About 220-1201 Exam
About CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) Exam
The 220-1201 exam, officially known as CompTIA A+ Core 1, is the first of two foundational exams required to achieve the globally recognized CompTIA A+ certification. It is an essential certification for anyone starting a career in IT, offering validation of practical knowledge in computer hardware, mobile devices, networking, virtualization, and troubleshooting. This vendor-neutral exam ensures candidates are prepared to handle a broad range of real-world IT scenarios.
CompTIA A+ is widely accepted by employers as the standard for entry-level IT jobs and is often a mandatory requirement for help desk, technical support, and desktop administration roles. The 220-1201 exam emphasizes practical problem-solving and critical thinking skills across multiple devices and platforms. This makes it ideal for individuals aiming to build a strong foundation before pursuing more advanced IT certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, or vendor-specific paths like Cisco or Microsoft.
Who Should Take the 220-1201 Exam?
The 220-1201 exam is designed for:
-
Newcomers to the IT industry seeking to validate technical competency
-
Career changers looking to break into the tech field with a recognized credential
-
College and technical school students preparing for IT support roles
-
Existing help desk and field technicians aiming to upgrade their credentials
Why Earn the CompTIA A+ Certification?
-
It is the gold standard entry-level IT certification recognized globally
-
Covers core domains that align with actual job responsibilities in technical support
-
Demonstrates readiness for roles involving network setup, troubleshooting, and device maintenance
-
Prepares candidates to troubleshoot a variety of issues across devices, OSs, and networks
-
Fulfilled DoD 8570 requirements for government contracting roles (when paired with other certifications)
-
Opens doors to Tier 1 support jobs and lays a strong foundation for IT career advancement
220-1201 Exam Overview
Exam Component | Details |
---|---|
Exam Code | 220-1201 |
Certification Name | CompTIA A+ (Core 1) |
Prerequisites | None |
Format | Multiple-choice, performance-based, drag-and-drop |
Number of Questions | Up to 90 |
Duration | 90 minutes |
Passing Score | 675/900 |
Exam Fee | $246 USD |
Delivery Method | Pearson VUE (Online or Test Center) |
Domains and Weightage in 220-1201 Exam
The 220-1201 exam tests knowledge across five primary domains:
Domain | Weight (%) |
---|---|
Mobile Devices | 15% |
Networking | 20% |
Hardware | 25% |
Virtualization & Cloud Computing | 11% |
Hardware & Network Troubleshooting | 29% |
Key Topics Covered in the 220-1201 Exam
-
Understanding laptop and mobile hardware: batteries, display types, and ports
-
Installing and configuring SOHO routers, firewalls, and wireless access points
-
Basic IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, and port forwarding configurations
-
Identifying motherboard components, connectors, and custom configurations (e.g., gaming PCs, A/V workstations)
-
Cloud services: understanding IaaS, SaaS, PaaS, and how they relate to client environments
-
Troubleshooting network issues like dropped connections, slow performance, or DHCP failures
-
Diagnosing hardware issues such as overheating, failure to POST, and hardware compatibility
Skills Validated by 220-1201 Certification
-
Installing and configuring desktop and laptop hardware
-
Establishing wired and wireless network connections, including secure access
-
Identifying cable types (coax, fiber, Cat5e/Cat6) and network hardware (switches, routers, hubs)
-
Supporting virtual environments and cloud-based applications and storage
-
Conducting step-by-step diagnostics and troubleshooting for both hardware and networking problems
Career Opportunities After 220-1201 Certification
Job Title | Description | Avg. Salary (USD) |
---|---|---|
IT Support Technician | Provides on-site or remote troubleshooting | $50,000 |
Desktop Support Analyst | Supports PCs, printers, and local networks in an office | $52,000 |
Field Service Technician | Maintains hardware for businesses and end users | $55,000 |
Help Desk Specialist | First-line support for user issues across software/hardware | $48,000 |
Technical Support Analyst | Provides tier-1 and tier-2 support in enterprise environments | $58,000 |
Why Choose Cert Empire for 220-1201 Preparation?
-
Updated content fully aligned with CompTIA’s latest A+ Core 1 exam blueprint
-
Real-world simulations and performance-based practice questions
-
Ideal for learners with different experience levels—from beginners to IT interns
-
All dumps are delivered in a convenient PDF format with unlimited access
-
Free demo available so you can evaluate content before purchasing
-
First-try pass guarantee to give you peace of mind and confidence on exam day
Whether you’re just starting your journey into IT or looking to validate your hands-on troubleshooting skills, the 220-1201 (Core 1) exam is a trusted and respected way to prove your readiness for real-world tech support roles. Let Cert Empire be your guide to passing on your first attempt.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.