The 220-1201 Guide
Everything you need to know before sitting for CompTIA A+ Core 1
Why 220-1201 matters in 2026
CompTIA A+ Core 1 is one of the most recognized credentials issued by CompTIA, and 2026 hiring data continues to show 220-1201 on job postings as either required or strongly preferred for the roles it targets. The certification validates that you can apply real working knowledge, not just recall facts, across 5 distinct exam domains, with the largest weight on Hardware and Network Troubleshooting. For candidates competing in the CompTIA ecosystem, 220-1201 is a clear signal to a hiring manager that you have invested in measurable, third-party-verified competence.
Who should take 220-1201
220-1201 is most useful for professionals working in or moving toward the CompTIA ecosystem. In short: Hardware, networking, and troubleshooting for IT support technicians. If you are early in your career, 220-1201 is one of the fastest credentials to add to a résumé that recruiters actively screen for. If you are mid-career, it formalizes the skills you already use day-to-day and unlocks roles that gate on it. If you are switching tracks, it gives you a structured curriculum that tells you exactly what to study, in what order, weighted by what the real exam tests.
Exam structure and difficulty
The CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam is organized into 5 domains, each weighted by the official CompTIA exam guide. The heaviest weighting is Hardware and Network Troubleshooting at 29% of the exam, so that is where you should spend the most preparation time. The lightest is Virtualization and Cloud Computing at 11%, meaning you can dedicate roughly proportional review time without over-investing.
Format details: Maximum 90 questions · 90 minutes · Multiple-choice and performance-based · Recommended 12 months hands-on experience · Passing score 675/900. Following the domain weights is the single biggest leverage point candidates miss, because many over-study lower-weighted material that feels comfortable.
How to prepare
A practical four-step plan for 220-1201:
- Read the official CompTIA exam guide for 220-1201 and write down every sub-objective. This becomes your study checklist.
- Use the domain practice quizzes on this page in weight order (heaviest first). Aim for 80% on each domain before moving on.
- When you miss a question, read the explanation for every wrong answer, because that contrastive learning is where understanding compounds.
- Once every domain is at 80%+, take the Mix Quiz repeatedly to simulate real exam conditions across all topics.
Career outcomes and salary
Holders of 220-1201 in the US currently see compensation in the range of $45k to $81k per year, with median around $64k. Help desk / IT support entry roles Salary varies by region, employer size, and complementary skills, but the 220-1201 credential consistently lifts the floor of what you can negotiate against. Source: ZipRecruiter, Coursera, 2026.
Common pitfalls
The three traps that kill 220-1201 candidates: (1) over-memorizing acronyms instead of practicing the application of concepts in scenarios, when the exam is scenario-driven, not a vocab quiz. (2) Skipping the heaviest-weighted domain because it feels less interesting, which can fail the whole exam by neglecting Hardware and Network Troubleshooting. (3) Not timing practice sessions, when the exam has a real clock and pacing is its own skill. Build timing into your last two weeks of prep.
220-1201 questions, answered
How many questions are on the A+ Core 1 exam?
Up to 90 questions, multiple-choice and performance-based, in 90 minutes.
What is the passing score for A+ Core 1?
You need 675 out of 900.
How much does CompTIA A+ cost?
Each exam (Core 1 and Core 2) costs $274 as of 2026, so budget around $548 total since you need to pass both to earn the certification.
Do I need both Core 1 and Core 2 to get A+?
Yes. Passing only one exam does not earn any certification on its own; you need to pass both 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) within CompTIA's eligibility window.
Is A+ Core 1 or Core 2 harder?
Most candidates find Core 1 more hands-on and hardware-heavy (mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud, troubleshooting), while Core 2 leans more into operating systems, security, and procedures. Neither is universally harder; it depends on your background.
Is CompTIA A+ worth it for beginners?
Yes, it is the standard entry credential for help desk and desktop support roles and does not require any prior certification or work experience, just the recommended 12 months of hands-on exposure.
Is this A+ Core 1 practice test free?
Yes. Every A+ Core 1 practice question on QuizBuffet is free, with instant feedback and an explanation for each answer, no signup required.