CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Preparation Details
This CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) study guide walks through all five exam domains, from mobile devices to hardware and network troubleshooting. Each objective links to official vendor documentation so you can study it directly. You can also explore more CompTIA certification study guides on the CompTIA to keep building your skills.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Materials
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1.0 Mobile Devices 13%
1.1 Given a scenario, monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques.
Battery
Apple Service and Repair for iPhone Battery
Surface Laptop 7th Edition: Component Disassembly and Reassembly
Dell Latitude 5511 Service Manual
Keyboard/keys
Surface Laptop 7th Edition: Component Disassembly and Reassembly
Surface Laptop 3 and Laptop 4 Component Disassembly and Reassembly
Random-access memory (RAM)
Dell Latitude 5511 Service Manual
Hard disk drive (HDD)/solid-state drive (SSD)
Surface Laptop 3 and Laptop 4 Component Disassembly and Reassembly
Dell Latitude 5511 Service Manual
Wireless cards
Dell Latitude 5511 Service Manual
Physical privacy and security components
About Face ID advanced technology
About Touch ID advanced security technology
Make purchases using Apple Pay
Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement
Surface Laptop 7th Edition: Component Disassembly and Reassembly
Surface Laptop 3 and Laptop 4 Component Disassembly and Reassembly
Camera/webcam
Camera doesn’t work in Windows
Manage cameras with Camera settings in Windows 11
Microphone
Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
Camera doesn’t work in Windows
1.2 Compare and contrast accessories and connectivity options for mobile devices.
Connection methods
About the USB-C to Lightning Adapter
Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android
Share your internet connection from your iPhone
Accessories
Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows
Connect through Bluetooth on your Pixel phone
Manage cameras with Camera settings in Windows 11
Connect iPhone to Bluetooth accessories
Docking station
Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock overview
Identify your Surface Dock and features
Port replicator
Identify your Surface Dock and features
Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock overview
Trackpad/drawing pad/track points
Wacom Intuos : How to setup and get started
Use the TrackPoint pointing device
Fix touchpad problems in Windows
1.3 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and provide application support.
Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable)
Use cellular data on your iPhone or iPad
Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android
Connect to Wi-Fi networks on your Android device
Bluetooth
Connect through Bluetooth on your Pixel phone
Connect iPhone to Bluetooth accessories
Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows
Find & set up Bluetooth devices near your Android device
If a Bluetooth accessory won’t connect to your iPhone or iPad
Location services
Manage your Android device’s location settings
How Location Accuracy improves location
Turn Location Services and GPS on or off on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
About privacy and Location Services in iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS
Manage location permissions for apps
Mobile device management (MDM)
Enrollment guide: Microsoft Intune enrollment
User Enrollment and device management
Use compliance policies to set rules for devices you manage with Intune
App Protection Policies Overview
What is Microsoft Intune app management?
Mobile device synchronization
Use cellular data on your iPhone or iPad
Check your mobile plan & buy mobile data on Android
Use OneDrive on Android and iOS devices
Introduction to the Outlook Calendar
How to back up your iPhone or iPad with iCloud
2.0 Networking 23%
2.1 Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes.
Ports and protocols
Service Name and Transport Protocol Port Number Registry
Service overview and network port requirements for Windows
Network ports for clients and mail flow in Exchange
What is SMB File Sharing for Windows and Windows Server?
TCP vs. UDP
RFC 9293: STD 7: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
RFC 768: STD 6: User Datagram Protocol
Service Name and Transport Protocol Port Number Registry
2.2 Explain wireless networking technologies.
Frequencies
Regulations Enabling 6 GHz Wi-Fi®
Wi-Fi Alliance® delivers Wi-Fi 6E certification program
What is Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7?
Channels
Regulations Enabling 6 GHz Wi-Fi®
What is Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7?
