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Free CompTIA A+ Practice Test 2026: Unlimited Smart Practice Questions
Prepare for CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 with unlimited adaptive practice questions. Every question includes detailed explanations, domain tagging, and difficulty scaling that adapts to your performance level.
CompTIA A+: plan your preparation
Master the CompTIA A+ certification with our comprehensive Smart Practice engine. Covering hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting, our practice tests help you build the foundational IT skills needed to start your tech career.
The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for launching IT careers. As an entry-level certification, it validates foundational skills in hardware, networking, mobile devices, and operating systems. Thousands of IT professionals start their careers with A+, and employers worldwide recognize it as proof of technical competency. Our Smart Practice engine helps you prepare efficiently with practice questions and explanations. Practice content is independent of CompTIA and does not reproduce its scoring or guarantee exam difficulty.
Exam version and format
A+ V15 uses 220-1201 and 220-1202. Pass both exams from the same version; do not mix versions. Each allows up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900.
Checked September 8, 2026. Read the official CompTIA A+ exam guidance before booking.
Practice Questions
Core 1 & Core 2
Per Exam
Passing Score
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Smart Practice generates fresh questions every session—no two tests are the same.
Start Free Practice Test →Who Should Take CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard certification for launching an IT career. It validates foundational skills that every IT support professional needs, regardless of specialization. The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers concepts applicable to any hardware or software environment—not just one manufacturer's products.
Career changers transitioning into IT from other fields use A+ as their entry credential. Combined with a help desk or desktop support role, A+ demonstrates you have the technical foundation employers require. Many hiring managers will not interview candidates for Tier 1 support roles without A+ or equivalent experience.
IT students pursuing degrees in information technology, computer science, or cybersecurity benefit from A+ as a practical complement to academic coursework. The hands-on troubleshooting skills tested on A+ often fill gaps left by theory-heavy university programs.
Military and government IT professionals can use A+ to build support skills. Check current DoD 8140 work-role and employer requirements before selecting a certification.
A+ Core 1 Domain Breakdown
| Domain | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 13% | Laptop components, displays, accessories, connection types |
| Networking | 23% | TCP/IP, ports, protocols, wireless standards, network devices |
| Hardware | 25% | Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage, power supplies, peripherals |
| Virtualization & Cloud | 11% | Hypervisors, IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, cloud deployment models |
| Troubleshooting | 28% | Methodology, hardware/network/mobile troubleshooting |
A+ Core 2 Domain Breakdown
| Domain | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 28% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS features and tools |
| Security | 28% | Malware, social engineering, wireless security, encryption |
| Software Troubleshooting | 23% | OS problems, application issues, browser troubleshooting |
| Operational Procedures | 21% | Documentation, change management, disaster recovery, scripting |
What to Expect on Exam Day
Each A+ exam (Core 1 and Core 2) contains up to 90 questions that you must complete in 90 minutes. Questions are a mix of multiple-choice (single and multiple answer) and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs appear at the beginning of the exam and require you to perform tasks in a simulated environment—such as configuring network settings, troubleshooting hardware, or setting up email on a mobile device.
Timing strategy: Skip PBQs on your first pass and return to them after completing multiple-choice questions. This ensures you do not run out of time on easier questions while struggling with complex simulations. Most candidates report that 90 minutes is sufficient if you do not spend more than 10 minutes on any single PBQ.
Scoring: Core 1 requires 675/900 to pass, and Core 2 requires 700/900. The scores are scaled, meaning not every question is worth the same number of points. PBQs are generally weighted more heavily than standard multiple-choice questions.
How PrepForCerts A+ Practice Tests Work
Our Smart Practice practice test engine generates unique questions for every session. Unlike static question banks where you eventually memorize answers, our system creates fresh scenarios that test the same underlying concepts in different ways. This forces genuine understanding rather than pattern recognition.
- Domain-specific drills: Practice individual domains (hardware, networking, security) to target weak areas identified by your score breakdown.
- Detailed explanations: Every question includes a thorough explanation of why each answer is correct or incorrect, reinforcing learning with every attempt.
- Progress tracking: Monitor your readiness score over time and maintain daily study streaks to build consistency.
- Difficulty scaling: Questions adapt to your performance level—as you improve, the difficulty increases to keep challenging you.
CompTIA A+ vs Other Entry-Level Certifications
| Factor | CompTIA A+ | Google IT Support | ITIL 4 Foundation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Hardware + software support | IT fundamentals | IT service management |
| Cost | Check current provider pricing | Check current provider pricing | Check current provider pricing |
| Industry recognition | Very high (30+ years) | Growing | High (ITSM roles) |
| DoD approved | Check current work-role requirements | Check current work-role requirements | Check current work-role requirements |
| Avg starting salary | Varies by role and location | Varies by role and location | Varies by role and location |
Recommended Study Timeline
| Background | Study Time | Hours/Week |
|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner | 3-4 months | 10-15 |
| Some IT experience | 6-8 weeks | 10-15 |
| IT professional | 2-4 weeks | 10-15 |
| Intensive (full-time) | 30 days | 30-40 |
Who should study CompTIA A+?
