Course Description

Preparing for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam can feel overwhelming with so many topics to cover, from hardware and networking to troubleshooting. This course gives you a clear, structured path to understanding the 2026 exam objectives, focusing on practical knowledge.

We will walk you through each domain with step-by-step guides, real case studies, and practical exercises. You will learn how to configure hardware, manage virtualization, and troubleshoot common issues. The course includes video lessons, downloadable study checklists, and problem-solving sessions.

Course Curriculum

5 sections • 14.75 hours total length

  • Understanding the 220-1201 Exam Objectives (12m)

    We'll break down the official 2026 exam objectives so you know exactly what to study and how the test is structured.

  • Creating Your Core 1 Study Plan (18m)

    Learn how to build a realistic study schedule that covers all domains, with a downloadable template to track your progress.

  • How Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) Work (15m)

    Get a clear explanation of PBQs, what they test, and a step-by-step guide to approaching them on exam day.

  • Essential Terminology for Hardware and Software (9m)

    A quick-fire lesson to define the core terms you must know, ensuring you understand the language of the exam.

  • Setting Up Your Virtual Lab Environment (25m)

    A practical walkthrough of setting up virtual machines to practice hardware configurations safely without physical gear.

  • Common Exam Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them (11m)

    We'll review common mistakes students make and share strategies to avoid them, from time management to reading questions carefully.

  • Decoding the CompTIA Exam Rubric (8m)

    Learn how the exam is scored and what the different domains contribute to your final grade.

  • Tools and Resources for Your Study Journey (10m)

    A curated list of the best apps, websites, and practice test resources to supplement this course.

  • Laptop Components: Disassembly and Replacement (22m)

    Step-by-step guide to identifying and replacing laptop parts like keyboards, batteries, and storage.

  • Mobile Device Connectivity: Thunderbolt, NFC, and More (16m)

    Learn how to configure and troubleshoot various mobile connection standards.

  • Configuring Mobile Device Sync and Email (14m)

    A practical lesson on setting up Exchange, IMAP, and other email accounts on mobile devices.

  • Motherboard Architectures: UEFI vs. BIOS (20m)

    We'll dive into modern motherboard firmware, how to configure it, and secure boot settings.

  • CPU and Cooling Systems: A Practical Look (28m)

    Understand CPU sockets, thermal paste application, and how to choose the right cooling for a build.

  • RAM Types and Installation Best Practices (19m)

    A real case study on matching RAM modules to a motherboard and troubleshooting POST issues.

  • Storage Solutions: NVMe, SATA, and RAID (26m)

    Compare different storage types and walk through a RAID configuration problem-solving session.

  • Power Supply Calculations and Connectors (17m)

    Learn how to calculate wattage needs and identify different power connectors with a practical worksheet.

  • Peripheral Devices: Setup and Troubleshooting (13m)

    Cover printers, scanners, and displays, focusing on common issues and their fixes.

  • Building a PC: From Parts to POST (32m)

    A full walkthrough of assembling a custom PC, including cable management and first boot.

  • TCP/IP Ports and Protocols Explained (24m)

    Memorize the essential ports and protocols with our mnemonic devices and real-world usage examples.

  • IP Addressing: Subnet Masks and Gateways (21m)

    A problem-solving session on calculating subnets and identifying network issues.

  • Wi-Fi Standards and Security Configuration (18m)

    Learn to configure WPA2/WPA3, choose the right channel, and troubleshoot wireless connectivity.

  • SOHO Network Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide (29m)

    We'll configure a small office network, from the router to the access points.

  • Understanding Network Hardware: Routers, Switches, and More (15m)

    A clear breakdown of network devices and where they fit in a modern network topology.

  • Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Issues (23m)

    Use tools like ping, tracert, and ipconfig in real-world scenarios to diagnose and fix network problems.

  • Introduction to Virtualization and Cloud Concepts (19m)

    Learn the basics of cloud models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and how they apply to the Core 1 exam.

  • Configuring a Basic VPN Connection (16m)

    A practical lesson on setting up a VPN for remote access, a key skill for IT support.

  • The CompTIA Troubleshooting Model: A Framework for Success (17m)

    Learn and apply the official CompTIA troubleshooting model to any hardware or network issue.

  • Solving Common POST Beep Codes (12m)

    A real case study analysis of beep codes and what they mean for your hardware diagnostics.

  • Diagnosing Video and Display Problems (14m)

    Step-by-step guide to fixing no signal, flickering, and resolution issues.

  • Troubleshooting Boot Failures in Windows (26m)

    We'll use recovery tools and safe mode to diagnose and fix startup problems.

  • Fixing Common Printer and Scanner Issues (20m)

    A problem-solving session covering jams, connectivity, and print quality problems.

  • Network Troubleshooting: From Wi-Fi to Wired (25m)

    A comprehensive walkthrough of diagnosing slow speeds, intermittent drops, and total connection loss.

  • Using Command-Line Tools for Diagnostics (18m)

    Master netstat, nslookup, and other command-line utilities to gather network information.

  • Motherboard and CPU Failure Scenarios (22m)

    Analyze real-world failure scenarios and learn how to pinpoint the faulty component.

  • Troubleshooting Mobile Device Connectivity (11m)

    Quick fixes for mobile devices that won't sync, connect to Wi-Fi, or charge.

  • Creating a Troubleshooting Knowledge Base (13m)

    How to document your fixes for future reference, a crucial skill in any IT role.

  • Windows 10/11 Installation and Upgrade Paths (27m)

    A step-by-step guide to clean installs, in-place upgrades, and troubleshooting installation errors.

  • the Command Line: Essential Commands (23m)

    We'll cover the most important CMD and PowerShell commands for the exam and daily IT tasks.

  • Windows Features: UAC, Firewall, and Defender (19m)

    Learn how to configure and manage core Windows security features.

  • macOS and Linux Basics for the A+ Exam (16m)

    A focused lesson on the key commands and features you need to know from these operating systems.

  • Virtualization: Installing and Managing VMs (24m)

    Hands-on practice with installing a hypervisor and creating your first virtual machine.

  • Mobile OS Security: Biometrics and Encryption (12m)

    Understand how to secure Android and iOS devices, a growing area of the exam.

  • Identifying and Removing Malware (21m)

    A practical walkthrough of the malware removal process, from identification to remediation.

  • User Account Management and Permissions (18m)

    Learn to configure user accounts, groups, and NTFS permissions correctly.

  • Securing a SOHO Network: Best Practices (20m)

    A checklist-based lesson on changing defaults, setting strong passwords, and enabling security features.

  • Data Backup and Recovery Strategies (15m)

    We'll cover different backup types and how to perform a system restore.

  • Final Exam Review: Key Concepts and PBQs (35m)

    A comprehensive review session covering the most critical topics and a final PBQ practice set.

Course Details

  • Duration: 14.75 hours
  • Level: Adaptative
  • Language: English
  • Lessons: 47+ video lessons
  • Categories: IT Certifications
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Device: Mobile & Desktop
  • Certificate: Yes. After completion and Exam

The course is totally free. Seriously appreciated attribution