220-1201A+

What's on the A+ Core 1 exam

Core 1 is the hardware-and-networking half of the A+: mobile devices, networking fundamentals, PC hardware, virtualization basics, and the troubleshooting that ties them together.

5 domains  ·  27objectives  ·  in official exam order

1.0 Mobile Devices

13% of the exam
  • 1.1Checking laptop and mobile hardware health, and swapping out serviceable parts
  • 1.2Mobile device accessories and the ways they connect
  • 1.3Setting up mobile network connectivity and supporting mobile apps

2.0 Networking

23% of the exam
  • 2.1TCP vs. UDP, common port numbers, and what each protocol is for
  • 2.2Wi-Fi standards, frequencies, and other wireless technologies
  • 2.3Server roles and network services: DNS, DHCP, file, print, and more
  • 2.4IP addressing and core network configuration ideas
  • 2.5Routers, switches, access points, and other network gear compared
  • 2.6Building a small office / home office wired and wireless network
  • 2.7Internet connection options and network types side by side
  • 2.8Cable testers, crimpers, and the rest of the network toolkit

3.0 Hardware

25% of the exam
  • 3.1What makes up a display: panel technologies and their traits
  • 3.2Recognizing cables and connectors, feature by feature
  • 3.3RAM types and what separates them
  • 3.4Storage compared: SSDs, hard drives, and removable media
  • 3.5Installing motherboards, CPUs, and expansion cards
  • 3.6Choosing and installing the right power supply
  • 3.7Setting up printers and multifunction devices
  • 3.8Keeping every printer type maintained

4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing

11% of the exam
  • 4.1Virtualization fundamentals: VMs, hypervisors, and why they matter
  • 4.2Cloud computing models and characteristics

5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

28% of the exam
  • 5.1Diagnosing motherboard, RAM, CPU, and power problems
  • 5.2Troubleshooting drives and RAID arrays
  • 5.3Fixing video, projector, and display issues
  • 5.4Troubleshooting common laptop and mobile device failures
  • 5.5Working through wired and wireless network problems
  • 5.6Solving print quality, connectivity, and print job problems

This is our plain-English overview of what the exam covers, in the blueprint's order. The official objectives document — with every sub-objective — is published by CompTIA.

Get the official objectives at CompTIA.org ↗

Study every one of these topics here

ExamWizardz turns this list into a guided plan — practice tests, hands-on labs and PBQs, flashcards, and articles mapped to the A+ Core 1 exam.

CompTIA®, A+®, Network+®, and Security+® are registered trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. ExamWizardz is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by CompTIA. This overview is ExamWizardz's own summary of publicly documented exam scope.