Prasenjit Sarkar
By Prasenjit SarkarLast verified: 2026-09-17
CompTIAInfrastructureFOUNDATIONAL

CompTIA A+ Certification: Complete Guide 2026

220-1101 & 220-1102

CompTIA A+ is the entry point for building real-world IT support skills, and the 220-1101 & 220-1102 exam series remains one of the most recognized ways to prove you can handle day-to-day technical problems. This certification is built for aspiring and early-career IT professionals who want to move into roles such as IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, or Desktop Support. Unlike broader theory-heavy credentials, A+ focuses on the hands-on knowledge employers expect when users cannot connect to Wi-Fi, a laptop will not boot, a printer fails, or a mobile device needs configuration.

For Core 1, candidates are tested across Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting, with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and a passing score of 675 on a 900-point scale. You can expect a mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions, so success requires more than memorization. You need to recognize ports, cables, wireless standards, device components, and practical troubleshooting steps quickly.

On HydraNode.ai, this page helps you prepare efficiently with focused study content and free AI-generated practice tests designed around the actual A+ objectives. If you are planning a 4-8 week study timeline and want a foundational certification that can lead to better support roles, stronger technical confidence, and a path toward Network+ or Security+, CompTIA A+ is a smart place to start.

Free 220-1101 Exam DumpsExam Objectives

Exam Details

Exam Code220-1101 & 220-1102
Duration90 min
Questions90
Passing Score675/900
Exam Cost$246 per exam
Validity3 years
Avg. Salary$65,000/yr
Official Exam Page

Resources

Everything you need to pass

Comprehensive preparation materials for your CompTIA A+ exam

220-1101 Exam Dumps

471 free practice questions with answers and explanations

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220-1102 Exam Dumps

828 free practice questions with answers and explanations

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Timed Practice Exam

90 questions in 90 minutes, scored and reviewed

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Exam Objectives

Official exam domains & topic breakdown

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Study Plan

Week-by-week plan, study tips and exam-day checklist

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Free Exam Dumps

220-1101 and 220-1102 practice questions

1299 free questions with verified answers and an explanation for every option. A sample from each bank is below; every question has its own page.

220-1101 exam dumps (471 questions)

All 220-1101 questions

220-1101 Question 1

Single answer1.1 Given a scenario, monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques.

A user drops a smartphone, and the display glass is cracked. The image still appears normally, and the touch functionality works across the entire screen. The manufacturer’s service manual for this model states that the front glass is fused to the digitizer and OLED panel as a single factory-sealed assembly. The company wants the most reliable repair with the lowest risk of damaging the phone further. What should the technician do?

  1. A

    Replace only the outer glass using a heat gun and adhesive strips

  2. B

    Replace the complete display assembly according to the manufacturer’s procedure

  3. C

    Recalibrate the digitizer and apply a screen protector over the crack

  4. D

    Replace the battery first, because impact damage commonly causes display cracks

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

This question tests mobile device hardware replacement techniques under A+ Core 1 objective 1.1. In real service work, technicians should follow the manufacturer’s documentation for device disassembly and part replacement. On many modern smartphones, the cover glass, digitizer, and display panel are laminated or sold as one service part. In those cases, replacing the entire display assembly is the recommended and most reliable repair, especially when the organization wants to avoid additional damage. Best practices also include using the vendor’s service manual, approved tools, ESD precautions, proper adhesive/seal replacement, and post-repair functional checks such as display quality, touch response, and front-facing sensor/camera alignment.

  • A. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. Although third-party glass-only repairs exist for some phones, this option conflicts with the scenario because the manufacturer specifies that the glass, digitizer, and OLED are fused into one assembly. Attempting to separate laminated layers increases the chance of damaging the OLED, touch layer, frame, or seals. This is not the most reliable or lowest-risk repair.

  • B. Correct.

    Correct. When the manufacturer documents the screen components as a single sealed assembly, best practice is to replace the entire display assembly using the approved procedure. This matches the scenario’s requirement for the most reliable repair and minimizes the risk of additional damage to the display, touch layer, and device sealing components.