- Career changers looking to break into the IT industry with a recognized foundational credential
- Help desk technicians and IT support specialists seeking formal validation of their troubleshooting skills
- Students pursuing IT degrees who want an industry certification to complement their education
- Military personnel and veterans transitioning to civilian IT careers; check current DoD work-role requirements
- Self-taught tech enthusiasts who want to prove their hardware and networking competency to employers
Build your CompTIA A+ study plan
- Set up a home lab with old PCs to practice hardware installation, RAM upgrades, and component swaps — hands-on experience is crucial for the performance-based questions.
- Master subnetting and the OSI model early; networking concepts appear across both Core 1 and Core 2 exams and are heavily tested.
- Use flashcards for port numbers (HTTP 80, HTTPS 443, DNS 53, SMTP 25, RDP 3389) and cable types — these are quick wins on exam day.
- Study both exams simultaneously rather than sequentially — the content overlaps significantly and reinforces understanding of core concepts.
- Take timed practice tests weekly to build exam stamina; each exam is 90 minutes with up to 90 questions, leaving about 1 minute per question.
Skills to review
- Mobile Devices
- Install and configure laptop hardware, mobile device connectivity, and mobile OS features including Android and iOS.
- Networking
- Compare networking protocols, configure TCP/IP, troubleshoot connectivity, and manage wireless networking technologies.
- Hardware
- Identify and install PC components, peripherals, printers, and display devices with proper cabling and connectors.
- Virtualization & Cloud Computing
- Compare cloud computing concepts, set up client-side virtualization, and understand cloud service models.
- Hardware & Network Troubleshooting
- Apply troubleshooting methodology to resolve hardware, networking, and mobile device issues efficiently.
Try these CompTIA A+ knowledge questions
Choose an answer, then review the explanation. These independent learning examples are not official exam questions or a simulation of exam scoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CompTIA A+ exam format?
CompTIA A+ consists of two exams: Core 1 and Core 2. Each exam has up to 90 questions including multiple-choice and performance-based questions, with 90 minutes allowed. You need 675+ (Core 1) and 700+ (Core 2) out of 900 to pass.
Do I need both A+ exams to get certified?
Yes, you must pass both Core 1 and Core 2 exams to earn the CompTIA A+ certification. You can take them in any order, but both must be from the same version and completed before that version retires.
What topics does A+ Core 1 cover?
Core 1 covers mobile devices (13%), networking (23%), hardware (25%), virtualization and cloud computing (11%), and hardware and network troubleshooting (28%). It focuses on the technical, hands-on aspects of IT support.
What topics does A+ Core 2 cover?
Core 2 covers operating systems (28%), security (28%), software troubleshooting (23%), and operational procedures (21%). It focuses more on software, security, and professional skills.
How long is CompTIA A+ certification valid?
CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years. You can renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education program by earning 20 CEUs or by passing a higher-level CompTIA certification before it expires.
How many practice questions should I complete before the exam?
Aim for at least 1,000-1,500 practice questions across both exams. You should consistently score 85%+ on practice tests from multiple sources before scheduling your exam. Quality matters more than quantity—review every incorrect answer thoroughly.
How long should I study for the CompTIA A+ exam?
Most candidates study 2-3 months with 1-2 hours daily. Those with IT experience may need less time, while beginners might need 4-6 months. Consistent practice with our Smart Practice engine helps identify weak areas and track progress.
Do I need hands-on experience before taking CompTIA A+?
While hands-on experience is helpful, it's not required. The A+ exam focuses on fundamental concepts that can be learned through study and practice. Many successful candidates pass without prior professional IT experience.
What's the difference between A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams?
Core 1 covers hardware, networking, and mobile devices. Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. You must pass both to earn the certification.
Is CompTIA A+ worth it in 2026?
A+ can help candidates show IT support knowledge. Review local job listings to see which employers request it; it is not a mandatory prerequisite for all advanced certifications and does not guarantee a salary increase. Check the current DoD 8140 qualification matrix for the specific work role, proficiency level, and employer requirements. Old 8570 category labels do not establish eligibility for every role.
Can I take Core 1 and Core 2 in any order?
Yes. Core 1 and Core 2 can be taken in either order. Both must use the same exam version, and you need to complete them before that version retires.
What score do I need to pass CompTIA A+?
Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. The exams use a scaled scoring system, so the number of correct answers needed varies slightly between exam versions.