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CompTIA certification

CompTIA A+

The industry standard to start your IT career.CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard to start your IT career and appears in more tech support job listings than any other IT credential. You'll need to pass two exams: Core 1 (hardware and networking) and Core 2 (operating systems and security), which you can take in any order.
CompTIA
Exam version: V15
Target roleHelp desk support specialist

Choose your

exam

A+ is earned by passing two exams, Core 1 and Core 2, which you can take in any order. Select an exam to see its skills, details and objectives.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 is the first of two exams required to earn the industry-standard A+ certification, designed to launch your tech career. This exam focuses on foundational skills in hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. Passing Core 1 and Core 2 prepares you for roles like IT support specialist and help desk technician while building the knowledge needed to pursue advanced certifications like Network+ and Security+.

Skills you'll

learn

Build skills with CompTIA learning and validate them with the A+ Core 1 certification.
Install, configure, and maintain hardware components and mobile devices.
Troubleshoot hardware, network, and connectivity issues.
Understand networking basics and configure SOHO networks.
Explain virtualization and cloud computing concepts.
Use troubleshooting tools to diagnose and resolve technical problems.

Exam

details

Everything you need to know before taking the A+ Core 1 exam.
Exam versionV15Core 1 and Core 2 exams must be taken from the same version, no mixing allowed.
Exam series code220-1201
Launch dateMarch 25, 2025
Number of questionsMaximum of 90 questions
Types of questionsMultiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop, and performance-based
Duration90 minutes
Passing score675 (on a scale of 900)
LanguagesEnglish, German, and Japanese
Recommended experience12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role
RetirementUsually three years after launch (estimated 2028)
DoD 8140 approved work rolesTechnical support specialist, system administrator, and cyber defense infrastructure support specialist

Exam

objectives

The A+ Core 1 (V15) exam covers the following domains, weighted by their share of the exam.
1

Mobile devices

13%
  • Hardware setup: installing components like batteries, cameras, and Wi-Fi antennas.
  • Accessory options: configuring USB, Bluetooth, NFC, and docking stations.
  • Network setup: configuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and synchronization settings.
  • Troubleshooting: identifying and fixing hardware and connectivity issues.
2

Networking

23%
  • Protocols and ports: learning about networking protocols, ports, and wireless technologies.
  • SOHO networks: setting up small office/home office networks, including IP addressing and VPNs.
  • Networking tools: troubleshooting with crimpers, cable testers, and Wi-Fi analyzers.
3

Hardware

25%
  • Component installation: setting up RAM, CPUs, and storage devices.
  • Cables and connectors: working with HDMI, Ethernet, and USB cables.
  • Peripheral devices: installing and maintaining printers, scanners, and other peripherals.
  • Motherboards and power: configuring motherboards, power supplies, and cooling solutions.
4

Virtualization and cloud computing

11%
  • Virtualization concepts: understanding virtual machines, hypervisors, and desktop virtualization.
  • Cloud models: learning about IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.
5

Hardware and network troubleshooting

28%
  • Diagnosing issues: identifying and fixing hardware, network, and connectivity problems.
  • Troubleshooting tools: using multimeters, cable testers, and loopback plugs.
Exam information is published by CompTIA and may change. Contact us for the current exam version and available sessions.

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