AP1 — Setting up an IT-supported Workplace
The first hurdle on your way to becoming an IT Specialist. 90 minutes, cross-specialization, taken after approx. 18 months.
Key Facts
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Weight | 20% of total grade |
| Timing | After approx. 18 months (February/March or September) |
| Format | Written, multiple-choice and open questions |
| Note | Identical for all four specializations (FIAE, FISI, FIDP, FIDV) |
Exam Topics
AP1 covers cross-specialization fundamentals. Here are the core topics:
Project Management
Network diagrams, Gantt charts, scoring models, project phases, methodologies (Waterfall, Scrum, Kanban).
Business Economics
Make-or-buy analysis, amortization, ROI, TCO, bid comparison, scoring models.
IT Security & Data Protection
CIA triad, encryption (symmetric/asymmetric), firewalls, VPN, backup strategies, GDPR, BSI standards.
Networking
OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting, VLAN, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, IPv4/IPv6.
Databases
ER modeling, normalization (1NF–3NF), SQL (SELECT, JOIN, GROUP BY, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
Quality Management
PDCA cycle, continuous improvement, quality concepts, testing methods, error analysis.
Hardware & Virtualization
RAID levels, storage technologies, virtualization (Type-1/Type-2 hypervisor), cloud basics (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS).
Preparation Tips
Work through past exams
The IHK repeats topics and question types. Anyone who knows the last 5-10 exams will recognize patterns.
Practice subnetting, practice, practice
Networking questions appear in almost every exam. Subnetting must be second nature — under time pressure.
Understand business calculations
Don't just memorize formulas — understand the logic behind make-or-buy, ROI and TCO.
Start 6-8 weeks early
Don't push everything to the last week. Regular study beats a last-minute marathon.
AP1 Preparation with Us
In our intensive course, we systematically work through all exam topics — with real IHK-format questions and personal coaching.