CompTIA A+ Flashcards for the Core 1 Exam (220-1201)

All the top concepts in the official CompTIA A+ Core 1 (1201) test plan.
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The fastest way to study for CompTIA A+

Brainscape’s CompTIA A+ flashcards empower you to learn faster, retain more, and take on the Core 1 (220-1201) exam with confidence. Whether you’re new to IT or are a professional making a career switch, these flashcards are the ultimate study weapon to quickly learn and retain the dense technical material required for certification.

From hardware components to cloud computing software, Brainscape’s CompTIA A+ 220-1201 flashcards break down and drill you on all the critical concepts you need to know to pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam the first time.

What you Get with Brainscape’s CompTIA A+ Core 1 (1201) Flashcards:

You don’t just need to learn the facts for CompTIA A+ exam, you need to understand how systems work, what tools to use, and how to troubleshoot like a tech pro. With Brainscape’s adaptive flashcards, you get:

  • Hundreds of CompTIA A+ Flashcards for Core 1 (220-1201) aligned with the official exam objectives (covering hardware, mobile devices, networking, virtualization, troubleshooting, etc.).
  • Content built in collaboration with Professor Messer, a widely-known and respected expert in IT certification training.
  • Informative flashcards built using cognitive science to help you ingrain knowledge faster and retain it for longer through spaced repetition.
  • A full glossary of acronyms and terminology you need to know for success.
  • A structured, objective-aligned study plan that follows the official CompTIA A+ 220-1201 exam objectives.
  • Fully synced mobile and desktop access to help you study on the go, anytime, anywhere, even offline.
  • Metrics and progress tracking to help you target your weaknesses, manage your time carefully, and always know how much work you still need to do to reach 100% mastery.

Whether you’re deep into CompTIA A+ 220-1201 study material or just getting started, Brainscape is the fastest way to reinforce your training and pass the exam.

Meet Our Flashcard Author: Professor Messer

To create the most complete and rigorously vetted collection of web and mobile CompTIA A+ flashcards, we partnered with Professor Messer, a widely recognized and respected educator in IT certification training.

Professor Messer has helped millions of learners around the world prepare for the A+, Network+, and Security+ exams through his free video courses, study groups, and tutorials. His decades of experience, crystal-clear explanations, and commitment to accessible learning make him the perfect collaborator for creating and vetting Brainscape’s CompTIA A+ flashcards. With Messer's expertise baked into every card, you can be confident you're studying the right material, the right way.

How Brainscape’s CompTIA A+ Flashcards Help you Learn Fast

The brain is hardwired to learn and remember information a certain way. Brainscape's flashcard app was born out of the question: what if we leveraged this hardwiring to help students learn more efficiently? Fueled by curiosity, our team of cognitive scientists from Columbia and Yale spent years developing a scientifically optimized learning platform to help you ingrain and retain information as fast and as painlessly as humanly possible.

Our "secret sauce" is a learning algorithm that delivers information to your brain in a way that optimizes its ability to retain that information. And it’s the spaced repetition of IT content at precisely the right interval for YOUR brain that makes Brainscape so effective for remembering the facts.

Additional Tips for CompTIA A+ Exam Success

If you're serious about passing the CompTIA A+ exam on your first attempt, it's important to go beyond just memorizing facts. Use practice exams regularly to simulate the real test environment and identify your weak spots. Reviewing flashcards is essential, but also applying your knowledge through practical examples or lab exercises will really reinforce your skills.

It also helps to join online study communities, watch free tutorials from trusted educators (like Professor Messer), and set a realistic schedule using a printable study guide or planner. Remember, success comes from consistency! Even 20 minutes of focused daily review with Brainscape's CompTIA A+ study guide flashcards will make a huge difference.

The more familiar you are with the exam objectives, the smoother your test-day experience will be. So stay focused, use smart tools, and don’t be afraid to take a break when needed. With the right tools, you’ll pass your exam AND build the foundational skills that will shape your IT career!

