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.

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions