CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) V15 Certification Exam

Exam Objectives Document Version 3.0

About the Exam

Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 certification exam.

To receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams:

Core 1 (220-1201)
Core 2 (220-1202)

The CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) certification exams will verify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to:

Install, configure, and maintain computer equipment, mobile devices, and software for end users
Service components based on customer requirements
Understand networking basics and apply basic cybersecurity methods to mitigate threats
Properly and safely diagnose, resolve, and document common hardware and software issues
Apply troubleshooting skills and provide customer support using appropriate communication skills
Understand the basics of scripting, cloud technologies, virtualization, and multi-OS deployments in corporate environments

Test Details

Detail	Information
Required Exam	A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
Number of Questions	Maximum of 90
Types of Questions	Multiple-choice and performance-based
Length of Test	90 minutes
Recommended Experience	12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role
Passing Score	675 (on a scale of 100–900)
Exam Version	V15
Exam Series Code	220-1201 (Core 1)
Launch Date	March 25, 2025
Languages	English
Retirement	Usually three years after launch (estimated 2028)

Exam Objectives (Domains)

Domain	Percentage of Examination
1.0 Mobile Devices	13%
2.0 Networking	23%
3.0 Hardware	25%
4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing	11%
5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting	28%
Total	100%

Troubleshooting Methodology Knowledge

During the job task analysis workshop for the A+ 220-1200 series, subject matter experts deemed the troubleshooting methodology an effective best practice that new job incumbents should be aware of and leverage as they engage in troubleshooting new issues on the job. However, while this methodology is practical, the decision was made to not include it in the exam.

The troubleshooting methodology includes the following steps:

Identify the problem
Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
- Research knowledge base/internet, if applicable
Test the theory to determine the cause
Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures
Document findings/lessons learned, actions, and outcomes

Domain 1.0: Mobile Devices (13%)

1.1 Given a scenario, monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques

Battery
Keyboard/keys
Random-access memory (RAM)
Hard disk drive (HDD)/solid-state drive (SSD)
Wireless cards
Physical privacy and security components
- Biometrics
- Near-field scanner features
Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement
Camera/webcam
Microphone

1.2 Compare and contrast accessories and connectivity options for mobile devices

Connection methods
- Universal Serial Bus (USB)/USB-C/microUSB/miniUSB
- Lightning
- Near-field communication (NFC)
- Bluetooth
- Tethering/hotspot
Accessories
- Stylus
- Headsets
- Speakers
- Webcam
Docking station
Port replicator
Trackpad/drawing pad/track points

1.3 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and provide application support

Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable)
- 3G/4G/5G
- Hotspot
- Wi-Fi
- Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)/eSIM
Bluetooth
- Enable Bluetooth
- Enable pairing
- Find a device for pairing
- Enter the appropriate personal identification number (PIN) code
- Test connectivity
Location services
- Global positioning system (GPS) services
- Cellular location services
Mobile device management (MDM)
- Device configurations (Corporate, BYOD)
- Policy enforcement
- Corporate applications
Mobile device synchronization
- Recognizing data caps
- Calendar, Contacts
- Business applications (Mail, Cloud storage)

Domain 2.0: Networking (23%)

2.1 Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes

Ports and protocols

20-21 – File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
22 – Secure Shell (SSH)
23 – Telnet
25 – Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
53 – Domain Name System (DNS)
67/68 – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
80 – Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
110 – Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3)
143 – Internet Mail Access Protocol (IMAP)
137-139 – NetBIOS/NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT)
389 – Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
443 – Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
445 – Server Message Block (SMB)/Common Internet File System (CIFS)
3389 – Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

2.2 Explain wireless networking technologies

Frequencies: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
Channels: Regulations, widths, frequencies, bands
Bluetooth
802.11 standards
NFC
Radio-frequency identification (RFID)

2.3 Summarize services provided by networked hosts

Server roles: DNS, DHCP, Fileshare, Print servers, Mail servers, Syslog, Web servers, AAA, Database servers, NTP
Internet appliances: Spam gateways, UTM, Load balancers, Proxy servers
Legacy/embedded systems: SCADA
Internet of Things (IoT) devices

2.4 Explain common network configuration concepts

DNS: A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT records (DKIM, SPF, DMARC)
DHCP: Leases, Reservations, Scope, Exclusions
Virtual LAN (VLAN)
Virtual private network (VPN)

2.5 Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices

Routers, Switches (Managed/Unmanaged), Access points
Patch panel, Firewall
Power over Ethernet (PoE): Injectors, Switch, PoE standards
Cable modem, DSL, Optical network terminal (ONT)
Network interface card (NIC)

2.6 Given a scenario, configure basic wired/wireless SOHO networks

IP addressing: IPv4 (Private/Public), IPv6, APIPA, Static, Dynamic
Subnet mask, Gateway

2.7 Compare and contrast internet connection types and network types

Internet types: Satellite, Fiber, Cable, DSL, Cellular, WISP
Network types: LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, SAN, WLAN

2.8 Explain networking tools and their purposes

Crimper, Cable stripper, Wi-Fi analyzer
Toner probe, Punchdown tool
Cable tester, Loopback plug, Network tap

Domain 3.0: Hardware (25%)

3.1 Compare and contrast display components

LCD types: IPS, TN, VA
OLED, Mini-LED
Touch screen/digitizer, Inverter
Attributes: Pixel density, Refresh rates, Resolution, Color gamut

3.2 Cable types and connectors

Network cables: Copper (Cat, Coaxial, STP, UTP), Fiber (Single/Multi-mode)
Peripheral cables: USB 2.0/3.0, Serial, Thunderbolt
Video cables: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, USB-C
Hard drive cables: SATA, eSATA
Connectors: RJ11, RJ45, F-type, ST, SC, LC, USB variants, Lightning, DB9

