Why Study with PlanetCert?
The Latest Questions
Practice questions and exam topics aligned with the current exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Go beyond the answer. Master the material with comprehensive learning and professional explanations for every concept.
AI-Powered Insights
Personalized preparation guidance that adapts to your performance and identifies weak spots automatically.
Exam Information
Official specifications published by CompTIA
Exam Format
90 min
Up to 90
675 on a scale of 100-900
Entry-Level
Registration
$239 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Validity
Earn 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within 3 years; Pass a higher-level CompTIA certification (e.g., Network+, Security+); Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE courses
220-1201 Exam Topics and Domains
220-1201 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Network diagnostics, Network management, Performance testing, Remote access, and more.
1
Mobile Devices
13%
Install and configure laptop hardware and components
Hardware components
- Install and replace laptop batteries
- Replace and configure laptop keyboards
- Upgrade laptop RAM
- Migrate from HDD to SSD
- Install wireless network cards
- Configure biometric security
Compare and contrast the display components of mobile devices
Display types and technologies
- Compare LCD and OLED technologies
- Identify display components
- Understand touchscreen and digitizer functionality
- Troubleshoot display and backlight issues
Set up and configure accessories and ports of mobile devices
Connection methodsAccessoriesNEW: Mobile device management (MDM)
- Configure mobile device ports and connections
- Set up mobile accessories
- Implement MDM policies (NEW)
- Configure eSIM devices (NEW)
- Establish mobile hotspots
Configure basic mobile-device network connectivity and application support
Wireless/cellular data networkBluetooth configurationEmail configurationSynchronization
- Configure cellular data networks
- Set up Bluetooth connections
- Configure email clients on mobile devices
- Implement device synchronization
- Troubleshoot connectivity issues
2
Networking
23%
Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes
Ports and protocols
- Identify common TCP and UDP ports
- Explain protocol purposes
- Compare TCP and UDP characteristics
- Troubleshoot port-based connectivity issues
Compare and contrast common networking hardware
Network devices
- Identify network hardware devices
- Compare managed and unmanaged switches
- Explain PoE functionality
- Understand SDN concepts
Compare and contrast protocols for wireless networking
Wireless standards
- Compare 802.11 wireless standards
- Identify appropriate frequencies and channels
- Configure wireless protocols
- Troubleshoot wireless connectivity
Summarize services provided by networked hosts
Server roles
- Explain DNS and DHCP services
- Identify file and print server roles
- Understand AAA services
- Configure basic network services
Install and configure basic wired/wireless small office/home office (SOHO) networks
IP addressingSOHO router configuration
- Configure IPv4 and IPv6 addressing
- Set up SOHO routers securely
- Implement port forwarding and NAT
- Configure wireless networks
- Troubleshoot SOHO network issues
Compare and contrast common network configuration concepts
Network concepts
- Configure DHCP reservations
- Explain VLAN functionality
- Set up VPN connections
- Troubleshoot DNS issues
Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features
Internet connection typesNetwork types
- Compare Internet connection types
- Identify network types
- Explain connection characteristics
- Choose appropriate connection for scenarios
Use networking tools
Network testing tools
- Use cable crimping and testing tools
- Perform WiFi site surveys
- Troubleshoot with tone generators
- Test network connectivity with loopback plugs
3
Hardware
25%
Explain basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes
Network cablesPeripheral cables
- Identify cable types and connectors
- Compare cable speeds and bandwidths
- Select appropriate cables for scenarios
- Understand wiring standards
Install the appropriate RAM
RAM types and characteristics
- Identify RAM types
- Install RAM correctly
- Configure dual-channel memory
- Troubleshoot RAM issues
Select and install storage devices
Storage technologies
- Compare HDD and SSD technologies
- Install M.2 and NVMe drives
- Configure RAID arrays
- Select appropriate storage for use cases
