CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)

Watch for V15 (220-1201) versus V14 (220-1101) materials when buying study resources. V14 was retired September 2025 — anything published before March 2025 may be missing AI-in-IT-support, Wi-Fi 6E, SDN, and expanded cloud-troubleshooting content. Buy V15 (220-1201) materials only.

The CompTIA troubleshooting methodology is described as job-knowledge competency and is not a formal objective of the Core 1 (220-1201) exam. The same systematic thinking still helps on scenario-based troubleshooting questions across A+, but the methodology list itself is not part of the published objectives. For reference, the current published order is: identify the problem → establish a theory of probable cause → test the theory → establish a plan of action and implement the solution → verify full system functionality → document findings, lessons learned, actions, and outcomes.

Memorize the laser printer imaging process: processing → charging → exposing → developing → transferring → fusing → cleaning. The exam loves multi-step ordering questions, and printers are the highest-density single topic by question-per-objective ratio.

Build a port-number flashcard deck early and drill it daily. Expect 5-10 raw memorization questions on the standard port list (20/21, 22, 23, 25, 53, 67/68, 80, 110, 143, 161, 389, 443, 445, 3389, 3306, etc.). There is no shortcut — drill them.

A+ includes performance-based questions (PBQs). CompTIA's official guidance: simulation PBQs can be skipped and returned to later, but virtual-environment PBQs cannot be navigated away from. Partial credit may be given. CompTIA does not publish how PBQs are weighted relative to multiple-choice — treat the scoring details as confidential and focus on completing every PBQ fully if possible.

Maximum 90 questions in 90 minutes is the official ceiling. PBQs typically consume more time than multiple-choice, so practice timed mock exams and have a pacing plan — most candidates allocate larger blocks to PBQs and roughly 30-60 seconds to each multiple-choice item.

Hardware questions lean on visual recognition. Have a tab open with images of every cable, connector, RAM stick, motherboard form factor, and storage form factor. The exam interface shows real photos, not idealized diagrams.

RAID math questions are common: usable capacity, fault tolerance, minimum drives. Drill: RAID 0 = 0 drives lost / 100% capacity, RAID 1 = 1 drive / 50%, RAID 5 = 1 drive / (n-1)/n, RAID 10 = up to half (one per mirror) / 50%.

The Mobile Devices domain is the smallest (13%) but candidates often under-prepare it because it 'feels easy'. Don't skip it — it's a quick high-yield bank of points covering things you may already use daily (USB-C PD, Lightning, MagSafe, MDM, app stores).

Both Cores must be from the same version. If you pass 220-1201 you must pair it with 220-1202 (not 220-1102). CompTIA does not let you mix versions. Plan to sit both within the V15 lifetime (estimated 2025-2028).