CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Online Training

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UPDATED: October 4, 2022

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Jumpstart your career in IT and conquer the CompTIA  A+ Core 1 (220‑1101) exam with this hands‑on CompTIA A+ training online. Dive deep into mobile devices, networking technology, hardware fundamentals, virtualization, and cloud computing through expert‑led modules and real‑world scenarios. You’ll be able to sharpen your skills with targeted Core 1 practice questions and 220‑1101 practice exams — so you walk into the A+ exam with confidence. This training doesn’t just prepare you for the A+ certification; it lays a solid foundation of IT knowledge that you can carry throughout your career.

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What you'll learn

Configuring and managing mobile devices for network operations
Recognizing different network hardware and their purposes
Managing device hardware, from cables to peripherals
Working with virtual machines and cloud computing
Troubleshooting common hardware and software issues end‑to‑end
Implementing security best practices for devices and networks

FAQs

Is the CompTIA A+ worth it?

If you're starting your career in IT and you're looking for a way to qualify for entry-level positions, the A+ is definitely worth the time, effort and money. Even for IT professionals who are already working, the A+ can shore up weak areas in your experience or knowledge. CompTIA's credentials are respected all over the world, and the A+ is worth it because it represents all the skills and knowledge that comprise an entire career's foundation.

How much does the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 cost?

The 220-1101 exam for the A+ costs $246, but earning CompTIA's A+ will cost more than that. There are no prerequisite courses or certifications before taking the A+, but there are two exams which you need to pay for (and pass!) separately. The 220-1101 and 220-1102 both cost $246, which makes the total cost of the A+ $492 – before accounting for any training or preparation you do in advance of the exam.

How difficult is the 220-1101 A+ exam?

The A+ 220-1101 is a surprisingly challenging exam. Despite being an entry-level certification, there are some sources who claim the pass rate is as low as 30%. CompTIA designed the 2 A+ tests to be a thorough battery of a wide, diverse selection of IT topics. And the fact that the tests are vendor-agnostic doesn't make them easier, it actually increases the challenge by widening the range of possibilities that need to be tested for.

Does the CompTIA A+ ever expire?

Yes, the A+ credential from CompTIA does expire – 3 years from the date it was earned. The certification is only good for 3 years because it's a trusted representation of all the skills and knowledge an entry-level IT professional should know, and those skills can become outdated or change. Therefore, CompTIA requires that certification-holders renew their credential with continuing education credits, online activities, or by earning a more advanced CompTIA certification.

How to study for the A+ cert from CompTIA?

Most people who try for the A+ are newcomers with little to no formal knowledge or training in IT. For them, the place to start is with a course specifically meant to walk someone through all the subjects on the 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams. But knowledge alone won't be enough, you should also find a course that offers virtual simulations or ways to digitally practice the skills that the exams will test you for.

What’s the difference between CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2?

The CompTIA A+ certification is split into two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and cloud computing—everything you need to set up and maintain physical and virtual IT environments. Core 2 shifts to software, covering operating systems, troubleshooting, security, and operational procedures. You’ll need to pass both exams to earn your CompTIA A+ certification, but each one builds a different part of your foundational IT skill set.

Who is this for?

This CompTIA A+ (220-1101) training is considered foundational-level CompTIA training, which means it was designed for technical support specialists. This desktop hardware skills course is valuable for new or aspiring technical support specialists or more experienced desktop support specialists looking to validate their CompTIA skills with the A+ certification.

What our learners say

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Study plan

Download the free CompTIA A+ Core 1 study plan to complete this course in about 29 hours.

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