  • C. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. Recalibration does not fix physically cracked glass, and a screen protector is only cosmetic mitigation, not a hardware repair. Since the phone has physical damage and the company wants a proper replacement technique, this does not address the failed component.

  • D. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. A battery replacement is unrelated to a cracked front glass/display assembly unless there are separate symptoms indicating battery failure. This distractor reflects a common mistake of replacing unrelated parts after a drop instead of diagnosing the specific damaged assembly.

220-1101 Question 2

Single answerBattery

A technician is troubleshooting a 3-year-old business laptop that shuts down unexpectedly when it is unplugged, even though Windows reports the battery is at 40% charge. The laptop runs normally when connected to AC power. The user needs a reliable fix before traveling. Which action should the technician take FIRST?

  1. A

    Replace the laptop battery with a manufacturer-approved battery

  2. B

    Update the laptop's video driver to reduce power consumption

  3. C

    Disable sleep and hibernation settings in the operating system

  4. D

    Perform a full system recovery to rule out software corruption

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

This scenario tests practical battery troubleshooting. In real-world support, unexpected shutdowns at a nonzero charge percentage often indicate a worn or failing lithium-ion battery whose reported capacity no longer matches its actual ability to deliver power. On the A+ Core 1 exam, candidates should recognize when a symptom points to battery replacement rather than unnecessary software troubleshooting. Best practice is to replace the battery with an OEM or manufacturer-approved equivalent to ensure proper fit, charging behavior, and safety. This aligns with common vendor service guidance from major laptop manufacturers, which recommends battery replacement when runtime is inaccurate, the battery cannot hold charge, or the system powers off when unplugged despite reported remaining capacity.

  • A. Correct.

    Correct. A laptop that powers off unexpectedly when disconnected from AC despite showing remaining charge is a classic sign of a failing battery that can no longer provide stable output under load. Given the age of the laptop and the symptom pattern, the most appropriate first action is to replace the battery with a manufacturer-approved unit. CompTIA A+ expects technicians to recognize degraded battery health as a common hardware issue and to use supported replacement parts for safety and compatibility.

  • B. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. Although power management and drivers can affect battery life, a video driver issue would not typically cause an immediate shutdown at a reported 40% charge only when AC power is removed. This option reflects a common misconception that any battery-related symptom must be caused by software optimization rather than battery failure.

  • C. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. Sleep and hibernation settings control low-power behavior, but they do not cause the system to lose power suddenly when the battery is unable to sustain the laptop. Someone might choose this if they confuse an unexpected shutdown with an incorrect power-plan event, but the system's dependence on AC power points to a hardware battery problem.

  • D. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. A full system recovery is too invasive and not an appropriate first troubleshooting step for symptoms that strongly indicate battery degradation. While software corruption can cause instability, it would not normally make the laptop shut off specifically when external power is removed while it otherwise operates normally on AC.

220-1101 Question 3

Single answerKeyboard/keys

A user reports that their laptop suddenly types numbers when they press certain letter keys. For example, pressing U, I, and O enters 4, 5, and 6 instead of letters. An external USB keyboard works normally. You need to restore normal typing on the built-in keyboard as quickly as possible without replacing hardware. What should you do FIRST?

  1. A

    Disable Sticky Keys in Accessibility settings

  2. B

    Turn off Num Lock on the laptop's embedded keypad

  3. C

    Reinstall the keyboard driver in Device Manager

  4. D

    Replace the built-in keyboard assembly

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

This scenario reflects a common real-world laptop support issue: the embedded numeric keypad has been enabled. On many compact laptop keyboards, certain letter keys double as number pad keys, and enabling Num Lock changes their output. CompTIA A+ Core 1 expects technicians to recognize common keyboard/key behavior issues and apply the least invasive, most efficient fix first. Standard troubleshooting best practice is to verify keyboard lock states and function-key toggles before moving to drivers or hardware replacement. Manufacturer documentation for laptop models often identifies the exact Fn+key combination used to toggle the embedded keypad or Num Lock.

