The CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two separate exams, each with its own passing score threshold. Understanding how CompTIA's scaled scoring system works—and what practice test scores indicate actual exam readiness—is crucial for scheduling your exam at the right time. This guide explains the exact passing scores for Core 1 and Core 2, breaks down how scaled scoring differs from raw percentages, and provides proven benchmarks to determine when you're truly ready to sit for the exam.
CompTIA A+ consists of two exams that must both be passed to earn the certification. Each exam has a different passing score, reflecting the different content areas and their relative complexity:
Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing
Score range: 100-900
Passing: 675 (~75%)Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures
Score range: 100-900
Passing: 700 (~78%)CompTIA's scoring system is often misunderstood. Your exam score is not a simple percentage of correct answers. Instead, CompTIA uses a psychometric scaling model that adjusts raw scores based on question difficulty. Here's what this means in practice:
Not all questions are equal. Difficult questions contribute more to your scaled score than easier ones. This means getting a hard question right is worth more than getting an easy question right. The algorithm ensures that scores are comparable across different exam versions, even when question pools vary in difficulty.
The 100-900 scale is not linear. A score of 450 doesn't mean you got exactly half the questions right. The scale is designed so that the passing threshold represents the minimum competency level CompTIA has established through subject matter expert review. The endpoints (100 and 900) represent the statistical extremes, not literally answering every question wrong or right.
Approximate percentage equivalents. While not exact, industry analysis suggests that a 675/900 on Core 1 requires approximately 75% of weighted questions answered correctly, and a 700/900 on Core 2 requires approximately 78%. However, because of difficulty weighting, you might pass with fewer correct answers if you get more difficult questions right.
| Certification | Passing Score | Approx. % | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ Core 1 | 675/900 | ~75% | Entry |
| CompTIA A+ Core 2 | 700/900 | ~78% | Entry |
| CompTIA Network+ | 720/900 | ~80% | Intermediate |
| CompTIA Security+ | 750/900 | ~83% | Intermediate |
| CompTIA CySA+ | 750/900 | ~83% | Advanced |
CompTIA A+ has the lowest passing thresholds of the core certifications, which aligns with its entry-level positioning. However, don't interpret lower thresholds as meaning A+ is easy—the content breadth across hardware, networking, operating systems, and security is substantial, and many candidates find the exam more challenging than expected.
Practice test scores are the most reliable predictor of exam readiness. However, interpreting them requires understanding the gap between practice and real-exam performance. Most candidates score 5-10% lower on the actual exam due to test anxiety, unfamiliar question phrasing, and the pressure of a timed environment. Here are the benchmarks experienced study coaches recommend:
You might pass, but the margin is razor-thin. Continue studying weak domains before scheduling.
Solid readiness. Schedule your exam within 1-2 weeks while knowledge is fresh.
You're over-prepared. Schedule immediately—don't over-study and risk burnout.
Critical note: These benchmarks assume you're using quality practice tests from multiple sources. If you only use one practice test bank and memorize answers, your scores will be artificially inflated. Use at least 2-3 different practice test providers to get accurate readiness assessment.
Both A+ exams include Performance-Based Questions that simulate real-world scenarios in interactive environments. While CompTIA doesn't officially confirm PBQ weighting, industry experts believe PBQs carry more scoring weight than standard multiple-choice questions. PBQs typically appear at the beginning of the exam and test your ability to apply knowledge practically—configuring network settings, troubleshooting hardware issues, or setting up security configurations.
Strategic tip: Many experienced test-takers recommend flagging PBQs during your first pass and returning to them after completing multiple-choice questions. This approach lets you build confidence with easier questions first and allocate more focused time to PBQs when you're in a better mental state. Just be mindful of the clock—don't leave PBQs until the last minute.
If you receive a score between 600 and 674 (Core 1) or 600 and 699 (Core 2), you're close but not quite there. CompTIA provides a score report broken down by domain, showing your performance in each content area. Use this report strategically: identify the domains where you scored lowest and concentrate your retake study on those specific areas. Most near-miss failures result from weakness in one or two specific domains rather than overall poor preparation.
See where you stand with practice tests that mirror the real exam format.
Start Free A+ Practice Test →Core 1 requires 675 out of 900 to pass (~75%). Core 2 requires 700 out of 900 (~78%). Both use scaled scoring that adjusts for question difficulty, so the exact number of correct answers needed varies by exam version.
No. CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system from 100-900, not simple percentages. The scaled score accounts for question difficulty variations between exam versions. A 675/900 is roughly equivalent to 75% correct, but the exact conversion depends on question weighting.
Aim for consistently scoring 85%+ on practice tests from at least 2-3 different sources. This provides a 5-10% buffer for exam-day stress and unfamiliar question variations. Don't rely on a single practice test bank.
Core 2's 700/900 threshold reflects CompTIA's assessment that software, security, and operational procedures are slightly more critical for day-to-day IT support competency. The 25-point difference is meaningful but manageable with focused preparation.
CompTIA doesn't officially disclose PBQ weighting, but industry consensus suggests PBQs carry more scoring weight than standard multiple-choice questions. PBQs test practical application skills and typically appear at the beginning of the exam.
Your Core 1 pass remains valid indefinitely. You only need to retake and pass Core 2. Use the score report from your failed attempt to identify weak domains and focus your retake study accordingly. Wait at least 14 days before retaking.