Bluetooth
Understanding Bluetooth® range
802.11 standards
NFC
Radio-frequency identification (RFID)
2.3 Summarize services provided by networked hosts.
Server roles
Service overview and network port requirements for Windows
Network Policy Server overview
What is SMB File Sharing for Windows and Windows Server?
Print and Document Services Overview
Internet appliances
Guide to a Secure Enterprise Network Landscape
Explicit Forward Proxy overview
Legacy/embedded systems
Guide to Operational Technology (OT) Security
Microsoft Defender for IoT architecture and components for your OT environment
Establish an OT/IoT discipline
Internet of Things (IoT) devices
What is IoT (Internet of Things)?
What is IoT (Internet of Things)?
Connected device architectures on Google Cloud
2.4 Explain common network configuration concepts.
DNS
DNS Architecture in Windows Server
Overview of DNS zones and records
Email authentication in cloud organizations
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) for Authorizing Use of Domains in Email, Version 1
RFC 6376: STD 76: DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) Signatures
Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC)
DHCP
What is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server in Windows Server?
Quickstart: Install and configure DHCP Server
RFC 2131: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Virtual LAN [local area network] (VLAN)
VLAN Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS XE 17.13.x (Catalyst 9300 Switches)
Managed switches vs unmanaged switches
What are the different types of network switches?
Virtual private network (VPN)
What is a virtual private network (VPN)?
How Virtual Private Networks Work
2.5 Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.
Routers
What Is Network Address Translation (NAT)?
Switches
Managed switches vs unmanaged switches
What are the different types of network switches?
Access points
What is a wireless access point?
Patch panel
SYSTIMAX® Copper Structured Cabling for Enterprise Networks
Uniprise® Copper Structured Cabling for Enterprise Networks
Firewall
Guidelines on Firewalls and Firewall Policy
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
What is Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
Cisco Small Business High Power Gigabit Power over Ethernet Injector Data Sheet
Cable modem
A “101” on DOCSIS® Technology: The Heart of Cable Broadband
Understanding Data Throughput in a DOCSIS World
Need Help Connecting Your Cable Modem and Router? Follow These Simple Steps!
Digital subscriber line (DSL)
What is a WAN (wide-area network)?
Optical network terminal (ONT)
What Is Passive Optical Networking (PON)?
Nokia ONT G-010G-R Quick Reference Guide
Network interface card (NIC)
Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
2.6 Given a scenario, configure basic wired/wireless small office/home office (SOHO) networks.
Internet Protocol (IP) addressing
RFC 1918: BCP 5: Address Allocation for Private Internets
RFC 4291: IP Version 6 Addressing Architecture
RFC 3927: Dynamic Configuration of IPv4 Link-Local Addresses
Understand TCP/IP addressing and subnetting basics
How to use automatic TCP/IP addressing without a DHCP server
2.7 Compare and contrast internet connection types, network types, and their characteristics.
Internet connection types
What Is Passive Optical Networking (PON)?
A “101” on DOCSIS® Technology: The Heart of Cable Broadband
Network types
What is a WAN (wide-area network)?
What is a storage area network (SAN)?
2.8 Explain networking tools and their purposes.
Crimper
Punch Down and Termination Tools
Cable stripper
Punch Down and Termination Tools
Wi-Fi analyzer
LinkIQ™ Cable+Wi-Fi+Network Tester
Advanced troubleshooting wireless network connectivity
Toner probe
IntelliTone™ Pro 200 LAN Toner, Tracer, and Probe
Pro3000™ Tone and Probe Series
Fault Locators and Tone Generators
Punchdown tool
D914™ Series Impact Punchdown Tools
Punch Down and Termination Tools
Cable tester
Network Cable Testers and Ethernet Tools
MicroScanner™ Cable Verifier Series
Copper Cable Tester Selection Guide
Loopback plug
Network Cable Testers and Ethernet Tools
Network tap
What are the different types of network switches?