  • A. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. Sticky Keys affects modifier key behavior such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Windows key combinations. It does not cause letter keys like U, I, and O to produce numbers. This is a plausible distractor because accessibility settings can affect keyboard behavior, but not in this specific way.

  • B. Correct.

    Correct. Many laptops use an embedded numeric keypad that shares keys with part of the letter area, commonly including U, I, O, J, K, L, and M. When Num Lock is enabled, those keys can enter numbers instead of letters. The fastest first step is to toggle Num Lock, often using a dedicated Num Lock key or an Fn key combination.

  • C. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. A driver issue is less likely because the symptom is specific and consistent with an enabled embedded numeric keypad, and the external USB keyboard works normally. Reinstalling the driver is a more time-consuming troubleshooting step and not the best first action.

  • D. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. Hardware replacement is premature. The symptom strongly suggests a keyboard mode setting rather than physical key failure, especially since multiple related keys are affected in a predictable pattern. Best practice is to rule out simple configuration issues before replacing components.

220-1102 exam dumps (828 questions)

All 220-1102 questions

220-1102 Question 1

Select 21.1 Explain common operating system (OS) types and their purposes.

A small architecture firm is replacing several aging workstations. One group of employees uses a line-of-business accounting application that only runs on Windows. Another group of designers uses Apple Final Cut Pro for video editing. Management wants each team to use the operating system that best supports its required applications with the least amount of additional configuration or compatibility work. Which TWO operating systems should the technician recommend?

  1. A

    Windows 11 Pro for the accounting team

  2. B

    macOS for the design team

  3. C

    Chrome OS for both teams because it is lightweight and secure

  4. D

    Linux for the accounting team because it can run all Windows applications natively

  5. E

    Android for the design team because it is optimized for media creation

Show answer and explanation

Correct answers: A, B

Explanation

This question tests practical OS selection based on application requirements, which is a core skill for A+ Core 2 objective 1.1. In real deployments, technicians should match the operating system to the business purpose and supported software rather than choosing based only on popularity, cost, or general security reputation. Windows is the standard choice when an application is specifically supported only on Windows. macOS is required for Apple-exclusive professional applications such as Final Cut Pro. Chrome OS is best suited to web-based and cloud-first environments, Android is a mobile OS, and Linux is often excellent for servers, development, and some desktop use cases but is not a native replacement for Windows-only applications. This aligns with vendor support best practices: use the OS officially supported by the application developer to minimize compatibility, deployment, and troubleshooting issues.

  • A. Correct.

    Correct. Windows 11 Pro is an appropriate recommendation for the accounting team because the required line-of-business application runs only on Windows. In business environments, choosing the OS that natively supports the required software is the most practical approach and reduces compatibility issues, retraining, and support overhead.

  • B. Correct.

    Correct. macOS is the correct choice for the design team because Final Cut Pro is Apple's professional video editing software and is designed specifically for macOS. Selecting macOS ensures full application support, vendor-backed compatibility, and a standard deployment for creative professionals.

  • C. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. Chrome OS is useful for web-centric workflows, kiosks, and lightweight endpoint use, but it is not an appropriate fit here. The scenario requires a Windows-only accounting application and Final Cut Pro, neither of which is a native Chrome OS solution. A candidate might choose this option because Chrome OS is secure and easy to manage, but it does not meet the software requirements.

  • D. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. Linux is a common distractor because it is powerful and widely used in servers, development, and some desktop environments. However, Linux does not run all Windows applications natively. Some Windows applications may run through compatibility layers such as Wine or in virtualized environments, but that adds complexity and does not satisfy the requirement for least compatibility work.

  • E. Incorrect.

    Incorrect. Android is a mobile operating system intended primarily for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. While media apps exist on Android, it is not the standard desktop platform for Final Cut Pro, which does not run on Android. Someone might select this option by associating mobile platforms with creative apps, but it does not fit the business requirement.

