COMPTIA A+ / PASSING SCORE Know the passing scores.
Understand what they mean.
Separate official scaled scores from practice results, then decide what to review next.
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CompTIA A+ Passing Score: What You Need to Know in 2026
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.
Plan your next step
The Core 1 exam requires 675/900 to pass, while Core 2 requires 700/900. Both exams must be passed to earn the A+ certification. Scores are calculated using a scaled scoring method, not raw percentages.
Knowing the exact passing score for CompTIA A+ exams helps you set realistic study goals and benchmark your practice test performance. While the numbers might seem intimidating at first glance, understanding how CompTIA's scoring system works reveals that these targets are achievable with proper preparation. This guide explains everything you need to know about A+ exam scoring.
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.
CompTIA uses scaled scores: Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. These thresholds do not give a fixed percentage or number of correct answers. CompTIA does not disclose the detailed scoring formula.
There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.
Checked September 8, 2026: Core 1 · Core 2 · Retake policy · Scoring policy · Renewal fees.
Official Passing Scores
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:
Core 1
Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing
Score range: 100-900
Passing: 675Core 2
Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures
Score range: 100-900
Passing: 700Official Passing Scores
CompTIA A+ consists of two separate exams, each with its own passing requirement. The Core 1 exam requires a minimum score of 675 out of 900 to pass. The Core 2 exam has a slightly higher passing threshold of 700 out of 900. The two exams assess different sets of objectives; their scaled thresholds do not measure relative difficulty.
Both Exams Required
You must pass both exams to earn the full certification. You can take them in either order and schedule them weeks or months apart.
How CompTIA Scaled Scoring Works
CompTIA’s scoring system is often misunderstood. A scaled result does not give a raw percentage of correct answers. The detailed scoring formula is not public. Here is what this means when you review your results:
Question weighting is not public. CompTIA does not disclose its detailed scoring formula or the points assigned to each item. Do not assume that a question that feels difficult is worth more. Focus on answering each task accurately.
A scaled score is not a simple percentage of correct answers. For example, a score of 450 does not establish that half the answers were correct. CompTIA sets passing thresholds through subject-matter-expert review and statistical analysis; it does not publish the detailed conversion formula.
CompTIA uses scaled scores: Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. These thresholds do not give a fixed percentage or number of correct answers. CompTIA does not disclose the detailed scoring formula.
How CompTIA Scoring Works
CompTIA uses scaled scores: Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. These thresholds do not give a fixed percentage or number of correct answers. CompTIA does not disclose the detailed scoring formula.
Why Not Percentage-Based
Scaled scoring supports assessment against the required competency standard. CompTIA does not publish the detailed formula; avoid trying to infer question values from perceived difficulty.
How A+ Compares to Other CompTIA Passing Scores
| Certification | Passing Score | Raw percentage | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ Core 1 | 675/900 | Not published | Entry |
| CompTIA A+ Core 2 | 700/900 | Not published | Entry |
| CompTIA Network+ | 720/900 | Not published | Intermediate |
| CompTIA Security+ | 750/900 | Not published | Intermediate |
| CompTIA CySA+ | 750/900 | Not published | 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 Benchmarks: When to Schedule Your Exam
Use practice scores to identify topics that need more work. Practice products differ in wording and difficulty, and exam-day conditions can affect performance. There is no verified fixed 5–10% drop between practice and the real exam. The benchmarks below are planning examples, not official readiness thresholds.
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.
How to Achieve a Passing Score
Aim for consistently scoring 80-85% on practice exams before attempting the real thing. This buffer accounts for exam-day nerves and the possibility of encountering unfamiliar questions. Identify objective domains where you score lowest and prioritize those in your study plan. Running out of time means leaving questions unanswered—practice under timed conditions.
Practice Test Benchmarks
Don't schedule your exam until you can reliably exceed 80% on practice tests from multiple providers.
Understanding Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
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.
What to Do If You're Close to the Passing Score
If your scaled score is below the required threshold, use the exam objectives listed on your score report to guide further study. Review your practice notes for those topics, practise the underlying tasks, and check your understanding before booking another attempt.
Understanding Your Score Report
Use the score report’s listed exam objectives to identify areas for review. It does not reveal the specific missed questions or a detailed scoring formula. Compare these objectives with your practice notes.
Using the Report for Retakes
If you don't pass, study the domain-level breakdown carefully and focus your retake preparation on domains where you scored poorly.
Check Your Readiness
See where you stand with practice tests that mirror the real exam format.
