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Exam Information
Official specifications published by CompTIA
Exam Format
90 min
Maximum of 90
675
Entry-Level
Registration
$246 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese, Portuguese
Validity
3 years from date of certification
Earn 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within 3 years; Pass a higher-level CompTIA certification (Network+, Security+, etc.); Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE course
220-1101 Exam Topics and Domains
220-1101 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Active Directory Domain Services, Amazon WorkSpaces, Amazon WorkSpaces (DaaS), Apache/nginx, and more.
1
Mobile Devices
15%
Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components
Hardware/device replacementPhysical privacy and security components
- Identify and install appropriate laptop hardware components
- Understand compatibility requirements for RAM and storage
- Differentiate between various wireless card form factors
- Implement physical security measures
Compare and contrast the display components of mobile devices
Display types and technologiesDisplay components and connectivity
- Compare characteristics of different display technologies
- Identify components involved in display assemblies
- Understand display connectivity requirements
- Troubleshoot display-related issues
Given a scenario, set up and configure accessories and ports of mobile devices
Connection types and accessories
- Identify and configure various mobile device ports
- Set up docking stations and port replicators
- Understand USB versioning and capabilities
- Configure external display connections
Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support
Wireless and cellular connectivityMobile Device Management (MDM)Synchronization and account setup
- Configure wireless and cellular network connections
- Implement mobile device management solutions
- Set up email and synchronization services
- Understand mobile security best practices
2
Networking
20%
Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes
Common TCP/UDP ports and protocols
- Identify common TCP and UDP port numbers
- Understand the difference between TCP and UDP
- Explain the purpose of common network protocols
- Apply protocol knowledge to troubleshooting scenarios
Compare and contrast common networking hardware
Network infrastructure devicesInternet access devices
- Compare and contrast network infrastructure devices
- Understand Layer 2 vs Layer 3 device functions
- Identify appropriate hardware for network scenarios
- Explain PoE standards and applications
Compare and contrast protocols for wireless networking
WiFi 802.11 standardsShort-range wireless technologies
- Compare 802.11 wireless standards and capabilities
- Understand wireless frequency characteristics
- Explain short-range wireless technologies
- Apply wireless knowledge to troubleshooting scenarios
Summarize services provided by networked hosts
Server roles and network servicesInternet appliances and IoT devices
- Identify common server roles and their purposes
- Understand network service functions
- Explain specialized network appliances
- Recognize IoT device characteristics and risks
Given a scenario, install and configure basic wired/wireless SOHO networks
IP addressing fundamentalsSOHO router configuration
- Understand IPv4 and IPv6 addressing
- Configure basic SOHO router features
- Implement NAT and port forwarding
- Set up wireless networks with proper security
Compare and contrast common network configuration concepts
Network services and technologies
- Explain common network services
- Understand VPN technologies and use cases
- Implement VLAN segmentation
- Apply network concepts to configuration scenarios
Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features
Internet connection typesNetwork types
- Compare Internet connection technologies
- Understand network type classifications
- Identify appropriate connections for scenarios
- Explain bandwidth and latency considerations
Given a scenario, use networking tools
Cable installation and testing tools
- Identify and use cable installation tools
- Understand cable testing procedures
- Apply tools to troubleshooting scenarios
- Use WiFi analyzers for wireless troubleshooting
3
Hardware
25%
Explain basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes
Network cablesVideo cables and connectorsMultipurpose and peripheral cables
- Identify cable types and their specifications
- Select appropriate cables for requirements
- Understand connector form factors
- Apply cable knowledge to connectivity scenarios
Given a scenario, install the appropriate RAM
RAM types and configurations
- Identify RAM types and form factors
- Install RAM in proper configurations
- Understand memory channel architectures
- Troubleshoot memory-related issues
Given a scenario, select and install storage devices
Hard drive types and interfacesDrive configurations and removable storage
- Compare HDD and SSD technologies
- Install storage devices with appropriate interfaces
- Understand RAID configurations
- Select storage solutions for requirements
Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards
Motherboard characteristicsBIOS/UEFI configurationCPU features and installationExpansion cards