220-1102 Question 2

Single answerWorkstation systems (OSs)

A small business is replacing several older Windows 10 workstations. One employee uses a line-of-business application that only runs reliably on Windows 10 Pro and requires joining the company's Active Directory domain. The employee also needs to use BitLocker to protect data on the laptop while traveling. The business wants to avoid paying for unnecessary enterprise-only features. Which operating system edition should the technician recommend for the replacement system?

  1. A

    Windows 10 Home

  2. B

    Windows 10 Pro

  3. C

    Windows 10 Pro for Workstations

  4. D

    Windows 10 Enterprise

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The best answer is Windows 10 Pro because it meets all stated requirements: compatibility with the existing Windows 10 Pro application environment, support for Active Directory domain join, and BitLocker device encryption. In A+ Core 2 scenarios, technicians should match the OS edition to the business need rather than selecting the most feature-rich edition. Windows 10 Home is commonly eliminated because it lacks domain join. Windows 10 Enterprise is often technically capable but excessive when the organization does not need advanced enterprise controls. Microsoft documentation distinguishes these editions by management and security capabilities, and domain join plus BitLocker are core reasons organizations choose Pro over Home.

  • A. Incorrect.

    Windows 10 Home is incorrect because it does not support joining an Active Directory domain, which is a stated requirement. While Home can meet basic consumer needs, it lacks several business-focused features such as domain join and full BitLocker management that are commonly required in managed business environments.

  • B. Correct.

    Windows 10 Pro is correct because it supports Active Directory domain join and BitLocker, matching the scenario's business requirements without adding unnecessary enterprise licensing. This is the standard choice for many small and midsize business workstations that need centralized management and device encryption.

  • C. Incorrect.

    Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is incorrect because although it includes advanced capabilities for high-end hardware scenarios, such as support for more powerful workstation configurations and features intended for demanding workloads, those benefits are not required here. Choosing it would add complexity or cost without solving an additional business need described in the scenario.

  • D. Incorrect.

    Windows 10 Enterprise is incorrect because it also supports domain join and BitLocker, but it is typically licensed through volume licensing and includes enterprise-focused features beyond what this user needs. The scenario specifically says the business wants to avoid paying for unnecessary enterprise-only features, making Enterprise more than is required.

220-1102 Question 3

Single answerWindows

A technician is preparing a Windows 11 laptop for a remote employee who frequently travels and uses public Wi-Fi. The user must be able to sign in to the laptop if internet access is unavailable, but the company also wants to reduce the risk of password compromise and avoid managing separate local passwords. Which sign-in configuration should the technician recommend?

  1. A

    Create a local account with no password so the user can always sign in offline

  2. B

    Join the PC to a workgroup and require a BIOS password for authentication

  3. C

    Sign in with a Microsoft account and configure Windows Hello PIN

  4. D

    Enable Guest access and require the user to switch accounts after connecting to Wi-Fi

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The best answer is to sign in with a Microsoft account and configure Windows Hello PIN. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, users can sign in with a Microsoft account and continue to log in even when offline because Windows caches the necessary credentials locally. Windows Hello PIN is a preferred option because it is device-specific, unlike a traditional password that can be reused across services if compromised. This makes it especially suitable for mobile users who may work without reliable internet access and who face increased risk on public networks. Microsoft documentation and security guidance consistently recommend Windows Hello as a more secure sign-in method than passwords for supported Windows systems.

  • A. Incorrect.

    This is incorrect because removing the password from a local account significantly weakens security, especially for a traveling user. While a local account can support offline sign-in, the scenario specifically states the company wants to avoid managing separate local passwords and reduce password-compromise risk.

  • B. Incorrect.

    This is incorrect because a workgroup does not provide user authentication benefits for this scenario, and a BIOS/UEFI password is not a replacement for Windows account sign-in. BIOS passwords help restrict device startup or firmware access, but they do not provide the Windows identity and account protections requested.