Free Resources For CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Students

Decks included (7)

1.0 Mobile Devices
Understand how to install, configure, secure, and troubleshoot laptops, mobile devices, and related accessories.
32  cards
2.0 Networking
Learn the fundamentals of wired and wireless networking, including protocols, devices, configurations, and connectivity troubleshooting.
109  cards
3.0 Hardware
Develop the ability to identify, install, configure, and maintain PC components, peripherals, storage, and power systems.
121  cards
4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Gain foundational knowledge of virtualization concepts, cloud service models, and best practices for deploying client-side virtual environments.
25  cards
5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Apply systematic troubleshooting methods to diagnose and resolve common hardware, network, and peripheral issues.
87  cards
Acronym List
Master the essential acronyms used throughout the A+ exam domains to quickly recognize key technologies, protocols, and concepts.
219  cards
Port Number Services
Learn the most important network port numbers and their associated services to support secure configuration and troubleshooting.
33  cards

Pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam!

Brainscape’s CompTIA A+ 220-1201 flashcards are scientifically proven to help you learn faster and retain knowledge for longer than traditional studying.

Brainscape promotes stronger retention over time than traditional study methods.

The smartest study method.

Brainscape's spaced repetition system is scientifically proven to help you learn faster and develop better study habits.

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Brainscape uses your confidence rating, on a 1-5 scale, to determine how soon to repeat the flashcard again.

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Collaborate with others, add media, and keep all your flashcards in sync between the Brainscape website and mobile app.

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Frequently
asked questions.

Is The CompTIA A+ Exam Very Difficult?

Yes, the CompTIA A+ exam is difficult for many test-takers, especially if you’re new to IT.

The CompTIA exam tests a wide range of concepts from cloud computing hardware, networking, security, and software troubleshooting. Each exam (Core 1 and Core 2) has up to 90 questions in just 90 minutes, which can feel overwhelming without enough prep.

And while the questions might seem straightforward, many involve performance-based items that require real-world thinking and troubleshooting.

Brainscape’s flashcards help you cut through the noise by focusing on the highest-yield material in the CompTIA A study guide. You'll feel less overwhelmed, more prepared, and ready to apply your knowledge in both the certification exams and real-life tech scenarios.

What Topics Are Covered On The CompTIA A+ Exam?

The CompTIA A+ certification covers a broad range of IT fundamentals including hardware, mobile devices, network connections, security, virtualization and cloud, software troubleshooting, and more. These topics are outlined in the official exam objectives for both Core 1 and Core 2.

How Many Questions Are On The CompTIA A+ Exam?

Each of the two exams required for the CompTIA A+ includes up to 90 questions. These include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions that test both theory and practical examples.

What Score Do You Need To Pass CompTIA A+?

To pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam, you need a score of 675 out of 900. For Core 2 (220-1202), the passing score is 700 out of 900. Each exam is 90 minutes long and emphasizes real-world problem solving.

Is CompTIA A+ Worth It For Beginners?

Yes! The CompTIA A+ certification is considered an industry standard for entry-level IT roles. It validates your foundational IT skills and opens doors to roles in help desk, desktop support, and junior systems administration.

How Long Is The CompTIA A+ Certification Valid?

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years. You can renew it by earning continuing education credits or by passing a higher-level CompTIA exam.

Can I Take The CompTIA A+ Exam Online?

Yes, you can take the CompTIA A+ exam online through Pearson VUE with remote proctoring. This flexibility makes it easy to complete your certification from home or your workplace.

Is Two Months Enough To Prep For CompTIA A+?

For most students, 2 months of consistent study is enough to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification, especially if you're using the right study tools!

The key is structure. Brainscape’s CompTIA A+ study guide flashcards organize content into manageable chunks, helping you efficiently master topics like mobile devices, print devices, software, network access, and more. If you can dedicate 1–2 hours a day, you'll be in great shape.

Plus, our spaced repetition algorithm ensures you’re always reviewing the most important facts right before you forget them. That’s the kind of smart study that helps you beat the 90-minute clock on exam day.

Do I Need To Take Both Core 1 and Core 2 for CompTIA A+ Certification?

Yes. To earn your CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). These two exams required assess your understanding of hardware, software, virtualization, network connections, and security. Skipping one means you won’t receive the certification, so it’s important to prepare for both.

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