Free study guide

CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Study Guide

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) is the first of the two exams for the A+ certification. It covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware and network troubleshooting. It suits people starting a career in IT support.

  • Exam code 220-1201
  • Entry level
  • 5 exam domains

This guide is free, with no sign-up. It explains every CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam topic in plain English, one chapter at a time. Read them in order or jump straight to the topic you need.

  • 5chapters
  • 39topics
  • 16diagrams and exhibits
  • 2 h 58 minfast track
Start with Mobile Devices
  • Every topic follows the same simple pattern: what it is, how it works, common mistakes
  • Diagrams and real command output where a picture explains it best
  • Exam tips and worked subnetting and IPv6 practice, with answers

How the exam is weighted

Each domain is worth this share of the exam, so spend your study time in proportion. Select a domain to open its chapter.

Chapters

Open a chapter to see its topics and how long each takes.

1Mobile Devices5 topics · 23 min fast trackLaptop and phone hardware, replacement steps, accessories, connectivity, email, sync and management.
  1. 1Mobile Device Components and Monitoring5 min
  2. 2Mobile Device Replacement Techniques5 min
  3. 3Mobile Accessories and Connection Methods4 min
  4. 4Mobile Network Connectivity Settings5 min
  5. 5Mobile Email, Sync and Management4 min
Read the chapter overview →
2Networking10 topics · 42 min fast trackPorts, Wi-Fi, host services, configuration, hardware, SOHO setup, internet types and network tools.
  1. 1TCP and UDP Compared4 min
  2. 2Common Ports and Protocols4 min
  3. 3Wi-Fi Standards and Frequencies4 min
  4. 4Bluetooth, NFC, RFID and Cellular4 min
  5. 5Services Provided by Networked Hosts4 min
  6. 6Network Configuration Concepts5 min
  7. 7Networking Hardware Devices4 min
  8. 8SOHO Network Configuration5 min
  9. 9Internet Connections and Network Types4 min
  10. 10Networking Tools and Their Purposes4 min
Read the chapter overview →
3Hardware13 topics · 59 min fast trackDisplays, cables, memory, storage, RAID, motherboards, CPUs, firmware, power supplies and printers.
  1. 1Display Components and Attributes5 min
  2. 2Video and Peripheral Cables4 min
  3. 3Network Cables and Connectors5 min
  4. 4RAM Characteristics4 min
  5. 5Storage Devices4 min
  6. 6RAID Levels and Arrays4 min
  7. 7Motherboards and Expansion Cards5 min
  8. 8CPUs and Cooling5 min
  9. 9BIOS and UEFI Firmware Settings4 min
  10. 10Power Supplies5 min
  11. 11Printer Types and Printing Process5 min
  12. 12Printer Deployment and Settings5 min
  13. 13Printer Maintenance4 min
Read the chapter overview →
4Virtualization and Cloud Computing4 topics · 18 min fast trackHypervisors, virtual machines, containers, service models and cloud traits.
  1. 1Virtual Machines and Hypervisors5 min
  2. 2Virtualization Uses and Containers4 min
  3. 3Cloud Service and Deployment Models4 min
  4. 4Cloud Characteristics5 min
Read the chapter overview →
5Hardware and Network Troubleshooting7 topics · 36 min fast trackThe six step method plus motherboard, memory, drive, display, mobile, network and printer faults.
  1. 1Troubleshooting Methodology and Tools5 min
  2. 2Troubleshooting Motherboard, RAM, CPU and Power5 min
  3. 3Troubleshooting Drives and RAID6 min
  4. 4Troubleshooting Video, Projectors and Displays5 min
  5. 5Troubleshooting Mobile Devices5 min
  6. 6Troubleshooting Network Issues5 min
  7. 7Troubleshooting Printer Issues5 min
Read the chapter overview →

Ready for more practice?

The full CompTIA A+ 220-1201 question bank has 856 questions, with timed practice exams and an explanation for every answer.

SubscribeTry Sample Exam

This study guide is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by CompTIA. Vendor names, certification names and exam codes are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for identification only.