What is the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam?
The CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam is the first of two exams required to earn the CompTIA A+ Core Series (220-1201 & 220-1202) certification. It is an entry-level IT certification exam that validates a candidate’s knowledge of hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting skills. CompTIA A+ is widely recognized as the industry standard for starting a career in IT support and help desk roles.
Unlike general IT courses, A+ is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers technologies from multiple providers (Microsoft, Apple, Linux, networking vendors, etc.), preparing candidates to work in diverse IT environments.
Who should take the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam?
The CompTIA A+ 220-1201 is designed for beginners in IT who want to establish a foundation in hardware, networking, and troubleshooting.
Typical candidates include:
- Aspiring IT professionals with little or no formal experience.
- Help desk technicians looking to validate skills.
- PC support specialists who handle installation and maintenance.
- Field service technicians who repair and configure end-user devices.
- Students and career changers aiming to enter the IT industry.
Experience level: Generally suited for candidates with 9–12 months of hands-on or lab experience, but many entry-level candidates start with A+ as their very first certification.
Prerequisites and recommendations
Official prerequisites: None. Anyone can register for the exam.
CompTIA’s recommendation: At least 9–12 months of IT support experience, or equivalent hands-on practice in a lab environment.
Practical recommendations:
- Completing CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) first, if you are brand new to IT.
- Familiarity with basic computer hardware (motherboards, RAM, storage).
- Understanding of operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Comfort with networking basics (IP addresses, routers, switches).
Exam objectives and domains
The CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam is divided into weighted domains:
- Mobile Devices – 15%
- Networking – 20%
- Hardware – 25%
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing – 11%
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting – 29%
Objective details by domain
Mobile Devices (15%)
- Install and configure laptop hardware and components.
- Compare and contrast features of mobile devices.
- Set up mobile device accessories (keyboards, docking stations).
- Configure mobile device network connectivity and synchronization.
Networking (20%)
- Compare common networking hardware (routers, switches, access points).
- Understand TCP/IP protocols and addressing.
- Install and configure SOHO (small office/home office) networks.
- Compare wireless networking standards and encryption methods.
- Troubleshoot basic wired and wireless connections.
Hardware (25%)
- Identify types of cables, connectors, and storage devices.
- Explain motherboard, RAM, CPU, and power supply characteristics.
- Install and configure printers and peripherals.
- Understand expansion cards, BIOS/UEFI, and cooling methods.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
- Compare and contrast cloud models (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS).
- Set up and configure client-side virtualization.
- Understand the role of virtualization in modern IT.
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)
- Resolve wired/wireless connectivity issues
- Apply the troubleshooting methodology (identify, test, verify, document).
- Diagnose hardware issues (motherboard, RAM, CPU, power).
- Troubleshoot storage and display issues.
- Diagnose printer and mobile device problems.
What changed in this version
CompTIA refreshes A+ every 3 years to keep it relevant. Key updates in CompTIA A+ 220-1201 include:
- Shift in weighting; troubleshooting now carries the heaviest domain percentage (29%).
- More emphasis on virtualization and cloud computing.
- Updated networking objectives with Wi-Fi 6 and modern security protocols.
- Streamlined mobile device topics to reflect current devices.
- Greater focus on troubleshooting methodologies across hardware and networks.
- Removal of legacy technologies (older connectors, outdated wireless standards).
Registration and scheduling
- Register through Pearson VUE (CompTIA’s testing partner).
- Choose in-person at a test center or online proctored exam.
- Exams are available year-round, scheduled by appointment.
- Candidates need a valid CompTIA account to schedule.
Pricing and vouchers
Standard exam cost (U.S.): $246 USD per exam.
Regional pricing: Varies by country; often lower in developing regions.
Discounts:
- Bulk voucher purchases for training centers or employers.
- Student discounts through CompTIA Academic Store.
- Military and veteran discounts (via DoD 8570 programs in the U.S.).
Policies you should know
- Retake policy:
- Fail once → retake allowed immediately.
- Fail twice → 14-day waiting period.
- Expiration: Vouchers typically valid for 12 months from purchase.
- Name matching: Name on exam must match official ID.
- Reschedule/Cancellation: Allowed up to 24 hours before appointment.
Scoring and results
- Scoring scale: 100–900.
- Passing score (220-1201): 675.
- Question types: Multiple choice (single & multiple response), performance-based, drag-and-drop.