Install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards
Motherboard componentsCPU characteristicsExpansion cards
- Install motherboards correctly
- Install and configure CPUs
- Add expansion cards
- Configure BIOS/UEFI settings
Install or replace the appropriate power supply
Power supply characteristics
- Calculate power supply requirements
- Install power supplies
- Connect power cables correctly
- Troubleshoot power issues
Deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers and settings
Printer types and technologiesPrinter connectivityPrinter configuration
- Install and configure printers
- Set up network printing
- Configure printer settings
- Perform printer maintenance
Install and replace printer consumables
Imaging components
- Replace toner and ink cartridges
- Replace printer imaging components
- Perform routine maintenance
- Troubleshoot consumable issues
4
Virtualization and Cloud Computing
11%
Summarize cloud-computing concepts
Cloud deployment modelsCloud service modelsCloud characteristics
- Compare cloud deployment models
- Identify cloud service models
- Explain cloud characteristics
- Select appropriate cloud solutions
Summarize aspects of client-side virtualization
Virtualization purposesResource requirements
- Explain virtualization concepts
- Configure virtual machines
- Allocate resources to VMs
- Understand hypervisor types
5
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
28%
Apply the best practice methodology to resolve problems
Troubleshooting methodology
- Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology
- Document troubleshooting steps
- Verify solutions
- Communicate with users effectively
Troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power
Common symptoms
- Diagnose motherboard issues
- Troubleshoot RAM problems
- Identify CPU failures
- Resolve power supply issues
Troubleshoot and diagnose problems with storage drives and RAID arrays
Storage symptoms
- Diagnose hard drive failures
- Troubleshoot RAID arrays
- Use S.M.A.R.T. diagnostics
- Resolve storage performance issues
Troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues
Display symptoms
- Troubleshoot display problems
- Diagnose projector issues
- Resolve video card problems
- Fix cable and connection issues
Troubleshoot common issues with mobile devices
Mobile device symptoms
- Diagnose mobile device issues
- Troubleshoot battery problems
- Fix connectivity issues
- Resolve touchscreen problems
Troubleshoot and resolve printer issues
Printer symptoms
- Troubleshoot print quality issues
- Resolve paper feed problems
- Fix printer connectivity issues
- Diagnose imaging problems
Troubleshoot problems with wired and wireless networks
Network symptoms
- Diagnose network connectivity issues
- Troubleshoot wireless problems
- Resolve network performance issues
- Identify and eliminate interference
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 220-1201 earns the CompTIA A+ certification. It sits in the IT Fundamentals and Support track.
Current Level Exams
220-1202 - CompTIA A+ Core 2Must be from same version as Core 1 (v15)
Next Level Options
- N10-009 - CompTIA Network+Focuses on network infrastructure, operations, and security
- SY0-701 - CompTIA Security+Foundational cybersecurity skills and best practices
- CS0-003 - CompTIA CySA+Security analytics and threat detection
- SK0-005 - CompTIA Server+Server hardware and software technologies
- 220-1101 - CompTIA Cloud+Cloud infrastructure and services
Alternative Paths
- 220-1102 - CompTIA Linux+Linux system administration skills
- PT0-003 - CompTIA PenTest+Penetration testing and vulnerability assessment
- CASP-005 - CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)Enterprise security architecture and integration
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for 220-1201 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-03-25
- Announcement date: 2024-12-15
Updates
- Mobile Device Management (MDM) New in v15 New topic 1.3 emphasizes MDM configurations and policies
- USB 4 New in v15 Added to topic 3.1 - Cable types and connectors
- Thunderbolt 4 New in v15 Added to topic 3.1 - Peripheral cables
- DDR5 RAM New in v15 Added to topic 3.2 - RAM installation
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Updated in v15 Enhanced coverage in topic 2.3 - Wireless protocols
- eSIM New in v15 New coverage in topic 1.3 - Mobile device setup
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by IT support specialists and Help desk technicians.