Part I: Introduction to Core 1 (220-1001)
Welcome to the Core 1 (220-1001) section of this book. This portion of the CompTIA A+ certification focuses on: computers such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and PCs; computer networking; virtualization and cloud computing; and the troubleshooting of hardware and networks. That’s a great deal of things to know—but you can do this. Take it slow, study hard, and stay positive. Do these things, and you will succeed.
The Core 1 content of this book comprises Chapters 1 through 22. For the most part, I’ve written the content to match the order of the objectives. This way, you can follow along with the official CompTIA A+ objectives and mark them up as you wish while you progress through the book. After Chapter 22 you will find a practice exam that is designed to test your knowledge of the 220-1001 objectives.
Core 1 (220-1001) Domains
The CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam objectives are broken down into five domains:
▸ 1.0—Mobile Devices
▸ 2.0—Networking
▸ 3.0—Hardware
▸ 4.0—Virtualization and Cloud Computing
▸ 5.0—Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
After this introduction, we’ll go through these in order, starting with Chapter 1, “Laptops, Part 1.” Be sure to study each of the domains! To do this properly, I suggest that you get your hands on as much technology gear as you can: PCs, laptops, mobile devices, printers, SOHO routers, and so on. Look for older equipment that still works to save money. Work with as much of this technology as possible so that you can learn how the hardware and devices really work. Then apply that knowledge to the objectives and the content in this book.
Core 1 (220-1001) Checklist
You must be fully prepared for the exam, so I created a checklist that you can use to make sure you are covering all the bases as you study. Take a look at the table below and make sure you check off each item before attempting the 220-1001 exam. Historically, my readers and students have benefited greatly from this type of checklist. Use the table as a guide for ordering your studies. I suggest you bookmark this page, and refer back to it as you complete each item.
Exam Preparation Checklist
Step |
Item |
Details |
220-1001 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
1. |
Read the Core 1 (220-1001) content. |
Thoroughly read Chapters 1 through 22. |
|
2. |
Review the Exam Alerts. |
The little boxes with Exam Alerts are interspersed throughout the book. Review these and make sure you understand every one. |
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3. |
Review the Cram Quizzes. |
Cram Quizzes are categorized by exam. You can review them in the text or on the companion website.1 |
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4. |
Complete the practice exam in the book. |
Directly after Chapter 22 is a 220-1001 practice exam. Your goal should be to get at least 90 percent correct on the exam on the first try. (100 percent would be preferable!) If you score less than 90 percent, go back and study more! |
|
5. |
Study the Core 1 Real-World Scenarios. |
These can be found on the companion website. Complete these by reading and answering the scenarios and questions within the PDFs, and accessing the corresponding videos and simulations. |
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6. |
Create your own cheat sheet. |
Although there is a Cram Sheet in the beginning of this book, you should also create your own. The act of writing down important details helps commit them to memory. Keep in mind that you will not be allowed to take this or the Cram Sheet into the actual testing room. |
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7. |
Register for the exam. |
Do not register until you have completed the previous steps; you shouldn’t register until you are fully prepared. When you are ready, schedule the exam to commence within a couple days so that you won’t forget what you learned! Registration can be done online. Register at Pearson Vue (https://home.pearsonvue.com/). It accepts payment by major credit cards for the exam fee. You need to create an account to sign up for exams. |
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8. |
Read the test-taking tips. |
These can be found in the last chapter of the book and on the companion website. |
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9. |
Study the Cram Sheet and cheat sheet. |
The Cram Sheet is a fold-out in the beginning of this book. It is also on the companion website. Study from the Core 1 portion of this and your cheat sheet during the last 24 hours before the exam. (If your exam is delayed for any reason, go back to step 3 and retake the Cram Quizzes and practice exam 24 hours prior to your test date.) |
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10. |
Take the exam! |
When you pass, place that final check mark in the box! Good luck! |
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1Some electronic editions of this book do not have access to the practice test software.
ExamAlert
Do not register for the exam until you are thoroughly prepared. Meticulously complete items 1 through 6 in the table before you register.
Note
Remember: It’s not mandatory, but I always recommend going through the entire book (Core 1 and Core 2). Then, return to the Core 1 portion and review it carefully, going through the steps in the table. It takes more time, yes–but this is a proven method that I have used with CompTIA A+ exams since the turn of the millennium!