  • C. Correct.

    This is correct because a Microsoft account supports Windows sign-in and can still authenticate locally when the device is offline using cached credentials. Configuring a Windows Hello PIN improves security and convenience because the PIN is tied to that specific device rather than being the user's reusable account password. This aligns with Microsoft best practices for stronger, device-bound sign-in methods on Windows 10/11.

  • D. Incorrect.

    This is incorrect because the Guest account is not an appropriate secure sign-in solution for a business user. It does not meet the requirement for a personalized, secure account and would create major security and auditing concerns. It also does not address the need to reduce password-compromise risk.

Exam Content

Exam Domains & Topics

Master these 5 domains to pass your exam

1

Mobile Devices

15%
2

Networking

20%
3

Hardware

25%
4

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

11%
5

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

29%

Who Should Take This Exam?

  • IT professionals seeking CompTIA expertise
  • Infrastructure practitioners
  • Cloud architects and engineers
  • DevOps and infrastructure specialists
  • Technical leads and solution architects
  • Career changers entering cloud computing

Study Timeline

8-12 weeks

Recommended duration

01

Foundation · Weeks 1-2

Review exam objectives & core concepts

02

Deep Dive · Weeks 3-6

Study each domain with hands-on labs

03

Practice & Review · Weeks 7-8

Take practice exams & target weak areas

View Full Study Plan

Study Guide

220-1101 & 220-1102 Study Plan

The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT. This dual-exam certification validates foundational skills in hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security, and troubleshooting. It's recognized globally and opens doors to help desk, technical support, and field service technician roles.

  1. Week 1-2

    Hardware Fundamentals

    Master PC components, peripherals, and basic troubleshooting

    • Identify all motherboard components and their functions
    • Understand RAM types, speeds, and installation
    • Learn storage technologies (HDD, SSD, NVMe, RAID)
    • Study power supply types and wattage calculations
    • Practice identifying cables and connectors

  2. Week 3-4

    Networking Essentials & Mobile Devices

    Build networking foundation and mobile device knowledge

    • Memorize TCP/IP protocols and port numbers
    • Understand IP addressing and basic subnetting
    • Learn wireless standards and frequencies
    • Study mobile device hardware and connectivity
    • Practice network device identification

  3. Week 5-6

    Printers, Virtualization & Cloud

    Learn printer technologies and cloud computing concepts

    • Understand all printer types and maintenance processes
    • Learn laser printer imaging process (7 steps)
    • Study cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
    • Set up and configure virtual machines
    • Understand hypervisor types

  4. Week 7-8

    Troubleshooting Mastery (220-1101 Focus)

    Deep dive into troubleshooting methodology and common issues

    • Memorize the 6-step CompTIA troubleshooting process
    • Practice hardware troubleshooting scenarios
    • Master command-line tools (ping, ipconfig, tracert, nslookup)
    • Study network troubleshooting procedures
    • Review printer and mobile device issues

  5. Week 9

    220-1101 Exam Review & Testing

    Final review and practice testing for first exam

    • Take 3+ full-length practice exams
    • Review weak areas identified in practice tests
    • Create summary flashcards for quick review
    • Schedule and take 220-1101 exam

  6. Week 10-11

    220-1102: Operating Systems & Security

    Study Windows, Linux, macOS, and security fundamentals

    • Learn Windows installation and configuration
    • Understand User Account Control and file permissions
    • Study macOS and Linux basic commands
    • Learn security best practices and malware removal
    • Understand physical security measures

  7. Week 12

    220-1102: Final Review & Exam

    Operational procedures, scripting, and final testing

    • Study change management and documentation
    • Learn basic scripting concepts
    • Understand remote access technologies
    • Take 3+ full-length 220-1102 practice exams
    • Schedule and pass 220-1102 exam

