CompTIAUpdated 2026Last reviewed

220-1201 Practice Test

Master the Hardware Half of A+. Pass 220-1201.

500 scenario-based practice questions covering mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud, and hardware/network troubleshooting. The first of the two A+ exams.

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Your 220-1201 exam is in the next 2–4 weeks
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The CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) is a core-level CompTIA certification. The exam has 90 questions, runs 90 minutes, costs $253, and requires a passing score of 675/900. CertSharp provides 500 exam-style 220-1201 practice questions — 30 free with no signup — each with a detailed explanation.

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Updated for 2026 exam blueprint
Detailed explanations for every question

Exam Overview

220-1201 Exam Details

Know exactly what to expect on exam day

Questions

90

Duration

90 minutes

Passing Score

675/900

Exam Cost

$253

Coverage

Exam Domains Covered

Every question maps to an official 220-1201 domain

1

Mobile Devices (13%)

2

Networking (23%)

3

Hardware (25%)

4

Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)

5

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

Why CertSharp

Built for Exam Day, Not Just Study Time

Study guides teach concepts. We prepare you for the actual 220-1201 exam.

1

Troubleshooting scenarios mirror the real A+ performance-based questions — diagnose the failing component, not just recall specs

2

Every explanation connects hardware to symptoms: why a system POSTs but shows no display, not just a parts list

3

Networking questions calibrated to the 23% domain weight that surprises hardware-focused candidates

4

Updated for the 220-1201 (4.0) objectives — modern mobile, cloud, and virtualization included

Sample Question

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Harder than the real exam, with detailed explanations

Sample — 220-1201

A technician installs a second stick of RAM in a desktop, but the system now only boots intermittently and sometimes reports a different total memory amount. The two sticks are different brands but the same listed speed. What is the most likely cause?

A

The power supply wattage is insufficient for two memory modules

B

The modules are mismatched and not running reliably together; timings/compatibility differ

C

The motherboard BIOS needs to be reset to factory defaults

D

The RAM must be installed in slots 1 and 2 rather than 1 and 3

Explanation

Mixing different-brand modules — even at the same rated speed — often causes instability because timings, voltage, and SPD profiles differ; the system may downclock, error, or report inconsistent capacity. RAM draws minimal power, so PSU wattage is not the issue. A BIOS reset would not fix a physical mismatch, and dual-channel slot pairing affects performance, not intermittent boots/capacity reporting like a true incompatibility does.

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Official Certification Resources

Our practice questions align with official exam objectives. Study official materials first, then use CertSharp to test your readiness.

View Official 220-1201 Exam Details

FAQ

220-1201 Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about CompTIA A+ Core 1

What is the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam?
Core 1 (220-1201) is the first of two exams for the CompTIA A+ certification. It covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud, and hardware/network troubleshooting. The exam has up to 90 questions, runs 90 minutes, costs $253, and requires a passing score of 675/900.
Do I need both A+ exams to be certified?
Yes. The CompTIA A+ certification requires passing both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You can take them in either order, but most candidates take Core 1 first.
How hard is A+ Core 1?
Core 1 is entry-level but broad. The hardware and troubleshooting domains (combined 53%) carry the most weight, and the performance-based questions require applying knowledge, not just memorizing. Most candidates need 4–8 weeks per exam.
What is the A+ Core 1 passing score?
The 220-1201 passing score is 675 on a scale of 100–900. CompTIA uses scaled scoring, so the exact number of correct answers needed varies by exam form.
How many questions are on A+ Core 1?
The 220-1201 exam has up to 90 questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions, with a 90-minute time limit.
Should I take Core 1 or Core 2 first?
Either works, but most candidates take Core 1 (hardware and networking) first because it builds the physical and connectivity foundation that Core 2 (operating systems and security) assumes.
How long to study for A+ Core 1?
Most candidates study 4–8 weeks for each A+ exam. Prioritize the hardware and troubleshooting domains, and get hands-on with real or virtual machines to handle the performance-based questions.
Is CompTIA A+ worth it in 2026?
Yes, for entry-level IT, help desk, and field technician roles. A+ is one of the most widely requested foundational IT certifications and a stepping stone to Network+ and Security+.

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220-1201 Practice Test 2026 | CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Questions | CertSharp