3.3 Compare and contrast RAM characteristics

Form factors: SODIMM, DIMM
DDR iterations
ECC vs. non-ECC RAM
Channel configurations

3.4 Compare and contrast storage devices

Hard drives: Spindle speeds, 2.5"/3.5" form factors
Solid-state drives: NVMe, SATA, PCIe, SAS; M.2, mSATA form factors
RAID: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
Removable storage: Flash drives, Memory cards
Optical drives

3.5 Install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards

Motherboard form factors: ATX, microATX, ITX
Connectors: PCI, PCIe, Power, SATA, eSATA, Headers, M.2
CPU compatibility: AMD/Intel sockets, Multisocket
BIOS/UEFI settings: Boot options, USB permissions, TPM, Secure Boot, passwords
CPU architecture: x86/x64, ARM, Core configurations
Expansion cards: Sound, Video, Capture, NIC
Cooling: Fans, Heat sink, Thermal paste, Liquid

3.6 Install appropriate power supply

Input: 110–120 VAC vs. 220–240 VAC
Output: 3.3V, 5V, 12V
Connectors: 20+4 pin motherboard
Redundant, Modular power supplies
Wattage rating, Energy efficiency

3.7 Deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers

Setup and drivers: PCL vs. postscript
Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wireless
Public/shared devices: Printer share, Print server
Settings: Duplex, Orientation, Tray, Quality
Security: Authentication, Badging, Audit logs, Secured prints
Network scan: Email, SMB, Cloud services
ADF/flatbed scanner

3.8 Perform appropriate printer maintenance

Laser: Replace toner, maintenance kit, calibrate, clean
Inkjet: Clean printheads, replace cartridges, calibrate, clear jams
Thermal: Replace paper, clean heating element, remove debris
Impact: Replace ribbon, printhead, paper

Domain 4.0: Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)

4.1 Explain virtualization concepts

VM purposes: Sandbox, Test development, Application virtualization (Legacy/Cross-platform)
Requirements: Security, Network, Storage
Desktop virtualization: VDI
Containers
Hypervisors: Type 1, Type 2

4.2 Summarize cloud computing concepts

Cloud models: Private, Public, Hybrid, Community; IaaS, SaaS, PaaS
Characteristics: Shared/Dedicated resources, Metered utilization, Elasticity, Availability, File sync, Multitenancy

Domain 5.0: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

5.1 Troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power

Common symptoms: POST beeps, Crash screens, Blank screen, No power, Sluggish performance, Overheating, Burning smell, Random shutdown, Application crashes, Unusual noise, Capacitor swelling, Inaccurate date/time

5.2 Troubleshoot drive and RAID issues

Common symptoms: LED indicators, Grinding/Clicking noises, Bootable device not found, Data loss/corruption, RAID failure, S.M.A.R.T. failure, Extended read/write times, Low IOPS, Missing drives, Array missing, Audible alarms

5.3 Troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues

Common symptoms: Incorrect input source, Physical cabling issues, Burnt-out bulb, Fuzzy image, Display burn-in, Dead pixels, Flashing screen, Incorrect colors, Audio issues, Dim image, Intermittent shutdown, Sizing/Distorted image

5.4 Troubleshoot common mobile device issues

Common symptoms: Poor battery health, Swollen battery, Broken screen, Improper charging, Poor/no connectivity, Liquid damage, Overheating, Digitizer issues, Damaged ports, Malware, Cursor drift, Unable to install apps, Stylus not working, Degraded performance

5.5 Troubleshoot network issues

Common symptoms: Intermittent wireless connectivity, Slow speeds, Limited connectivity, Jitter, Poor VoIP quality, Port flapping, High latency, External interference, Authentication failures, Intermittent internet

5.6 Troubleshoot printer issues

Lines on pages, Garbled print, Paper jams, Faded prints, Paper not feeding, Multipage misfeed, Pending queue, Speckling, Double/echo images, Grinding noise, Finishing issues (staple jams, hole punch), Incorrect orientation, Tray not recognized, Connectivity issues, Frozen queue

Key Acronyms (Selection)

Acronym	Definition
AAA	Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting
APIPA	Automatic Private IP Addressing
BIOS	Basic Input/Output System
BYOD	Bring Your Own Device
DHCP	Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DNS	Domain Name System
ESD	Electrostatic Discharge
FTP	File Transfer Protocol
GPS	Global Positioning System
HDMI	High-definition Media Interface
HTTP(S)	Hypertext Transfer Protocol (Secure)
IaaS	Infrastructure as a Service
IoT	Internet of Things
IP	Internet Protocol
LAN	Local Area Network
MDM	Mobile Device Management
NFC	Near-field Communication
NIC	Network Interface Card
NVMe	Non-volatile Memory Express
PaaS	Platform as a Service
PCIe	Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
POST	Power-on Self-test
RAID	Redundant Array of Independent Disks
RAM	Random-access Memory
RDP	Remote Desktop Protocol
SaaS	Software as a Service
SATA	Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
SOHO	Small Office/Home Office
SSD	Solid-state Drive
SSH	Secure Shell
TCP	Transmission Control Protocol
TPM	Trusted Platform Module
UDP	User Datagram Protocol
UEFI	Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
USB	Universal Serial Bus
VDI	Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
VLAN	Virtual LAN
VPN	Virtual Private Network
WAN	Wide Area Network
Wi-Fi	Wireless Fidelity

For complete acronym list, see full PDF document.

Official 220-1201 Exam Guide