Study tips

Memorization Techniques

  • Create acronyms for the laser printer imaging process: Processing, Charging, Exposing, Developing, Transferring, Fusing, Cleaning (PC-EDTFC)
  • Use flashcards for port numbers - focus on the most common: 21(FTP), 22(SSH), 23(Telnet), 25(SMTP), 53(DNS), 80(HTTP), 110(POP3), 143(IMAP), 443(HTTPS), 3389(RDP)
  • Draw physical diagrams of motherboard components and label them repeatedly
  • Create a troubleshooting flowchart poster and review it daily

Hands-On Practice

  • Disassemble and reassemble an old laptop or desktop at least twice
  • Install Windows in a virtual machine and practice command-line tools daily
  • Set up a home lab with different cable types and practice identification
  • Configure RAID in VirtualBox or physical hardware to understand the differences
  • Practice mobile device screen replacement by watching videos and handling actual devices

Exam-Specific Strategies

  • Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) appear first - skip them initially and return after completing multiple choice
  • Flag questions for review - don't spend more than 90 seconds on any single question initially
  • Eliminate obviously wrong answers first using process of elimination
  • The troubleshooting methodology is KEY - know all 6 steps in order and apply them to scenario questions
  • Watch for questions asking for 'BEST' answer vs 'correct' answer - multiple may be correct but only one is optimal

Practice Test Strategy

  • Take your first practice test after 3 weeks of study to identify weak areas
  • Aim for consistent 85%+ scores on practice tests before scheduling the real exam
  • Review every incorrect answer thoroughly and understand why you got it wrong
  • Simulate real exam conditions: 90 minutes, no notes, no distractions
  • Take at least 3 different practice exams from different providers to avoid memorization

Priority Topics to Master

  • Hardware components and installation (25% of first exam) - spend the most time here
  • Troubleshooting methodology - memorize the 6 steps as they appear in multiple scenarios
  • Port numbers and protocols - create a complete reference sheet and memorize it
  • RAID levels - know the differences between 0, 1, 5, and 10 including minimum drives required
  • Printer maintenance - understand all phases of laser printer imaging process in exact order
  • Command-line tools - practice using ping, ipconfig/ifconfig, tracert/traceroute, nslookup, netstat

Exam day checklist

  • Arrive 15-30 minutes early to the testing center or log in early for online proctoring
  • Bring two forms of ID (one must be government-issued with photo)
  • Use the whiteboard/notepad provided immediately to write down memorized information (port numbers, troubleshooting steps, RAID configurations)
  • Read each question twice before answering - CompTIA is known for tricky wording
  • Skip the Performance-Based Questions initially - complete multiple choice first, then return to PBQs
  • Don't panic if you encounter unfamiliar topics - some questions are experimental and unscored
  • Manage your time: 90 questions in 90 minutes = 1 minute per question average
  • Use the flag feature liberally for questions you want to review
  • If taking both exams, schedule them 1-2 weeks apart (not same day) to allow focused preparation
  • Remember that 675/900 is passing - you don't need perfection, just 75% correct

Career

Career Opportunities

Roles and salary potential for CompTIA A+ certified professionals

Related Job Titles

IT Support SpecialistHelp Desk TechnicianDesktop Support

$65,000

Average Annual Salary

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Prerequisites

There are no strict formal prerequisites for the CompTIA A+ certification. However, CompTIA recommends having foundational knowledge of infrastructure concepts and some hands-on experience before attempting the exam. Candidates who invest time in study materials and practice exams typically perform best.

FAQ

CompTIA A+ FAQs

Common questions about the 220-1101 & 220-1102 certification exam

The CompTIA A+ is a professional certification offered by CompTIA that validates your expertise in the relevant technology domain. The exam code is 220-1101 & 220-1102. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage solutions using CompTIA technologies.

The CompTIA A+ exam typically contains 90 questions. These questions are a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The passing score for the CompTIA A+ exam is 675/900. Note that CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system, so focus on understanding all exam domains thoroughly rather than just achieving the minimum score.

The CompTIA A+ exam duration is 90 minutes (2 hours). This includes time for reviewing your answers. We recommend practicing with timed mock exams to manage your time effectively.