3.0 Hardware 25%
3.1 Compare and contrast display components and attributes.
Types
About the Liquid Retina XDR display on iPad Pro
Studio Display XDR – Tech Specs
VA vs. IPS vs. TN Which Monitor Panel is Best for Gaming?
IPS vs. OLED vs. VA vs. TN:Which Display Technology is Right for You?
Touch screen/digitizer
How to fix touch issues on your Surface touchscreen
Advanced Touchscreen Troubleshooting for Dell Laptops and 2-in-1 Systems
Touchscreen Implementation Guide
How to Fix a Touch Screen Not Working Issue on Dell Computers
Inverter
About the Liquid Retina XDR display on iPad Pro
Attributes
Change the refresh rate on your monitor in Windows
Change your screen resolution and layout in Windows
Use DirectX with Advanced Color on high/standard dynamic range displays
About the Liquid Retina XDR display on iPad Pro
3.2 Summarize basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.
Network cables
Cisco High-Density Fiber Patch Panel, Simplex, MPO, and Breakout Cables
Cisco SFP Modules for Gigabit Ethernet Applications Data Sheet
Use of Mode Conditioning Patch Cables in Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit
Peripheral cables
USB Ports Explained: Types, Connectors, Speeds & Troubleshooting
Understanding USB Type-C Features and Benefits
Identify the ports on your Mac
About the Apple Thunderbolt Pro Cables
Connecting and Troubleshooting IoT Devices Using Asynchronous Serial Interfaces
Video cables
Understanding Video Cables: Which One Do You Need
What Is DisplayPort and How Does It Work
HDMI Ports on Dell Devices: Complete guide
Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C
What Is the Best HDMI Cable for System Installations
Hard drive cables
How To Install and Troubleshoot Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Drives
Adapters
Adapters for the Thunderbolt or USB-C port on your Mac
About the USB-C to Lightning Adapter
HDMI to DisplayPort Adapter: A Simple Guide
Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C
Connector types
A Guide to the External Ports and Connectors on a Dell Computer
USB Ports Explained: Types, Connectors, Speeds & Troubleshooting
About the Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable
NFX250 Cable Specifications and Pinouts
Cisco SFP Modules for Gigabit Ethernet Applications Data Sheet
3.3 Compare and contrast RAM characteristics.
Form factors
What Is RAM Memory and How Does It Work in a Computer
DDR5 RAM: Everything you need to know
Double Data Rate (DDR) iterations
DDR5 RAM: Everything you need to know
How to Find Max Memory Size, Max Speed, and Max Number of Channels Supported by
What Is RAM Memory and How Does It Work in a Computer
Error-correcting code (ECC) vs. non-ECC RAM
What is error correcting code (ECC) memory?
How to Find Max Memory Size, Max Speed, and Max Number of Channels Supported by
Channel configurations
How to Choose RAM for a Gaming PC
How to Find Max Memory Size, Max Speed, and Max Number of Channels Supported by
3.4 Compare and contrast storage devices.
Hard drives
Understanding Hard Disk Drive or Solid State Drives on Dell Computers
Toshiba MQ04 Series Hard Disk Drives
Solid-state drives
Differences Between M2 Cards M2 Slots Keys Sizes and Types
NVMe SSD Guide: Sizes, Setup, Troubleshooting and FAQs
mSATA and M.2 SSDs: What’s the difference?
Understanding Hard Disk Drive or Solid State Drives on Dell Computers
Drive configurations
PowerEdge: What are the different RAID levels and their specifications
Defining RAID Volumes for Intel Rapid Storage Technology
Supported Levels for Intel RAID Controllers
Removable storage
Bus Speed (Default Speed/High Speed/UHS/SD Express)
Optical drives
Optical Disc Drives and Optical Disc Compatibility Guide
Troubleshooting Optical Drive Recognition Issues in Windows
Optical Disk Drive is Unable to Write or Burn Data to a Disc
Optical Disk Drives CD DVD, and Blu-Ray is Unable to Read
3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
Motherboard form factors
Compatibility of Intel® Core™ Desktop Processors (12th, 13th and 14th gen)
Motherboard connector types
Differences Between M2 Cards M2 Slots Keys Sizes and Types
A Guide to the External Ports and Connectors on a Dell Computer
Motherboard compatibility
Socket LGA1700 with Comparison to Socket LGA1200
Compatibility of Intel® Core™ Desktop Processors (12th, 13th and 14th gen)
BIOS/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) settings
Virtualization support
Does My Processor Support Intel® Virtualization Technology?