- Install motherboards, CPUs, and coolers
- Configure BIOS/UEFI settings
- Install and configure expansion cards
- Understand component compatibility
Given a scenario, install or replace the appropriate power supply
Power supply characteristicsRedundant and specialized power
- Select appropriate wattage power supply
- Install and connect power supply
- Understand power supply ratings and efficiency
- Troubleshoot power-related issues
Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers and settings
Printer setup and configurationNetwork and security features
- Install and configure multifunction devices
- Set up network printing services
- Implement printer security
- Configure scanning and faxing features
Given a scenario, install and replace printer consumables
Printer consumables by type
- Identify printer consumables by type
- Replace consumables safely
- Understand maintenance schedules
- Properly dispose of used materials
4
Virtualization and Cloud Computing
11%
Summarize cloud computing concepts
Cloud service modelsCloud deployment modelsCloud characteristicsDesktop virtualization
- Understand cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Compare cloud deployment models
- Explain cloud characteristics
- Summarize desktop virtualization technologies
Summarize aspects of client-side virtualization
Virtual machine fundamentalsResource requirementsSecurity requirements
- Understand virtual machine purposes and use cases
- Compare Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors
- Determine resource requirements for virtualization
- Implement security for virtualized environments
5
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
29%
Given a scenario, apply the best practice methodology to resolve problems
CompTIA troubleshooting methodology (6 steps)
- Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology
- Identify and resolve technical problems methodically
- Document troubleshooting processes
- Understand when to escalate issues
Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power
Power and boot issuesPerformance and thermal issuesRAM and CPU specific issues
- Troubleshoot power supply and boot issues
- Diagnose CPU and RAM problems
- Identify thermal and performance issues
- Apply troubleshooting methodology to hardware problems
Given a scenario, troubleshoot and diagnose problems with storage drives and RAID arrays
Storage drive symptomsRAID and performance issues
- Identify storage drive failure symptoms
- Troubleshoot RAID array issues
- Interpret S.M.A.R.T. diagnostics
- Understand storage performance metrics
Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues
Display connectivity and configurationDisplay quality and hardware issuesAudio and advanced issues
- Troubleshoot display connectivity issues
- Diagnose video quality problems
- Resolve projector-specific issues
- Understand audio/video integration
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common issues with mobile devices
Battery and power issuesPhysical damage and hardware issuesConnectivity and software issues
- Troubleshoot mobile battery issues
- Respond to physical damage safely
- Diagnose connectivity problems
- Identify and resolve software issues
Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve printer issues
Print quality issuesPaper handling issuesPrinter operation issues
- Troubleshoot laser printer quality issues
- Diagnose paper handling problems
- Resolve print queue and connectivity issues
- Understand printer maintenance procedures
Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems with wired and wireless networks
Wireless network issuesNetwork performance issuesWired network issues
- Troubleshoot wireless connectivity and performance
- Diagnose wired network issues
- Understand network performance metrics
- Apply troubleshooting methodology to network problems
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 220-1101 earns the CompTIA A+ certification. It sits in the IT Infrastructure and Support track.
Current Level Exams
- 220-1101 - CompTIA A+ Core 1
- 220-1102 - CompTIA A+ Core 2Must be passed to complete A+ certification
Next Level Options
- N10-009 - CompTIA Network+
- SY0-701 - CompTIA Security+
- CS0-003 - CompTIA CySA+Requires Security+ or equivalent knowledge
- XK0-005 - CompTIA Linux+
- SK0-005 - CompTIA Server+
- CV0-004 - CompTIA Cloud+
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for 220-1101.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- RETIRING
- Last content update: 2022-04-20
Updates
- WiFi 6E (802.11ax 6 GHz) Networking domain (2.3) will have updated wireless standards coverage
- USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 Hardware domain (3.1) cable types updated
- DDR5 RAM Hardware domain (3.2) RAM installation
- PCIe 5.0 Hardware domain (3.4) expansion slots
- NVMe 2.0 Hardware domain (3.3) storage devices
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Students entering IT field and Career changers moving into IT.
- 9-12 months of hands-on experience in IT support or help desk role
- Understanding of basic computer hardware and operating systems
- Familiarity with networking fundamentals
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) certification (optional but helpful for beginners)