The CompTIA A+ exam costs $246 per exam. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. CompTIA occasionally offers discounts or voucher programs for certification exams.

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your certification, you'll need to recertify before it expires, either by passing the current exam version or through CompTIA's continuing education program.

While CompTIA doesn't always require formal prerequisites, we recommend having hands-on experience with the relevant technologies. Familiarity with core concepts and practical experience will significantly improve your chances of passing the exam.

Yes, the CompTIA A+ exam is proctored and can be taken either at a testing center or online through remote proctoring. Online proctoring allows you to take the exam from home while being monitored via webcam. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection if choosing the online option.

If you don't pass the CompTIA A+ exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. CompTIA typically has a waiting period between attempts (usually 14 days for the first retake). Use this time to review the areas where you struggled and take additional practice exams.

To prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam, we recommend: 1) Review the official exam guide and objectives, 2) Gain hands-on experience with the technologies, 3) Use practice exams to identify knowledge gaps, 4) Study each exam domain thoroughly, and 5) Join study groups or forums to discuss challenging topics with other candidates.

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About the CompTIA A+ Certification

The CompTIA A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102) is a foundational-level certification offered by CompTIA. This certification validates your expertise in infrastructure and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals. The exam consists of 90 questions to be completed in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 675/900. The exam fee is $246 per exam, and the certification is valid for 3 years.

Why Get CompTIA A+ Certified?

  • Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $65,000 per year. CompTIA-certified professionals are among the most sought-after in the infrastructure industry.
  • Industry Recognition: CompTIA certifications are respected worldwide by employers, demonstrating verified competency in infrastructure technologies and practices.
  • Skill Validation: The CompTIA A+ exam rigorously tests your knowledge across 5 domains, ensuring you have the practical skills employers demand.

CompTIA A+ Exam Format & Details

The 220-1101 & 220-1102 exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Candidates are given 90 minutes to complete the exam, which contains approximately 90 questions. A score of 675/900 is required to pass. As a foundational-level exam, it focuses on core concepts and terminology, making it accessible to professionals new to the field.

Exam Domains & Topics

The CompTIA A+ exam covers 5 key domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you allocate your study time effectively:

  • Mobile Devices (15% of exam)
  • Networking (20% of exam)
  • Hardware (25% of exam)
  • Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11% of exam)
  • Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29% of exam)

Who Should Take the CompTIA A+ Exam?

This certification is designed for professionals in the following roles:

  • IT professionals seeking CompTIA expertise
  • Infrastructure practitioners looking to validate their skills
  • Professionals preparing for a career in infrastructure
  • Technical specialists aiming to advance their career with an industry-recognized credential
  • Team leads and managers who need to understand infrastructure concepts

Career Opportunities & Salary

Earning the CompTIA A+ certification opens doors to roles such as IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support. Certified professionals earn an average salary of $65,000 per year, reflecting the high demand for infrastructure skills in today's job market.

Recertification & Renewal

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your credential, you will need to meet CompTIA's renewal requirements before your certification expires. This may include earning continuing education credits, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level certification.

Exam Registration & Cost

The 220-1101 & 220-1102 exam costs $246 per exam. You can register through CompTIA's official website or an authorized testing center. Most candidates choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE or PSI center and online proctored exams taken from home. Be sure to review the exam policies, including identification requirements and prohibited items, before your test date.

How to Prepare for 220-1101 & 220-1102

Most candidates need 4-8 weeks of dedicated study to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. Start by reviewing the official exam objectives, then work through each domain systematically. Regular practice with exam-style questions is essential for building confidence and identifying weak areas. Combine reading with hands-on practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

HydraNode publishes 1299 free 220-1101 & 220-1102 practice questions with answers and explanations, plus a timed practice exam drawn from the same bank. Every question is written to the published objectives, so what you practise matches the format and difficulty of the actual 220-1101 & 220-1102 exam.