Start Free A+ Practice Test →Facts and planning estimates
- Core 1 Passing
- 675/900
- Core 2 Passing
- 700/900
- Score Range
- 100-900
- Approx. Pass Rate
- CompTIA uses scaled scores: Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. These thresholds do not give a fixed percentage or number of correct answers. CompTIA does not disclose the detailed scoring formula.
Put the guide into practice
Know Your Target
An 80–85% practice target can guide review, but it is not a conversion to the official scaled score or a guarantee of passing.
Track your practice scores in a spreadsheet to visualize your progress over time.
Master All Domains
Review the official exam objectives and ensure you can address topics in every domain.
Create a checklist of all objectives and mark your confidence level for each.
Take Full Practice Exams
Complete multiple full-length, timed practice exams to simulate real testing conditions.
Take practice exams at the same time of day you'll take your real exam.
Schedule When Ready
Only book your exam when you're consistently scoring 80%+ on practice tests.
Schedule 1-2 weeks out to maintain urgency while having time for final review.
Study tips
Aim for 80-85% on practice exams before scheduling—this buffer accounts for exam-day variables.
Don't skip PBQs—partial credit is often awarded and can make the difference between passing and failing.
Focus extra study time on your weakest domains rather than reinforcing areas you already know well.
Remember that some questions are unscored (experimental)—don't panic if you encounter very difficult questions.
Take your score report seriously if you fail—it provides valuable guidance for retake preparation.
Common mistakes to avoid
Thinking you need a perfect score—you only need 675-700/900, not 900/900.
Ignoring weak domains—the exam covers all domains, with different published weights. Review the official objectives and give weak areas extra practice.
Scheduling too early before consistently scoring 80%+ on practice exams.
Leaving questions unanswered—unanswered questions are guaranteed zero points.
Skipping PBQs entirely—they offer partial credit that could push you over the passing threshold.
Study perspective
The passing scores of 675 and 700 out of 900 are very achievable with proper preparation. I recommend aiming for 80%+ on practice exams—this provides a comfortable buffer for exam-day nerves.
Test Your Readiness
Take practice tests to see if you're hitting the 80%+ benchmark needed for exam success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passing score for CompTIA A+?
Core 1 requires 675 out of 900 to pass. Core 2 requires 700 out of 900. Both use scaled scoring that adjusts for question difficulty, so the exact number of correct answers needed varies by exam version.
Is the CompTIA A+ score a percentage?
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 scaled result cannot be converted directly to a fixed percentage of correct answers.
What practice test score should I aim for before taking A+?
An 85%+ practice target across 2–3 sources is an optional planning aid, not an official readiness threshold or a measured buffer for exam-day performance. Review mistakes and practical tasks, and do not rely on a single question bank.
Why is Core 2's passing score higher than Core 1?
The exams cover different objectives and have separate scaled thresholds. The score difference does not establish which topics or exam are more important or difficult. Prepare for the objectives in each exam.
Are Performance-Based Questions weighted more heavily?
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.
What happens if I pass Core 1 but fail Core 2?
Both exams must use the same active version and be completed before that version retires. 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. No waiting period is required after the first failure. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt.
What is the passing score for CompTIA A+ Core 1?
CompTIA uses scaled scores: Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. These thresholds do not give a fixed percentage or number of correct answers. CompTIA does not disclose the detailed scoring formula.
What is the passing score for CompTIA A+ Core 2?
CompTIA uses scaled scores: Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. These thresholds do not give a fixed percentage or number of correct answers. CompTIA does not disclose the detailed scoring formula.
Why are the two passing scores different?
Different scaled passing scores do not establish a difficulty ranking between the two exams.
How is my score calculated?
Core 1 requires a scaled score of 675/900; Core 2 requires 700/900. CompTIA does not publish a fixed raw percentage, question weighting, or the detailed scoring formula.
What should I score on practice exams before taking the real test?
An 80–85% practice target can help organize review, but it is optional and does not predict a pass or provide a measured buffer for nerves. Check your understanding of the objectives and practical tasks before booking.
What happens if I fail? Do I need to start over?
If you fail one exam, you only need to retake that specific exam. If you've already passed the other exam, that result remains valid.
Practice & quick reference
- A+ Practice Questions Benchmark yourself before test day
- Free CompTIA A+ Practice Test 2026: 90+ Questions with Explanations Free practice test
Study tools & plans
- Exam Tips
- How to Pass
- Study Guide
- Certification Overview Complete guide and requirements
- A+ Exam Objectives Explained Where the scored weight actually sitsExam objectives
- CompTIA A+ Weekend Study Plan: Certification for Busy Professionals 2026 Study plan
Exam facts & renewal
- Is It Hard? Difficulty
- Exam Cost
- Network+ Score
- Security+ Score
- 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?