A+
CERTIFICATION
Plus Series
CompTIA A+
Certification Exam
Objectives
EXAM NUMBER: CORE 1 (220-1201)
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Certification Exam: Exam Objectives Version 2.0
Copyright © 2024 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved.
,About the Exam
Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 certification exam.
In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and 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.
EXAM ACCREDITATION
The CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) exams are accredited by ANSI to show compliance with
the ISO 17024 standard and, as such, undergo regular reviews and updates to the exam objectives.
EXAM DEVELOPMENT
CompTIA exams result from subject matter expert workshops and industry-wide survey results regarding the
skills and knowledge required of an IT professional.
COMPTIA AUTHORIZED MATERIALS USE POLICY
CompTIA Certifications, LLC is not affiliated with and does not authorize, endorse, or condone utilizing any
content provided by unauthorized third-party training sites (aka “brain dumps”). Individuals who utilize such materials
in preparation for any CompTIA examination will have their certifications revoked and be suspended
from future testing in accordance with the CompTIA Candidate Agreement. In an effort to more clearly communicate
CompTIA’s exam policies on use of unauthorized study materials, CompTIA directs all certification candidates to
the CompTIA Certification Exam Policies. Please review all CompTIA policies before beginning the study process
for any CompTIA exam. Candidates will be required to abide by the CompTIA Candidate Agreement. If a candidate
has a question as to whether study materials are considered unauthorized (aka “brain dumps”), they should contact
CompTIA at to confirm.
PLEASE NOTE
The lists of examples provided in bulleted format are not exhaustive lists. Other examples of technologies, processes,
or tasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam, although not listed or covered in this
objectives document. CompTIA is constantly reviewing the content of our exams and updating test questions to be
sure our exams are current, and the security of the questions is protected. When necessary, we will publish updated
exams based on existing exam objectives. Please know that all related exam preparation materials will still be valid.
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Certification Exam: Exam Objectives Version 2.0
Copyright © 2024 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved.
, TEST DETAILS
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 OBJECTIVES (DOMAINS)
The table below lists the domains measured by this examination and the extent to which they are represented.
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. While the methodology itself will not be tested, there remains an emphasis on
troubleshooting within the job role context. Therefore, the troubleshooting methodology section appears here as
part of this “competency standard” but does not constitute a formal objective or part of the A+ certification exam.
Training institutions that prepare individuals with very little technical knowledge and experience are encouraged
to leverage this methodology, especially when such individuals might be applying for their first IT job.
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.
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Certification Exam: Exam Objectives Version 2.0
Copyright © 2024 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved.
CERTIFICATION
Plus Series
CompTIA A+
Certification Exam
Objectives
EXAM NUMBER: CORE 1 (220-1201)
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Certification Exam: Exam Objectives Version 2.0
Copyright © 2024 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved.
,About the Exam
Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 certification exam.
In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and 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.
EXAM ACCREDITATION
The CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) exams are accredited by ANSI to show compliance with
the ISO 17024 standard and, as such, undergo regular reviews and updates to the exam objectives.
EXAM DEVELOPMENT
CompTIA exams result from subject matter expert workshops and industry-wide survey results regarding the
skills and knowledge required of an IT professional.
COMPTIA AUTHORIZED MATERIALS USE POLICY
CompTIA Certifications, LLC is not affiliated with and does not authorize, endorse, or condone utilizing any
content provided by unauthorized third-party training sites (aka “brain dumps”). Individuals who utilize such materials
in preparation for any CompTIA examination will have their certifications revoked and be suspended
from future testing in accordance with the CompTIA Candidate Agreement. In an effort to more clearly communicate
CompTIA’s exam policies on use of unauthorized study materials, CompTIA directs all certification candidates to
the CompTIA Certification Exam Policies. Please review all CompTIA policies before beginning the study process
for any CompTIA exam. Candidates will be required to abide by the CompTIA Candidate Agreement. If a candidate
has a question as to whether study materials are considered unauthorized (aka “brain dumps”), they should contact
CompTIA at to confirm.
PLEASE NOTE
The lists of examples provided in bulleted format are not exhaustive lists. Other examples of technologies, processes,
or tasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam, although not listed or covered in this
objectives document. CompTIA is constantly reviewing the content of our exams and updating test questions to be
sure our exams are current, and the security of the questions is protected. When necessary, we will publish updated
exams based on existing exam objectives. Please know that all related exam preparation materials will still be valid.
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Certification Exam: Exam Objectives Version 2.0
Copyright © 2024 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved.
, TEST DETAILS
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 OBJECTIVES (DOMAINS)
The table below lists the domains measured by this examination and the extent to which they are represented.
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. While the methodology itself will not be tested, there remains an emphasis on
troubleshooting within the job role context. Therefore, the troubleshooting methodology section appears here as
part of this “competency standard” but does not constitute a formal objective or part of the A+ certification exam.
Training institutions that prepare individuals with very little technical knowledge and experience are encouraged
to leverage this methodology, especially when such individuals might be applying for their first IT job.
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.
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Certification Exam: Exam Objectives Version 2.0
Copyright © 2024 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved.
