CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) Real Exam Questions [Jan 2026 Update]

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

Domains and Weightage in 220-1201 Exam

The 220-1201 exam tests knowledge across five primary domains:

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

Get Exam-Ready with Cert Empire’s CompTIA 220-1201 Exam Questions

Preparing for the 220-1201 (Core 1) exam can be daunting without the right tools. Cert Empire’s 220-1201 exam questions are expertly curated to match the latest CompTIA exam blueprint and help you sharpen the exact skills tested on the actual exam. Our updated practice sets are more than just questions—they are detailed study companions that simulate real exam scenarios and help you understand key concepts through clear, concise explanations.

Each question is developed by certified IT professionals with real-world experience, ensuring that you not only pass but also gain the job-ready skills that employers expect from CompTIA A+ certified technicians.

Key Features of Cert Empire’s 220-1201 Exam Questions

What You’ll Learn from Our 220-1201 Practice Questions

• How to configure and troubleshoot SOHO networks and wireless connectivity

• Key differences between cloud services and virtualization technologies

• Techniques to resolve hardware issues like slow performance, overheating, or boot failures

• Best practices for managing network cables, connectors, and ports

• Mobile troubleshooting techniques for smartphones, tablets, and laptops

• Identifying compatible hardware upgrades for desktops and laptops

Why Cert Empire is Trusted for A+ Exam Prep

• All questions are regularly reviewed to reflect the latest CompTIA Core 1 updates

• Trusted by thousands of IT professionals worldwide

• Excellent for last-minute revision and exam-day simulation

• Supports faster learning with focused, high-yield questions

• Includes diagrams and visuals to reinforce understanding where applicable

Who Should Use These Exam Questions

• First-time test takers aiming to pass on their initial try

• IT students enrolled in CompTIA A+ training programs

• Technicians refreshing their foundational knowledge

• Professionals seeking certification for job eligibility or promotion

Whether you’re building your IT fundamentals or aiming to break into tech support, Cert Empire’s CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam questions offer the clarity, depth, and confidence you need to pass with ease.

Planning to take the second part of the A+ certification? Check out our CompTIA A+ 220-1202 exam questions for complete preparation and seamless Core 1 and Core 2 coverage.