Visualize landing your dream IT job, earning a better salary, and gaining instant industry respect—CompTIA A+ 220-1201 certification is the spark that ignites that journey.
Why CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Matters in Today’s Job Market
The tech industry is booming, but competition is fierce. Employers want assurance that professionals can handle real-world troubleshooting, networking, mobile device management, and cloud basics. Enter the CompTIA A+ 220-1201, a certification globally recognized as the gold standard for hands-on IT support roles. Check out these expert tips to conquer Core 1: 👉 Conquering 220-1201: Top Tips for Success
Key Points:
- Validates essential skills: passing the 220-1201 shows you can install, configure, and maintain modern hardware, work with virtualization and cloud services, and troubleshoot urgent issues on day one.
- Backed by industry: CompTIA designs the A+ with feedback from IT leaders, making sure each exam version reflects today’s leading technologies and business practices.
- Required or preferred by top employers: including government, healthcare, finance, education, and cloud service providers.
Certification is more than passing a test—it’s documented proof of your readiness to perform and grow in dynamic tech environments.
Career Benefits of CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Certification
Higher earning power, more opportunities, and stronger job security are all within reach when you earn your A+ credential.
Advantages:
- Unlock better jobs: roles like IT support, help desk tech, field service tech, system support, and network administrator open up to certified pros.
- Earn more: certified IT workers consistently out-earn their non-certified peers—industry surveys confirm higher average salaries and faster promotions for A+ holders.
- Increase job security: as technology changes, A+ keeps your skills current, making you a valuable, adaptable asset in every IT department.
- Stand out in hiring: employers often screen applicants by certification—adding A+ gives you an instant edge even if you lack years of experience.
- Build for the future: A+ is your launchpad for advanced IT certifications like Network+, Security+, Server+, and cloud-focused credentials. Each step up brings new expertise and career possibilities.
Testimonial (Paraphrased):
“I was stuck in routine roles until I earned my CompTIA A+—now I’m problem-solving, collaborating, and moving toward cybersecurity certification. It made my career real.”
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam Overview
| Exam Name | CompTIA A+ |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | 220-1201 (Core 1) |
| Price | $265 USD |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Questions | Up to 90 |
| Passing Score | 675 / 900 (scaled) |
| Format | Multiple choice, performance-based |
| Prerequisite | None |
| Avg Experience Needed | ~12 months hands-on |
Who Should Pursue CompTIA A+ 220-1201?
This certification sets the standard for anyone interested in launching or upgrading an IT support career.
A+ Is Perfect For:
- Entry-level candidates looking for a first IT job
- Career changers (retail, admin, customer service) transitioning into tech
- Students and recent grads ready to stand out in the hiring pool
- Junior techs seeking promotion or wider responsibilities in their current jobs
- Freelancers or entrepreneurs offering IT support services
A+ 220-1201 is recognized globally and required for numerous DoD, government, and corporate positions. It proves you’re ready to troubleshoot, communicate clearly with users, and keep systems running—skills every organization needs.
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam Blueprint & Key Domains
The 220-1201 focuses on job-ready technical knowledge:
| Domain | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 13 |
| Networking | 23 |
| Hardware | 25 |
| Virtualization & Cloud Computing | 11 |
| Hardware/Network Troubleshooting | 28 |
Sample Skills You’ll Master:
- Installing and configuring laptops, tablets, and smartphones
- Diagnosing and fixing PC hardware and network issues
- Setting up and securing home/office networks (wired and wireless)
- Understanding cloud storage, virtualization, and basic scripting
- Using diagnostic tools (multimeters, cable testers) for real-world troubleshooting
See full objectives: Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 Objectives.
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Practice Tests—Your Success Accelerator
Practice tests mirror the live exam experience, making it easy to identify weak areas, avoid surprises, and build test-day confidence. Try free and premium practice exams, question banks, and timed simulations to boost your readiness.
- Realistic scenarios and question formats from recent successful test-takers
- Unlimited test retakes and progress tracking
- Affordable options with detailed feedback and support from certified experts
Ready to practice? Begin here: Take a CompTIA A+ 220-1201 practice test (Edusum)
FAQs
Q1. What is the best way to prepare for CompTIA A+ 220-1201?
Start with official objectives, use trusted video training, and take practice exams to assess your readiness. Realistic exam simulations and guided study platforms are especially effective.
Q2. How much does the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam cost?
The A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam costs $265 USD (pricing as of 2025).
Q3. What jobs can I get with A+ 220-1201 certification?
Common roles: IT support specialist, help desk technician, network technician, field service tech, and junior systems administrator.
Q4. What topics are covered in the A+ 220-1201 exam?
You’ll be tested on mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization/cloud computing, and hardware/network troubleshooting.
Q5. Are practice exams important for 220-1201 success?
Absolutely—practice tests reveal weak spots and build confidence by familiarizing you with the real exam format.
Q6. How often is the A+ updated, and how long is it valid?
Exam versions launch every 3 years. Once certified, your A+ is valid for 3 years, renewable by earning CEUs or retaking the exam.
Q7. Is CompTIA A+ 220-1201 difficult for beginners?
It’s designed for entry-level techs but requires dedicated study (ideally 12 months hands-on experience or equivalent training).
Q8. Can I take the A+ exam online?
Yes—CompTIA offers secure, proctored online testing options and authorized test centers globally.
Final Thoughts
The CompTIA A+ 220-1201 isn’t just a certification—it’s your ticket to professional confidence, industry respect, and a limitless tech career. Employers value practical, certified skills. Passing A+ opens doors, boosts your salary potential, and builds real-world confidence.
- Follow an intentional study plan, review the official objectives, and take targeted practice exams to optimize your success.
- Invest in your learning journey today for rewards that will last your entire IT career.
Ready to level up?
Start practicing, get certified, and watch new doors open: Practice Tests & Registration
