A+ CORE 1 (220-1201)

CompTIA A+ Core 1
Practice Tests

6 full mock exams + special modes.
Scaled scoring 100–900. Passing: 675. Covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud, and troubleshooting.

Full Mock Exams 90 questions · 90 min · Scaled 100–900

Mock 1 Full Exam
90 Questions 90 min 675/900
Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud, troubleshooting.
Start Mock 1
Mock 2 Full Exam
90 Questions 90 min 675/900
Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud, troubleshooting.
Start Mock 2
Mock 3 Full Exam
90 Questions 90 min 675/900
Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud, troubleshooting.
Start Mock 3
Mock 4 Full Exam
90 Questions 90 min 675/900
Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud, troubleshooting.
Start Mock 4
Mock 5 Full Exam
90 Questions 90 min 675/900
Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud, troubleshooting.
Start Mock 5
Mock 6 Full Exam
90 Questions 90 min 675/900
Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud, troubleshooting.
Start Mock 6

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)

BIOS Configurator PBQ
Configure boot order, Secure Boot, virtualization, and UEFI settings.
Open PBQ Labs
Cable Matching PBQ
Match SATA, USB-C, DisplayPort, RJ-45, and Molex to use cases.
Open PBQ Labs

Special Practice Modes

Quick Drill 45 Questions
Rapid-fire across all domains. Great for a quick review session.
Quick Drill (45Q)
Speed Challenge Timed
Full 90-question exam with only 60 minutes. Forces faster decision-making.
Speed Challenge

A+ Core 1 Exam Strategy & Study Tips

Hardware (25%) — Know Your Components

The hardware domain is the heaviest single domain. Focus on motherboard form factors (ATX, mATX, ITX), RAM types (DDR4 vs DDR5, DIMM vs SODIMM), storage interfaces (SATA, NVMe, M.2 keying), and power supply connectors (24-pin ATX, 8-pin EPS, PCIe power). The PBQ section tests your ability to configure BIOS/UEFI settings and identify cables — use our interactive labs to practice.

Troubleshooting (28%) — The Highest-Weight Domain

CompTIA places the most exam weight on troubleshooting. Master the 6-step methodology: Identify the problem → Establish a theory → Test the theory → Establish a plan → Verify functionality → Document findings. Real exam questions present scenario-based issues like "no display," "no boot," or "intermittent shutdown." Practice identifying the FIRST step in each scenario.

Networking (23%) — Ports & Protocols Are Critical

Memorize the well-known ports: HTTP 80, HTTPS 443, SSH 22, DNS 53, DHCP 67/68, RDP 3389, SMB 445. Know subnetting basics (CIDR notation), wireless standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax with frequencies and speeds), and cable types (Cat 5e/6/6a with distance limits). Network troubleshooting with ipconfig, ping, and tracert frequently appears.

Real Exam Tips from Certified Techs

PBQs appear first — budget 5-7 minutes each and flag if unsure. The exam timer runs during PBQs. Scores are scaled 100-900 with 675 passing. Use the CompTIA 6-step methodology for every troubleshooting question. Common traps: choosing a solution before identifying the problem, confusing cable types (Cat 5e vs Cat 6 distances), and mixing up TCP port numbers.

Sample CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) questions with explanations

Use these examples to check how the topics are tested. Read the explanation for every option you were unsure about, then start a scored practice set above.

Question 1 1.0 Mobile Devices

A technician is installing a new M.2 NVMe SSD in a laptop. Place the following steps in the correct order: 1) Remove the bottom panel. 2) Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at a 30-degree angle. 3) Gently press down the SSD and secure it with a screw. 4) Ground yourself to discharge static electricity. 5) Replace the bottom panel.

  • ✓ 4, 1, 2, 3, 5
  • ○ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • ○ 4, 2, 1, 3, 5
  • ○ 1, 4, 2, 3, 5
Answer: A. 4, 1, 2, 3, 5
Option A (4,1,2,3,5) is the correct order. The technician should first ground themselves (step 4) to prevent ESD damage. Then remove the bottom panel (step 1), insert the SSD at an angle (step 2), press down and secure with a screw (step 3), and finally replace the bottom panel (step 5). Option B places grounding after panel removal, which risks ESD. Option C inserts the SSD before removing the panel. Option D also puts grounding too late. Following proper ESD procedures and component installation order is critical for successful upgrades.
Question 2 1.0 Mobile Devices / 2.0 Networking

Which protocol typically uses TCP/UDP port 143?

  • ○ SSH
  • ○ RDP
  • ✓ IMAP
  • ○ SNMP
Answer: C. IMAP
TCP port 143 is used by assigned to IMAP.. It is a well-known port reserved by IANA for this service. Security best practice recommends restricting access to this port using a firewall.
Question 3 1.0 Mobile Devices / 3.0 Hardware

Which input device pressure-sensitive drawing pad?

  • ✓ Digitizer tablet
  • ○ QR scanner
  • ○ Stylus
  • ○ Touchpad
Answer: A. Digitizer tablet
Digitizer tablet: Pressure-sensitive drawing pad.
Question 4 1.0 Mobile Devices / 5.0 Troubleshooting

A laptop screen shows "dead pixels". What are likely causes?

  • ✓ Manufacturing defect, physical damage
  • ○ Cable issue, GPU problem, panel damage
  • ○ Loose cable, failing inverter, driver issue
  • ○ Backlight failure, inverter, brightness settings
Answer: A. Manufacturing defect, physical damage
Dead pixels: Manufacturing defect, physical damage.
Question 5 2.0 Networking

Which security term detects and removes malware?

  • ○ Patch management
  • ✓ Antivirus
  • ○ Encryption
  • ○ Firewall
Answer: B. Antivirus
Antivirus: Detects and removes malware.

Open the full CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) question-and-answer guide