- Partial credit: Not officially disclosed, but some performance-based questions may award it.
- Result delivery: Immediate pass/fail at exam end.
- Score report: Provided with domain-by-domain performance breakdown.
Exam day and test experience
- On-site testing: Bring two forms of ID; lockers for personal items.
- Online proctoring: Webcam and microphone required; quiet room; room scan before start.
- Allowed items: None, no notes, phones, or watches.
- Breaks: No scheduled breaks; timer runs continuously.
- Interface tips: Flag questions for review; don’t spend too long on one question.
- Time management:
- Spend ~1 minute per question, flag tough ones, and return later.
- 90 minutes for 90 questions.
Study plan and resources
Beginner (8–10 weeks plan):
- Weeks 1–2: Study exam objectives, cover hardware basics, build a PC virtually or physically.
- Weeks 3–4: Deep dive into networking, IP addressing, and SOHO setups.
- Weeks 5–6: Learn mobile devices and virtualization concepts.
- Weeks 7–8: Practice troubleshooting labs, watch CompTIA training videos.
- Week 9: Take full-length practice exams, review weak domains.
- Week 10: Final revision, exam readiness check.
Experienced IT candidates (4–6 weeks plan):
- Weeks 1–2: Skim domains, focus on virtualization/cloud updates.
- Weeks 3–4: Take practice exams; reinforce weak areas.
- Weeks 5–6: Review official study guide, exam cram sessions, and attempt exam.
Recommended resources:
- Hands-on labs with old PCs, routers, or virtualization software.
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn + Labs.
- Professor Messer’s free YouTube A+ series.
- Practice tests from ExamCompass or MeasureUp.
Certification validity and renewal
Validity: 3 years from the date of certification.
Renewal options:
- Complete the CompTIA CertMaster CE renewal course.
- Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through training, webinars, or other certifications.
- Pass a higher-level CompTIA exam (e.g., Network+, Security+).
Career outcomes after CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam
Job titles after A+:
- Associate Network Engineer
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Specialist
- Field Service Technician
| Job Role | Typical Responsibilities | Average Salary (U.S.) | Salary Range (Entry–Experienced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Help Desk Technician | Provide first-level support, resolve user issues, escalate complex problems. | $45,000 | $35,000 – $52,000 |
| Desktop Support Specialist | Install, configure, and troubleshoot desktops, laptops, and peripherals. | $50,000 | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| IT Support Specialist | General IT support across hardware, software, and networking in business environments. | $55,000 | $42,000 – $65,000 |
| Field Service Technician | On-site troubleshooting, hardware replacement, and network/device installations. | $53,000 | $40,000 – $62,000 |
| Associate Network Engineer | Assist in managing switches, routers, and small networks; support connectivity issues. | $60,000 | $48,000 – $70,000 |
| Technical Support Specialist | Provide advanced troubleshooting for software, networks, and end-user systems. | $58,000 | $45,000 – $68,000 |
| Junior Systems Administrator | Monitor and maintain servers, patch updates, and handle basic system administration tasks. | $62,000 | $50,000 – $72,000 |
Related or next-step certifications
After CompTIA A+, candidates often pursue:
- Cisco CCNA – for advanced networking roles.
- CompTIA Network+ – to specialize in networking.
- CompTIA Security+ – to enter cybersecurity.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals – for cloud exposure.
How this exam compares to similar certifications
- vs Microsoft Fundamentals (AZ-900): A+ is broader, hands-on, covers hardware + networking; AZ-900 is more cloud-focused.
- vs Cisco CCNA: A+ is entry-level across IT domains; CCNA is specialized and more advanced, usually taken after A+.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is CompTIA A+ 220-1201 enough to get a job?
Yes. Many employers accept A+ as the minimum requirement for entry-level IT roles like help desk and desktop support. However, pairing it with experience or further certifications (Network+/Security+) increases job opportunities.
How many exams do I need to pass for CompTIA A+ 220-1201?
You must pass two exams: 220-1201 (hardware/networking) and 220-1202 (software/operating systems).
How long should I study for CompTIA A+ 220-1201?
Beginners usually need 8–10 weeks, while experienced candidates may only need 4–6 weeks with practice exams and labs.
Can I take the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam online?
Yes. CompTIA offers both test center exams and online proctored exams that can be taken from home with a webcam and stable internet.
