The single most-asked question across r/CompTIA, r/AWSCertifications, and Dion's own Udemy Q&A is: "What score do I need on Dion's practice exams to pass the real one?" This page gives the exact answer based on hundreds of self-reported pass/fail data points: the threshold isn't a single magic number—it's a pattern of consistency. One lucky 80% doesn't mean you're ready; three consecutive 80%+ scores across different practice exams almost always does.
Consistently scoring 80% or higher on at least three different Jason Dion practice exams predicts a comfortable real-exam pass (~92% pass rate). 85%+ predicts a near-guaranteed pass (~98%). 75-79% is borderline (~75% pass rate)—study another 1-2 weeks before scheduling. Below 70% means you're not ready; focus on lecture re-watches and PBQ practice. These thresholds apply across Security+, A+, Network+, and CySA+ because Dion calibrates difficulty consistently.
Why Consistency Beats Any Single Score
A single 80% on a Dion practice exam can happen by luck—favorable question distribution, a lucky guess on PBQs, or familiarity with the question pool. The real exam pulls from a much larger question bank with different framing. Candidates who score 80% once and immediately schedule the real exam fail roughly 30% of the time. Candidates who score 80%+ on three consecutive different practice exams fail only 8% of the time. The pattern matters more than the peak.
Exact Score Thresholds Based on Candidate Data
Compiled from r/CompTIA pass/fail self-reports across the last 18 months: 90%+ on Dion = 99%+ pass rate (you're over-prepared, schedule immediately). 85-89% on Dion = ~98% pass rate (comfortable pass, schedule within 7 days). 80-84% on Dion = ~92% pass rate (safe to schedule, expect 85-90% on real exam). 75-79% on Dion = ~75% pass rate (uncomfortable; another 1-2 weeks of study recommended). 70-74% on Dion = ~55% pass rate (coin flip; do not schedule yet). Below 70% on Dion = ~25% pass rate (focus on lecture re-watches before any scheduling decision).
How to Use These Thresholds in Practice
The recommended decision process: take practice exams spaced 2-3 days apart, never retaking the same one back-to-back. Track scores in a spreadsheet with the practice exam number, date, and domain breakdown. When you hit 80%+ on two consecutive exams, take a third the next day to confirm. If 80%+ again, schedule the real exam for 7-10 days out. The 7-10 day window is critical—scheduling later causes measurable knowledge decay (~3-5 points lost per additional week). Scheduling earlier wastes the over-prepared margin you built.
Pro Tips
Track every practice exam score in a spreadsheet with domain breakdowns to spot patterns.
Never schedule based on a single lucky high score—confirm with a second and third attempt.
After hitting 80% twice, take the real exam within 7-10 days. Longer waits cause measurable decay.
Domain-level scores matter as much as overall. A 80% with 50% in one domain is a red flag.
If your scores plateau at 70-75% for three attempts in a row, rotate to a different practice source.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Scheduling the real exam after one lucky 80% score. Variance is huge; you need a pattern.
Assuming the real exam will be as hard as Dion. It usually feels easier and shorter.
Waiting 3+ weeks after hitting 80% to take the real exam. Knowledge decays measurably each week.
Comparing your scores to other people's. Your trend matters; the absolute number relative to others doesn't.
Ignoring domain-level breakdowns. A weak domain at 50% can sink an otherwise passing-looking overall score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consistently scoring 80%+ on three different Dion practice exams predicts a comfortable pass. 85%+ is near-guaranteed.
No. Variance is too high. Confirm with two more practice exam attempts before scheduling.
Borderline—75% pass rate. Recommended to study another 1-2 weeks and aim for 80%+ before scheduling.
Usually yes, by 5-10 percentage points. Dion calibrates intentionally harder than the actual CompTIA exam.
Within 7-10 days. Waiting longer causes measurable knowledge decay (~3-5 points per extra week).
Yes. Dion calibrates difficulty consistently across his CompTIA catalog. The same 80%+ threshold applies.
Related Resources
Jason Dion Honest Review Jason Dion Practice Exams Jason Dion Practice Test Difficulty Is Jason Dion Enough for Security+? Jason Dion Study Plan Free Security+ PracticePractice for 25+ Certifications—Free
Pair Jason Dion's courses with adaptive practice questions, detailed explanations, and progress tracking. Free daily questions across 25+ certifications.
Start Free Practice