220-1201 (Core 1) + 220-1202 (Core 2)
CompTIA A+ (V15 - Core 1: 220-1201, Core 2: 220-1202)
Entry-level IT support certification - requires BOTH Core 1 and Core 2
Issued by CompTIA
Visit official certification page
5
Domains
10+
Skills
7
Prep Links
3
Practice Quizzes
Cost
Voucher price via CompTIA Store
Duration
90 minutes per exam
Questions
Maximum 90 per exam
Pass
Core 1: 675 / 900 - Core 2: 700 / 900
Delivery
Pearson VUE - test center OR OnVUE online
Validity
3 years
Quick Facts
Cost
Voucher price via CompTIA Store
Duration
90 minutes per exam
Questions
Maximum 90 per exam
Passing score
Core 1: 675 / 900 - Core 2: 700 / 900
Languages
English, German, Japanese
Delivery
Pearson VUE - test center OR OnVUE online
Validity
3 years
CE renewal
$75 total for 3-year renewal period
Skills You'll Learn
Install, configure, and maintain hardware components and devices effectively.
Diagnose and resolve issues with PCs, mobile devices, and software applications.
Understand networking basics and configure wired/wireless SOHO networks.
Apply basic cybersecurity methods to mitigate threats and secure systems.
Install and support multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Explain virtualization and cloud computing concepts and their applications.
Follow best practices for safety, environmental impact, and effective communication.
Provide customer support using appropriate troubleshooting techniques and soft skills.
Document changes, follow operational procedures, and back up/recover workstations.
Earn a respected entry-level IT certification that validates your foundation in tech and opens doors to help-desk and IT-support careers.
Exam Logistics
- Two exams must be passed to earn A+: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Same version required.
- Question types: multiple-choice (single & multiple response), drag-and-drop, performance-based questions (PBQs).
- Voucher purchased via CompTIA Store; scheduled via Pearson VUE.
- 30-day grace period for CE renewal applies.
- DoD 8140 work roles: tech support specialist, system admin, cyber defense infrastructure support.
Prerequisites & Recommended Experience
- No formal prerequisites.
- Recommended: 12 months hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role.
- Target: entry-level IT support - help desk technician, IT support specialist.
- Foundational stepping stone toward Network+ and Security+.
Core 1 (220-1201) - Domains with Weights
1. Mobile devices
13%
- Hardware setup (batteries, cameras, Wi-Fi antennas).
- Accessories (USB, Bluetooth, NFC, docking stations).
- Network setup (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, sync).
- Troubleshooting hardware and connectivity.
2. Networking
23%
- Protocols and ports; wireless technologies.
- SOHO networks - IP addressing and VPNs.
- Networking tools - crimpers, cable testers, Wi-Fi analyzers.
3. Hardware
25%
- Component installation - RAM, CPUs, storage.
- Cables and connectors (HDMI, Ethernet, USB).
- Peripheral devices - printers, scanners.
- Motherboards, power supplies, cooling.
4. Virtualization and cloud computing
11%
- Virtualization concepts - VMs, hypervisors, desktop virtualization.
- Cloud models - IaaS, SaaS, PaaS.
5. Hardware and network troubleshooting
28%
- Diagnosing hardware, network, connectivity problems.
- Troubleshooting tools - multimeters, cable testers, loopback plugs.
Official Prep Resources
Test what you've learned
Take a free GoLearnQuiz practice test. Sign in to save your score.
Additional Helpful Details
- Core 2 (220-1202) domains: Operating systems 28%, Security 28%, Software troubleshooting 23%, Operational procedures 21%.
- V15 covers AI literacy, cloud, IoT and modern security topics as embedded threads.
- CertMaster CE is the single-course renewal that auto-renews A+ once.