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CompTIA A+ Exam Tips: Pass on Your First Attempt
Expert CompTIA A+ exam tips to pass on your first attempt. These proven test-taking strategies, time management techniques, and insider advice come from successful candidates who passed their Core 1 and Core 2 exams.
Plan your next step
Skip Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) initially and answer multiple-choice first. Use the flag feature for uncertain answers. Manage your 90 minutes carefully—aim for 1 minute per question. Focus heavily on exam objectives and practice with realistic simulations.
Passing the CompTIA A+ exams requires more than just technical knowledge—it demands smart test-taking strategies. Many knowledgeable candidates fail not because they lack understanding, but because they mismanage time, panic on PBQs, or second-guess correct answers. This guide shares battle-tested tips from thousands of successful candidates to help you pass on your first attempt.
Current A+ exam and policy guidance
A+ V15 uses 220-1201 and 220-1202. Both exams must be from the same version. Each allows up to 90 questions in 90 minutes; Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. Study schedules and preparation budgets on this page are planning examples, not guaranteed outcomes or current price quotes.
Checked September 8, 2026: Core 1 · Core 2 · Retake policy · Scoring policy · Renewal fees.
Before the Exam
- Score 85%+ on practice tests before scheduling — aim for at least 3-5 consecutive tests at this level
- Review exam objectives — ensure you've covered all domains for the specific exam (Core 1 or Core 2)
- Get good sleep the night before — avoid cramming; your brain needs rest for optimal performance
- Eat a solid breakfast on exam day — protein and complex carbs, not sugar
- Arrive 15 minutes early to reduce stress and complete check-in procedures
- Bring two forms of ID — one with photo (driver's license) and one with signature
Pre-Exam Preparation
The week before your exam is crucial for consolidating knowledge and building confidence. Focus on weak areas identified in practice tests while maintaining familiarity with strong topics. Review all exam objectives and rate your confidence in each. Spend 70% of study time on weak areas and 30% maintaining strong areas. Take at least 2-3 full-length practice exams under timed conditions.
Night Before the Exam
Avoid heavy studying the night before—review flashcards lightly and get quality sleep. Prepare your testing environment or plan your route to the testing center.
During the Exam
- Read every question twice — look for keywords like NOT, EXCEPT, BEST, MOST LIKELY, FIRST
- Skip PBQs initially — flag them and do all multiple-choice first, then return with remaining time
- Flag difficult questions and move on — don't waste more than 90 seconds on any question
- Manage your time — with 90 minutes for ~90 questions, aim for 1 minute per question
- Never leave blanks — there's no penalty for guessing; eliminate wrong answers and pick
- Check the clock at question 30 and question 60 to pace yourself
Test-Taking Strategies
On your first pass through the exam, answer questions you're confident about immediately. Flag anything you're uncertain about and skip PBQs entirely. This builds momentum and ensures you capture easy points before time pressure mounts. For uncertain questions, eliminate obviously wrong answers first. CompTIA often includes one or two clearly incorrect options.
Reading Questions Carefully
CompTIA questions often include qualifiers like "BEST," "FIRST," "MOST likely," or "LEAST." These words are critical—multiple answers might be technically correct, but only one is the BEST answer.
Time Management Techniques
With 90 minutes for up to 90 questions, time management is critical. Aim for about 1 minute per multiple-choice question. Reserve 15-20 minutes at the end for PBQs and flagged questions. Check your progress at the 30-minute and 60-minute marks to ensure you're on pace. If you've spent more than 2 minutes on a question without progress, flag it and move on.
When to Move On
Your subconscious often works on problems in the background—answers may become clearer when you return to flagged questions.
Performance-Based Question (PBQ) Tips
PBQs are interactive simulations worth more points than multiple-choice. Here's how to handle them:
- Practice command-line commands beforehand — ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat, nslookup
- Know Windows settings navigation — Control Panel, Device Manager, System Configuration
- Understand drag-and-drop matching — common for ports, cables, and troubleshooting steps
- Budget extra time for PBQs — save 15-20 minutes at the end for these
- Partial credit is possible — attempt every part even if unsure
- Read all instructions — PBQs often have specific requirements you must follow
Handling Performance-Based Questions
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) test hands-on skills through simulations. They typically appear at the beginning of the exam and can be time-consuming. Most experts recommend skipping PBQs on your first pass—answer all multiple-choice questions first, then return to PBQs with remaining time. Remember that partial credit is often awarded.
PBQ Practice
The best PBQ preparation is hands-on practice. Use virtual labs, build home labs, or practice with simulation software. Familiarity with Windows command prompt and network configuration is essential.
