CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Objectives Explained

A+ Core 1 is the hardware half of the CompTIA A+ certification — mobile devices, networking, PC hardware, virtualization, and hands-on troubleshooting. This guide breaks down all five official domains of the current 220-1201 exam, plus logistics and study tips.

Exam Logistics at a Glance

The Five Domains

Core 1's blueprint is refreshingly honest about the job: over half the exam is hardware and hardware/network troubleshooting. This is a technician's exam — it rewards people who have opened cases, crimped cables, and stared at a PC that won't POST.

Mobile Devices 13%

What it covers: laptops, tablets, and phones as hardware platforms — their components, connectivity, accessories, and how they differ from desktops in repair and configuration.

Key topics to study:

• Laptop hardware: batteries, keyboards, memory, storage, displays, and field-replaceable components
• Mobile display components and common failure symptoms
• Connectivity: cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC — and tethering/hotspot concepts
• Accessories and ports: docks, adapters, and display connections
• Mobile device synchronization and configuration basics

Why it matters: the smallest domain, but an easy one to bank points in — the questions are concrete and the hardware is familiar from everyday life. Don't skip it; 13% is not nothing.

Networking 23%

What it covers: networking from a technician's perspective — cables, connectors, protocols, ports, wireless standards, and the practical side of getting devices talking. Less theory than Network+, more "which cable, which port, what's wrong."

Key topics to study:

• Common ports and protocols (HTTP/S, FTP, SSH, DNS, DHCP, SMB, RDP, and more)
• Cable types: copper (Cat5e/6/6a, coaxial), fiber, T568A/B wiring, connectors
• Wi-Fi standards, frequencies, channels, and basic wireless configuration
• Network devices a technician touches: switches, routers, access points, patch panels
• TCP/IP basics: IPv4 addressing concepts, subnetting fundamentals, common utilities (ping, ipconfig)
• SOHO network setup: consumer routers, ISP connections, basic firewall concepts

Why it matters: nearly a quarter of the exam and the domain most candidates underprepare for. Technicians constantly troubleshoot connectivity — the exam reflects that reality.

Hardware 25%

What it covers: the largest knowledge domain — PC components inside and out. Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage, power, displays, printers, and custom builds.

Key topics to study:

• Motherboards: form factors, chipsets, expansion slots (PCIe generations), BIOS/UEFI
• CPUs: sockets, cores/threads, cooling, basic compatibility
• RAM: DDR generations, speeds, channels, capacity planning
• Storage: HDD vs. SSD, NVMe vs. SATA, RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 10) and their trade-offs
• Power supplies: wattage, connectors, voltage rails, efficiency basics
• Displays: panel types, resolutions, refresh rates, connectors (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
• Printers: laser vs. inkjet vs. thermal, the printing process, consumables
• Custom configurations: gaming rigs, workstations, HTPCs, virtualization hosts — which parts each needs

Why it matters: a quarter of the exam and the heart of Core 1. The questions reward genuine familiarity — if you've built or upgraded a PC, much of this feels like common sense; if you haven't, consider getting hands-on with old hardware.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing 11%

What it covers: the concepts behind running virtual machines and using cloud services — the modern half of "hardware," since so much infrastructure is virtual now.

Key topics to study:

• Virtualization concepts: hypervisors (Type 1 vs. Type 2), VMs, resource allocation, emulation vs. virtualization
• Cloud models: public, private, hybrid, community — and IaaS/PaaS/SaaS at a technician's level
• Cloud characteristics: shared resources, metered utilization, rapid elasticity, high availability
• Client-side virtualization: purpose and basic requirements

Why it matters: the smallest domain and mostly conceptual — a quick read-through of clear definitions earns these points. Know the hypervisor types and the cloud models cold.

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 28%

What it covers: the biggest domain on the exam — diagnosing and resolving real failures across motherboards, storage, displays, networks, printers, and mobile devices. This is where PBQs hit hardest.

Key topics to study:

• The troubleshooting methodology: identify, theorize, test, resolve, verify, document — and applying it in order
• Motherboard/CPU/RAM failure symptoms: no POST, beep codes, overheating, boot failures
• Storage failures: SMART warnings, boot issues, RAID degradation
• Display issues: dead pixels, artifacts, backlight vs. inverter symptoms, driver vs. hardware
• Network troubleshooting: no connectivity, intermittent drops, slow speeds, IP conflicts — and the tools (ping, ipconfig, cable testers)
• Printer problems: paper jams, streaking, spooler issues, network printer failures
• Mobile device issues: battery drain, cracked digitizers, connectivity drops

Why it matters: 28% — more than a quarter of your score — and the domain closest to the actual job. Scenario questions describe symptoms and ask for the most likely cause or the correct next step. Learn to think like a technician: check the simple things first, follow the methodology, and verify the fix.

Study Tips That Actually Work

• Get hands-on with real hardware. An old desktop to disassemble and reassemble teaches more about form factors, connectors, and POST behavior than any video. Nothing on Core 1 beats touching the parts.
• Learn symptoms, not just specs. The exam rarely asks "how many pins does DDR5 have?" — it asks "the PC beeps three times and won't boot; what's most likely?" Study failure modes alongside components.
• Memorize ports and cable standards. Flashcards work well here: port numbers, cable categories and speeds, connector names. It's pure recall and it's testable.
• Practice the troubleshooting order. PBQs and scenario questions test whether you follow the methodology — establish theory before acting, verify after fixing. Don't jump to the dramatic solution.
• Use the 1200-series objectives. Double-check that every study resource targets 220-1201/220-1202. Retired 1100-series material will waste your time on outdated objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take Core 1 or Core 2 first?

Either order works — you need both for the certification. Most candidates start with Core 1 because hardware feels more concrete, then tackle Core 2's operating systems and security.

Are the 220-1101/220-1102 exams still available?

No. The 1100 series retired on September 25, 2025. Current candidates must take the 1200 series (220-1201 and 220-1202).

How long should I study for Core 1?

Six to ten weeks of consistent study is typical, more if you're new to hardware. Hands-on practice with real components compresses the timeline significantly.

Is A+ enough to get an IT job?

A+ is the standard entry-level credential for helpdesk and desktop support roles, and employers do filter for it. It opens doors best when paired with customer-service skills and genuine hands-on ability.

Does A+ expire?

Yes — CompTIA certifications are valid for three years. Renew through continuing education credits, a higher-level CompTIA certification, or retaking the exams.