core 1 and Core 2 are required)
• Renewal: Earn CEUs, complete the CertMaster CE course, earn a higher-level CompTIA certification, or pass the latest A+ exam

Important: You Need Both Exams

A+ certification requires passing two exams from the same version:

• Core 1 (220-1201): Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization/cloud, and troubleshooting
• Core 2 (220-1202): Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures

You must pass both to earn your A+ certification. If Core 1's exam version retires before you complete Core 2, your Core 1 result will no longer be valid — so plan your exam schedule carefully and complete both exams before the retirement date.

Is A+ Right for You?

A+ is designed for people starting their tech careers — with little to no experience. There are no formal prerequisites. If any of these describe you, A+ is your launchpad:

• Career starters looking for their first IT role
• Career changers transitioning into tech from another field
• Students building a credential while studying
• Military and veterans pursuing DoD-recognized IT certifications
• Anyone who wants a structured, credible path into the tech industry

With 9–12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field, you'll be well-positioned to pass both exams. Even if you're brand new, proper study and preparation can get you there.

A+ prepares you for roles such as:

• IT Support Specialist
• Help Desk Technician
• Field Technician
• Desktop Support Analyst
• Tier I Support Specialist
• Associate Network Engineer
• Systems Support Technician
• Junior Systems Administrator

What Makes A+ the Standard

The most recognized entry-level IT certification in the world. A+ appears in more tech support job listings than any other credential. Over 1.3 million professionals hold it worldwide.

ISO 17024 compliant and DoD approved. A+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the U.S. Department of Defense to meet Directive 8140.03M requirements. The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) audits the program annually to ensure credibility, validity, and reliability.

Performance-based questions. The V15 exam includes hands-on scenarios that test your ability to solve real-world problems — not just memorize facts. This practical approach ensures you're job-ready from day one.

Vendor-neutral. Unlike certifications tied to Microsoft, Cisco, or other specific vendors, A+ covers foundational tech knowledge applicable across multiple platforms and technologies. You're not locked into one ecosystem.

What's New in A+ V15

The newest version emphasizes modern IT practices with a stronger focus on security, networking, and troubleshooting. Updates reflect current industry demands and real-world problem-solving skills that employers need right now. The exam format includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions — testing both knowledge and practical ability.

Why Employers Value A+

Employers regard A+ as a reliable indicator of foundational tech skills and readiness for entry-level positions. It's often a preferred — sometimes required — qualification in job listings because it assures employers you have the technical and professional skills needed to perform effectively in tech support roles.

Tech support specialists in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $60,000, with professionals in the 90th percentile earning up to $121,728 annually. Salaries vary based on experience, additional certifications, location, and industry — but A+ is where the earning potential begins.

Companies like Intel, Dell, HP, and the U.S. Department of Defense actively look for A+ certified candidates when hiring for entry-level positions.

A+ vs. a+ Cyber and a+ Network

Not sure if you need full A+ certification? CompTIA also offers focused alternatives:

• a+ Cyber (31-hour course): Provides essential cybersecurity knowledge from A+ training, letting you bypass A+ and move directly into Security+ training.
• a+ Network (25-hour course): Provides essential networking knowledge from A+ training, letting you bypass A+ and move directly into Network+ training.

These are not certifications — they're focused courses designed for a faster path to specialized roles. If you want the full credential that covers hardware, networking, operating systems, security, and troubleshooting, A+ is the way to go.

After A+, What's Next?

A+ is your foundation. From here, you can advance to:

• CompTIA Network+ — to deepen your networking skills
• CompTIA Security+ — to build cybersecurity expertise
• CompTIA Cloud+ — to specialize in cloud infrastructure
• CompTIA Linux+ — to master Linux administration

Each of these certifications builds directly on your A+ foundation, giving you a clear career path forward — whether you want to specialize in networking, security, cloud, or systems administration.

Practical next steps after earning A+:

1. Gain experience — build skills by creating a home lab or volunteering to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios
2. Network and job search — use LinkedIn to connect with tech professionals and showcase your certification
3. Pursue further certifications — advance to Network+ or Security+ to boost your job prospects and deepen your expertise

Financial Assistance

CompTIA offers discounts through academic and nonprofit partners. Financial aid or scholarships may be available for veterans, students, and qualifying groups.

How to Prepare

CertMaster Study is your core resource for Core 1, but CompTIA also offers additional training paths to maximize your readiness:

• CertMaster Learn: Self-paced interactive lessons, simulated labs, videos, quizzes, and practice questions with analytics.
• CertMaster Labs: Hands-on simulated labs with real-world applications.
• CertMaster Practice: Practice questions and assessments to build confidence and reinforce knowledge.
• Complete Bundle: All learning products combined for a comprehensive, guided preparation experience.
• CompTIA Partner Training: Instructor-led courses from qualified CompTIA Delivery Partners.

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