Exam Overview

The 220-1201 A+ Core 1 exam is the current exam for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 credential and follows CompTIA’s published objectives for 220-1201.

• Exam Code: 220-1201
• Level: Core CompTIA certification exam
• Duration: 90 minutes. Available languages: English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai.
• Passing Score: 675 on a scale of 100–900.
• Unscored Content: CompTIA may include unscored questions for research purposes; the number is not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Structure

The 220-1201 A+ Core 1 exam contains a maximum of 90 questions and measures the weighted domains in the official A+ Core 1 syllabus.

• Question Types: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
• Number of Questions: Maximum of 90.
• Hands-On Questions: Performance-based questions are included when specified in the official exam details; the exact number is not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Policies

Before completing A+ Core 1 exam registration, review the CompTIA Candidate Agreement, testing policies, identification rules, Pearson VUE requirements, and appointment confirmation.

• Rescheduling: Change the appointment through the Pearson VUE account at least 24 hours before the scheduled time. A late change can forfeit the exam fee.
• Cancellation: Cancel through Pearson VUE at least 24 hours before the appointment. Missing the deadline or appointment normally forfeits the voucher or payment.
• Retake Policy: There is no waiting period between the first and second attempts. After a second or later failure, wait at least 14 calendar days before another attempt.
• Retake Fee: Each retake requires a new voucher or payment of the current A+ Core 1 exam fee unless the original purchase explicitly includes retake protection.

Certification Validity and Renewal Options

Passing Core 1 alone does not award CompTIA A+. Candidates must also pass 220-1202 Core 2 from the same exam series.

• Validity: The A+ certification is valid for three years after both required exams are passed.
• Renewal Options: Renew through CompTIA’s Continuing Education program by earning 20 CEUs, completing CertMaster CE where available, passing the current A+ exams, or earning an eligible higher-level certification.

Exam Fee

• Base A+ Core 1 exam fee: A separate voucher is required for Core 1. CompTIA uses regional pricing, and the current amount is displayed in the CompTIA Marketplace and during checkout. This is the main component of the A+ Core 1 certification cost.
• Taxes: VAT, GST, or other local taxes may apply and can change the final A+ Core 1 certification cost.
• Example (India): Review the INR price and applicable tax shown during A+ Core 1 exam registration because CompTIA does not publish one universal tax-inclusive amount.

Prerequisites

Formal Prerequisites: CompTIA does not require another certification before candidates can schedule this exam.

• CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role. There are no mandatory prerequisites.
• Preparation should combine the current official A+ Core 1 syllabus, approved learning resources, and hands-on practice appropriate to the target role.
• Verify the exam code before studying or purchasing a voucher because older versions can contain different objectives, weightings, and technologies.

Exam Topics

The official A+ Core 1 syllabus contains the following weighted domains and preparation focus:

• Mobile Devices – 13%: laptop hardware, mobile accessories, connectivity, and device support.
• Networking – 23%: protocols, ports, wireless technologies, services, addressing, devices, and tools.
• Hardware – 25%: cables, components, storage, printers, power, and workstation configuration.
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing – 11%: virtualization concepts, cloud models, and client-side cloud technologies.
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting – 28%: systematic diagnosis of common hardware, storage, display, mobile, printer, and network issues.
• Current Blueprint Focus – Review every task statement, acronym, and technology list in the official A+ Core 1 syllabus before scheduling.

Intended Audience

The 220-1201 A+ Core 1 exam is intended for professionals and learners whose work or goals align with its current objectives, including:

• Aspiring IT Support Specialists
• Help Desk Technicians
• Desktop Support Technicians
• Field Service Technicians
• Students and Career Changers
• Junior Systems Support Staff
• Candidates Pursuing CompTIA A+

Career Opportunities

Knowledge represented by the 220-1201 A+ Core 1 exam supports development toward roles such as:

• IT Support Technician
• Help Desk Specialist
• Desktop Support Technician
• Field Service Technician
• Technical Support Specialist
• Junior Systems Administrator

Average Salary (Approximate)

CompTIA does not publish salary ranges for A+ Core 1 holders. The following reputable employment-market estimates use closely related roles. Salaries vary by experience, employer, location, job role, and industry.

• United States: Approximately USD 45,000–75,000 per year for IT Support Technicians (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• India: Approximately INR 300,000–800,000 per year for IT Support Technicians (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• United Kingdom: Approximately GBP 25,000–45,000 per year for IT Support Technicians (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• UAE: Approximately AED 48,000–144,000 per year for IT Support Technicians (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).

Exam Delivery Options

During A+ Core 1 exam registration, candidates can select an available Pearson VUE testing center or an online-proctored appointment when offered for the exam and location.

• Pearson VUE Test Center – Take the exam in person at an authorized testing center, subject to local appointment availability.
• Online Proctored Exam (OnVUE) – Take the exam remotely under live supervision when CompTIA and Pearson VUE make that option available.
• Online Exam Rules: Run the system test, use a private testing area and supported computer, present accepted identification, remove prohibited materials, and follow the proctor’s instructions.
• Test Center Rules: Arrive as directed, present accepted identification, store prohibited items, complete admission procedures, and follow the candidate agreement and center rules.

Exam Registration

Follow these steps to complete A+ Core 1 exam registration:

• Visit the official Pearson VUE CompTIA portal and sign in with the CompTIA account used for certification records.
• Select the 220-1201 A+ Core 1 exam, then choose an available test-center or online-proctored delivery option.
• Choose the language, location, date, and time, then verify the legal name, identification rules, and appointment policies.
• Pay the displayed A+ Core 1 exam fee or apply an eligible voucher, confirm the booking, and retain the confirmation email.

After Passing the Exam

After passing the 220-1201 A+ Core 1 exam, retain the score report and review the certification record in the CompTIA account.

• Passing Core 1 alone does not award CompTIA A+. Candidates must also pass 220-1202 Core 2 from the same exam series.
• Use the CompTIA certification account to review credential status, expiration information, digital badges, transcripts, and Continuing Education requirements.
• Follow the current renewal rules for the credential and keep professional contact details current so important certification notices are received.

Why the 220-1201 A+ Core 1 exam Is Worth It

• Validates skills against the current CompTIA-published objectives
• Demonstrates vendor-neutral technical capability
• Uses role-relevant, scenario-based assessment methods
• Creates a recognized foundation for career growth and continuing development