System requirements for Hyper-V on Windows and Windows Server
Encryption
What Is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM)?
What is Azure Key Vault Managed HSM?
CPU architecture
What Are the Differences Between vCPU, Core, and Hyperthreading on an Intel®
What Is Performance Hybrid Architecture?
Expansion cards
Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
Understanding Video Cables: Which One Do You Need
Cooling
How to Stop Computer and Laptop Overheating and Shut Down Issues
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Computer Fan Issues
3.6 Given a scenario, install the appropriate power supply.
Input 110-120 VAC vs. 220-240 VAC
Dell EMC PowerEdge R740 Technical Specifications
Output 3.3V vs. 5V vs. 12V
Main Power Connector – REQUIRED
20+4 pin motherboard connector
Main Power Connector – REQUIRED
Redundant power supply
Dell PowerEdge R740 Installation and Service Manual
Install a hot-swap power supply
Dell EMC PowerEdge R740 Technical Specifications
Modular power supply
OptiPlex 7480 All-In-One Service Manual
Wattage rating
Dell EMC PowerEdge R740 Technical Specifications
Energy efficiency
3.7 Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers and settings.
Properly unbox device and consider set-up location
Add or install a printer in Windows
Use appropriate drivers for a given operating system
Differences Between Printer Control Language (PCL) and Postscript (PS) Printer
Differences of PCL(Printer Control Language) vs PS (Postscript)
Download and install the latest printer drivers
Fix printer driver compatibility issues in Windows
Firmware
Update the Printer Software (Firmware)
Updating Printer Firmware Using Epson Software Updater
Device connectivity
Add a printer to your Wi-Fi network in AirPort Utility on Mac
Add or install a printer in Windows
Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows
Public/shared devices
Share a printer as a network printer
Fix shared printer connection problems in Windows
Add or install a printer in Windows
Configuration settings
Making Changes to Printer Settings
Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps
Security
Printer Security: Secure Printing and Firmware Protection Explained
Network scan services
Scan to Cloud or Enable Remote Destination
Scan to Network (SMB Folder or FTP Server)
Set up Scan to Email using the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS)
Automatic document feeder (ADF)/flatbed scanner
Install and use a scanner in Windows
3.8 Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance.
Laser
Resolving mono print quality problems
Inkjet
HP inkjet printers – Alignment issues and errors
Color or black ink not printing, other print quality issues
Fix poor print quality in Windows (Blurry, faded, or streaked prints)
Thermal
Impact
4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing 11%
4.1 Explain virtualization concepts.
Purpose of virtual machines
Hyper-V virtualization in Windows Server and Windows
Common questions about Windows Sandbox
Requirements
System requirements for Hyper-V on Windows and Windows Server
Plan for Hyper-V networking in Windows Server
Plan for Hyper-V security in Windows Server
Hyper-V maximum scale limits in Windows Server
Desktop virtualization
What is Azure Virtual Desktop?
Hyper-V virtualization in Windows Server and Windows
Containers
Containers vs. VMs: Why not both?
Hypervisors
Hyper-V virtualization in Windows Server and Windows
Should I create a generation 1 or 2 virtual machine in Hyper-V?
4.2 Summarize cloud computing concepts.
Common cloud models
The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing
What is IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)?
Cloud characteristics
The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing
Describe the consumption-based model
Architectural considerations for a multitenant solution
Amazon EC2 Dedicated Instances
Overview of autoscale in Azure Monitor
Sync your computer’s files and folders with OneDrive
5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 28%
5.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.