High-Yield Topics (Core 1)
Focus your Core 1 review on these frequently-tested areas:
- Hardware components: RAM types, storage interfaces (SATA, NVMe), motherboard form factors
- Networking: TCP/IP, common ports (21, 22, 23, 25, 53, 80, 443), cable types
- Mobile devices: Smartphone/tablet connectivity, synchronization methods
- Printers: Laser vs inkjet processes, maintenance, troubleshooting
- Cloud concepts: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, public vs private cloud
High-Yield Topics (Core 2)
Focus your Core 2 review on these frequently-tested areas:
- Operating systems: Windows installation, upgrades, features, command-line tools
- Security: Malware types, prevention methods, encryption, physical security
- Troubleshooting: Systematic methodology, common issues and solutions
- Operational procedures: Documentation, change management, disaster recovery
- Mobile OS: iOS and Android security, configuration, troubleshooting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Changing answers without good reason — first instincts are usually correct
- Spending too long on one question — flag it and move on
- Not reading all answer choices — the best answer might be the last option
- Overthinking straightforward questions — sometimes the obvious answer is correct
- Panicking on PBQs — they look harder than they are; take a breath and read carefully
Facts and planning estimates
- Exam Duration
- 90 Minutes
- Question Count
- 90 Max
- Passing Score
- 675-700
- Question Types
- MCQ + PBQ
Put the guide into practice
Arrive and Settle In
Complete check-in procedures and get comfortable in your testing environment.
Use any provided scratch paper to immediately write down memorized information like port numbers.
First Pass: Easy Questions
Answer all questions you're confident about. Flag uncertain ones and skip all PBQs.
Don't spend more than 90 seconds on any question during the first pass.
Second Pass: Flagged Questions
Return to flagged questions with fresh perspective. Use process of elimination.
Your first instinct is often correct—only change answers if you have a specific reason.
Final Pass: PBQs
Tackle Performance-Based Questions with your remaining time. Attempt every component for partial credit.
If time is very short, focus on the PBQ components you're most confident about.
Study tips
Write down memorized information (port numbers, cable standards) on scratch paper immediately when the exam starts.
Never leave a question unanswered—there's no penalty for guessing, and you have at least a 25% chance.
Skip PBQs on your first pass and return to them after completing all multiple-choice questions.
If two answers seem equally correct, look for the one that's "more correct" for the specific scenario described.
Use the flag feature liberally—it helps you track which questions need review without wasting time.
Trust your first instinct on answers unless you have a specific reason to change them.
Common mistakes to avoid
Spending too much time on PBQs at the start—skip them initially and return later.
Not reading questions completely—watch for qualifiers like "BEST" or "FIRST."
Changing answers without good reason—your first instinct is usually correct.
Leaving questions blank—always guess as there's no penalty for wrong answers.
Panicking when encountering unfamiliar topics—use process of elimination and move on.
Study perspective
The candidates who pass on their first attempt aren't always the most technically knowledgeable—they're the ones who manage their time effectively and trust their preparation. Skip the PBQs first, stay calm, and work systematically.
Practice with Realistic Exam Questions
Our practice tests simulate the real CompTIA A+ exam experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the A+ exam?
Each exam (Core 1 and Core 2) has a maximum of 90 questions including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and PBQs. You have 90 minutes per exam.
Should I skip the PBQs first?
Yes! Flag PBQs and complete all multiple-choice questions first. Return to PBQs with remaining time so you don't miss easier points.
What score do I need to pass?
Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. CompTIA uses scaled scoring and does not disclose the detailed formula.
How should I manage my time?
Aim for 1 minute per multiple-choice question. Skip PBQs initially, flag difficult questions, and save 15-20 minutes for review and PBQs.
How many questions are on the CompTIA A+ exam?
Each A+ exam contains up to 90 questions, including both multiple-choice and Performance-Based Questions (PBQs).
Should I skip the Performance-Based Questions?
Yes, most experts recommend skipping PBQs on your first pass. Answer all multiple-choice questions first, then return to PBQs with your remaining time.
How should I manage my time during the exam?
With 90 minutes for up to 90 questions, aim for about 1 minute per multiple-choice question. Reserve 15-20 minutes for PBQs and flagged questions.
What if I don't know the answer to a question?
Use process of elimination to narrow your choices. Flag the question and move on if you're stuck. Never leave a question blank.
Can I go back and change my answers?
Yes, you can review and change answers until you submit the exam. However, your first instinct is usually correct.
What should I do the night before the exam?
Avoid heavy studying. Lightly review flashcards, prepare your testing environment, and get 7-8 hours of quality sleep.
Practice These Strategies
Apply these tips in realistic practice tests with exam-style questions and timed simulations.
Start Free Practice Test →Practice & quick reference
- A+ Practice Questions Apply the tips against real question styles
- Free CompTIA A+ Practice Test 2026: 90+ Questions with Explanations Free practice test
- Hardware
- Networking
- Troubleshooting
Study tools & plans
- How to Pass
- Study Guide
- A+ Exam Objectives Explained The blueprint behind every questionExam objectives
- CompTIA A+ Weekend Study Plan: Certification for Busy Professionals 2026 Study plan
- Certification Overview Complete guide and requirements
- A+ Jobs
Exam facts & renewal
- Passing Score
- Is It Hard? Difficulty
- Exam Cost
- CompTIA A+ Renewal: CEUs, Costs & Deadlines (2026) Renewal & CE
- A+ Exam: Up to 90 per exam Questions (2026) How many questions
- Does A+ Expire? 2026 Renewal Guide Does it expire?