Do I need Core 2 as well?

Yes. A+ is only awarded once both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) are passed. They are separate exams, separately priced, and can be taken in either order, though most people take Core 1 first.

What happened to 220-1101?

It is the previous version. CompTIA launched A+ V15 in March 2025, with Core 1 as 220-1201 and Core 2 as 220-1202, and revised the domain weightings. Study material written for 220-1101 is close but not identical, so check the version before you buy anything.

How hard is Core 1 without experience?

Passable, but troubleshooting is 28% of the exam and it is the part that punishes pure book study hardest. Take apart an old machine, build a VM, and connect something to a network. The symptom questions get much easier once you have seen the symptoms.

What are performance-based questions?

Simulations at the start of the exam that ask you to complete a task or match items rather than pick a letter. They carry more weight than a single multiple-choice item. If one stalls you, flag it, move on, and come back once the easier marks are banked.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)

220-1201· Beginner

A+ Core 1 is the first half of CompTIA A+, the standard entry credential for IT support roles. It covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud. The largest single slice is hardware and network troubleshooting. You need both Core 1 and Core 2 (220-1202) to earn the A+ certification itself.

Up to 90
Questions: 90 min
Duration: 675 on a 100 to 900 scale
Passing score: About US$253 per Core exam
Exam cost

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Exam facts reviewed July 2026 · Independent study resource, not affiliated with CompTIA

Who should take it

People entering IT support, help desk and field technician roles. It also suits self-taught technicians who want a recognised credential behind existing skills. CompTIA recommends around 12 months of hands-on experience in a support role, but nothing is enforced and many candidates study for it as a first certification.

Skills measured

Domains and weightings as published by CompTIA. Full objectives →

13%Mobile Devices
23%Networking
25%Hardware
11%Virtualization and Cloud Computing
28%Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

Prepare with Kwizza

Free practice exam: full-length, weighted to the official blueprint, every answer explained
Study guide: focus areas for each domain, common mistakes, and exam-day tips
Exam objectives: the official domains, broken down skill by skill
Sample questions: real questions from our bank, with answers and explanations
How our exams are made: the quality checks behind every question

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Core 2 as well?: Yes. A+ is only awarded once both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) are passed. They are separate exams, separately priced, and can be taken in either order, though most people take Core 1 first.
What happened to 220-1101?: It is the previous version. CompTIA launched A+ V15 in March 2025, with Core 1 as 220-1201 and Core 2 as 220-1202, and revised the domain weightings. Study material written for 220-1101 is close but not identical, so check the version before you buy anything.
How hard is Core 1 without experience?: Passable, but troubleshooting is 28% of the exam and it is the part that punishes pure book study hardest. Take apart an old machine, build a VM, and connect something to a network. The symptom questions get much easier once you have seen the symptoms.
What are performance-based questions?: Simulations at the start of the exam that ask you to complete a task or match items rather than pick a letter. They carry more weight than a single multiple-choice item. If one stalls you, flag it, move on, and come back once the easier marks are banked.

Related certifications

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701): The usual next credential after A+ for a security-leaning path
CompTIA Network+: Goes deeper on the networking material Core 1 introduces