220-1101 Core 1 Exam: Part 1 for CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Exam Overview

The CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Core 1 exam is one of two exams required for the CompTIA A+ certification. It focuses on fundamental IT skills necessary for a technical support or IT operational role.

Number of Questions: Up to 90 questions
Question Types: Multiple-choice (single and multiple responses), drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions (which simulate real-world tasks)
Exam Length: 90 minutes
Passing Score: 675 (on a scale of 100-900)
Languages Available: English at launch; other languages include German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai, Spanish, and French
Recommended Experience: 9-12 months of hands-on experience in a lab or field
Retirement Date: Typically 3 years after the exam’s launch

220-1101 Core 1 CompTIA A+ Exam Topics

CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Core 1 exam topics cover the following details.

Mobile Devices (15%)

Understanding mobile device hardware and setting up mobile devices for common functions such as email and wireless networking.

Networking (20%)

Familiarity with basic networking technologies, including wired and wireless connections, protocols, and standards.

Hardware (25%)

In-depth knowledge of PC components, peripherals, and system architecture, including assembly and maintenance.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)

Concepts of cloud computing, virtualization, and cloud service models.

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)

Diagnosing and resolving common hardware and network problems, both in PCs and mobile devices.

CompTIA A+ Certification

To earn CompTIA A+ certification, you need to pass the following two exams.

•220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Core 1 Exam
•220-1102 CompTIA A+ Certification Core 2 Exam

CompTIA A+ Certification Benefits

1. Foundation for IT Careers
It provides a solid foundation in essential IT skills, including hardware, networking, mobile devices, cloud computing, and troubleshooting, which are critical for a variety of IT roles.

2. Versatile Career Opportunities
A+ certification qualifies you for various IT roles, such as:
IT Support Specialist
Help Desk Technician
Field Service Technician
Technical Support Analyst
Desktop Support Technician
It also opens doors to specialized fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and network administration.

3. Globally Recognized
The CompTIA A+ certification is recognized worldwide, making it valuable for IT professionals who may want to work in different countries or for multinational companies.

4. Pathway to Advanced Certifications
CompTIA A+ can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications, such as:
CompTIA Network+ (networking skills)
CompTIA Security+ (cybersecurity skills)
Vendor-specific certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, or AWS