When I began studying for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam, I was on a tight budget and wondered, “Are there free practice questions out there?” As someone who passed with no IT background, I’m thrilled to confirm that yes, quality free CompTIA A+ Core 1 practice questions exist. In this post, I’ll share where to find them, how they helped me, and tips to use them effectively. I’ll highlight SkilltestPro for free practice tests and Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for video-based questions to get you exam-ready.
What is the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam?
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) is one of two exams required for the A+ certification, a must-have for entry-level IT jobs. It covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, troubleshooting, and virtualization, with up to 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based) in 90 minutes. You need a 75% score (675/900) to pass. As a beginner, free practice questions were my secret weapon—here’s where to get them.
Are There Free CompTIA A+ Core 1 Practice Questions Available?
Yes, there are plenty of free CompTIA A+ Core 1 practice questions available! They mimic the exam’s multiple-choice and performance-based formats, helping you prep without spending a dime. Here are the best sources I found:
1. SkilltestPro’s Free Practice Tests
- What You Get: SkilltestPro offers the first three Core 1 practice tests for free in their A+ section. Each test includes multiple-choice questions (e.g., “Which port is used for HTTPS?”) and performance-based tasks (like dragging components into a PC diagram).
- Why It’s Great: These questions are exam-like, covering domains like hardware (33%) and networking (20%). The explanations for answers helped me understand mistakes, especially on tricky topics like IP addressing. I took these tests weekly to track progress.
- How to Access: Visit SkilltestPro’s A+ practice test page—no signup or payment needed for the first three tests.
2. Tech Wolf’s YouTube Practice Videos
- What You Get: Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel features free videos with Core 1 practice questions and explanations. They cover topics like troubleshooting hardware or configuring Wi-Fi, often with sample questions you can try.
- Why It’s Great: Tech Wolf’s clear, beginner-friendly style made concepts like cable types or virtualization click. I paused their videos to answer questions before they revealed solutions, mimicking test conditions.
- How to Access: Search “CompTIA A+ Core 1” on their channel for relevant playlists—all free, no account required.
3. Other Free Resources (Use with Caution)
- ExamCompass: Offers free Core 1 quizzes with multiple-choice questions (e.g., “What’s SO-DIMM?”). They’re good for quick drills but lack performance-based tasks and deep explanations.
- Reddit & Forums: Communities like r/CompTIA share free question sets, but quality varies. I used these sparingly, cross-checking with official objectives.
- Warning: Avoid outdated or unverified sources, as they may not align with the 220-1201 exam. Stick to trusted platforms like SkilltestPro for accuracy.
How Free Practice Questions Help
Free practice questions were crucial for me because they:
- Mimicked the Exam: SkilltestPro’s performance-based tasks prepped me for simulations like router configs.
- Pinpointed Weaknesses: My first test showed I struggled with networking ports, so I focused there.
- Built Confidence: Hitting 80%+ on SkilltestPro tests and Tech Wolf’s questions made test day less daunting.
- Saved Money: I only paid for the exam voucher, keeping prep costs low.
How to Use Free Practice Questions Effectively
Here’s how I made these resources work:
- Start with SkilltestPro: Take the first free test at SkilltestPro after a week of study to gauge your level. Review explanations thoroughly. I did one test weekly.
- Watch Tech Wolf: Use Tech Wolf’s videos to dive into weak areas like virtualization or cable standards. Pause to answer their practice questions.
- Align with Objectives: Check CompTIA’s Core 1 objectives (SkilltestPro’s objectives) to ensure you cover hardware, networking, and troubleshooting.
- Practice Hands-On: Tinker with a PC’s components or configure Wi-Fi to prep for performance-based tasks. I used VirtualBox for virtual machine setups.
- Aim for 80%+: Target 80–85% on SkilltestPro tests to clear the 75% passing score comfortably. I hit this after 8–12 weeks, studying 1–2 hours daily.
Tips to Maximize Free Prep
- Focus on Gaps: My early tests showed networking weaknesses, so I binged Tech Wolf’s networking videos.
- Simulate Test Day: Take SkilltestPro tests in a quiet space with a 90-minute timer to mimic the exam.
- Review Daily: I used flashcards for terms like “RAID” or “DNS” to nail multiple-choice questions.
- Stay Consistent: Study 5–6 days a week, even just 30 minutes, to build momentum.
- Cross-Check Sources: Ensure questions align with the 220-1201 objectives to avoid outdated content.
Why Free Questions Are Enough
SkilltestPro’s free tests gave me a real taste of the exam, especially its performance-based tasks, while Tech Wolf’s videos clarified complex topics like cloud computing. Together, they helped me pass Core 1 after 8–12 weeks of prep without extra costs. The skills I gained now help me in my IT support role.
Why Passing Core 1 Matters
Passing CompTIA A+ Core 1 unlocks IT jobs like help desk or field technician (~$50,000–$60,000/year in the U.S.). For me, it was a confidence boost that launched my tech career. Free practice questions make it achievable on any budget.
Ready to prep for CompTIA A+ Core 1? Grab the first three free practice tests on SkilltestPro and explore Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for top-notch practice questions. Keep at it, and you’ll ace the exam!