Common symptoms
Resolve No Power, No POST, No Boot or No Video Issues
Understanding Beep Codes on a Dell Desktops
How to Stop Computer and Laptop Overheating and Shut Down Issues
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Computer Fan Issues
Advanced troubleshooting for stop code errors
Tips to improve PC performance in Windows
5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot drive and RAID issues.
Common symptoms
How to Troubleshoot a RAID Hard Drive Problems on a Dell Computer
Dell Laptop Beep Codes and LED Diagnostic Codes
Storage Spaces overview in Windows Server
Computer Won’t POST: POST Error on Laptops and Desktops
5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.
Common symptoms
Solutions When No Image Appears
Solutions to Projector Power or Shut-Off Problems
Prevent burn-in on Samsung OLED Monitor
Troubleshoot screen flickering in Windows
Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
5.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues.
Common symptoms
iPhone battery and performance
If your iPhone or iPod touch won’t charge
About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later
Troubleshoot touchscreen issues on a Samsung Galaxy device
S Pen is not recognized by Galaxy phone or tablet
Remove malware or unsafe software
5.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot network issues.
Common symptoms
Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows
How to fix Wi-Fi connection problems
Configure Link Flap Prevention on a Cisco Business Switch using CLI
Troubleshooting QoS Choppy Voice Issues
Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points
5.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printer issues.
Lines down the printed pages
Fix poor print quality in Windows (Blurry, faded, or streaked prints)
Resolving mono print quality problems
Color or black ink not printing, other print quality issues
Garbled print
Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps
Fix printer driver compatibility issues in Windows
Download and install the latest printer drivers
Paper jams
Fix printer stopped due to paper jam errors in Windows
HP LaserJet M213-M224 Printers – Paper jam error
Faded prints
Fix poor print quality in Windows (Blurry, faded, or streaked prints)
Resolving mono print quality problems
Color or black ink not printing, other print quality issues
Paper not feeding
‘Out of Paper’ displays, printer does not pick up paper
Printer Does Not Pull Paper From Input Tray
Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows
Multipage misfeed
The product picks up multiple sheets of paper
Fix printer stopped due to paper jam errors in Windows
Multiple prints pending in queue
Fix print job stuck in queue errors in Windows
HP printers – Print jobs stuck in print queue (Windows, macOS)
Fix print spooler service not running errors in Windows
Speckling on printed pages
Resolving mono print quality problems
Resolving color print quality problems
Fix poor print quality in Windows (Blurry, faded, or streaked prints)
Double/echo images on the print
Resolving mono print quality problems
Resolving color print quality problems
Fix poor print quality in Windows (Blurry, faded, or streaked prints)
Grinding noise
HP inkjet printers – The printer makes a grinding noise
Fix printer stopped due to paper jam errors in Windows
Finishing issues
Clear staple jams in the convenience stapler
66.80.yz Staple jam/Stapler malfunction
Incorrect page orientation
Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps
Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows
Tray not recognized
Printer does not pick paper from tray 2 or tray 2 is not recognized
Printer Does Not Pull Paper From Input Tray
Fix printer not found and printer not recognized errors in Windows
Connectivity issues
Troubleshooting offline printer problems in Windows
Fix printer not found and printer not recognized errors in Windows
HP printers – Wi-Fi connection is lost after router or network settings change
Frozen print queue
Fix print job stuck in queue errors in Windows
Fix print spooler service not running errors in Windows
HP printers – Print jobs stuck in print queue (Windows, macOS)
Wrapping Up CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
Use this CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) study guide to review every objective against official documentation and to practice hands-on with real devices and networks. Steady, scenario-based practice builds confidence for exam day. You can also explore more CompTIA certification study guides on the CompTIA to keep building your skills. Have a question or tip? Leave a comment below.
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