About This Study Plan
This 90-day study plan breaks the APLUS1 (A+ Core 1) exam preparation into 3 focused study sessions with 12 actionable tasks. The plan covers all 5 exam domains — Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting — ensuring complete coverage. Comprehensive 90-day plan for beginners preparing for CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201).
Prerequisites
- No prior IT experience needed
- 1–2 hours per day
Study Schedule
- Weeks 1–2: PC components deep dive — CPU, RAM, motherboard, storage, PSU, cooling
- Week 3: Laptop and mobile device hardware, displays, and accessories
- Week 4: Printers (laser/inkjet/thermal), peripheral devices, and interfaces
- End of month: Hardware quiz and component identification practice
- Week 5: OSI model, TCP/IP stack, IP addressing basics
- Week 6: Ports, protocols, network devices, and cable types
- Week 7: Wireless networking, configuration, and security basics
- Week 8: Virtualization concepts, cloud models, and networking quiz
- Week 9: Troubleshooting methodology and hardware issues
- Week 10: Network troubleshooting, tools (ping, tracert, ipconfig)
- Week 11: Full practice exam #1 + review all wrong answers
- Week 12: Practice exam #2, flashcards, PBQ practice, and rest
Study Tips
Start with hardware — physically handling components builds intuition.
Use free network simulators for hands-on practice.
Watch teardown videos to visualize internal components you cannot access.
Recommended CompTIA Study Resources
Supplement this study plan with the official CompTIA CertMaster labs and practice tests. Download the free exam objectives PDF from CompTIA's website and use it as a checklist — cross off each objective as you master it. Professor Messer's free video series covers every CompTIA exam objective and is widely regarded as one of the best free resources available.
Ready to Practice?
Put your study plan into action with A+ Core 1 practice questions.