CERTIFICATION GUIDE How Many Questions Are on the CompTIA CASP+ Exam? Complete 2026 Guide
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The CompTIA CASP+ exam has up to 90 questions in 165 minutes with pass/fail scoring. Full domain breakdown, advanced PBQ strategies, and comparison with CISSP.
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How Many Questions Are on the CompTIA CASP+ Exam? Complete 2026 Guide
The CompTIA CASP+ exam contains up to 90 questions with a 165-minute time limit and pass/fail scoring. CASP+ is CompTIA's most advanced cybersecurity certification, designed for practitioners with 10+ years of IT experience including at least 5 years in hands-on security. It is the only CompTIA certification that does not report a numeric passing score.
This is an example study schedule. Adjust the hours, percentages and timing to your starting knowledge and available time.
Unlike Security+ and CySA+ which test knowledge and analysis, CASP+ tests your ability to architect and engineer security solutions for complex enterprise environments. CASP+ is approved for DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III — the highest technical level available through CompTIA.
CASP+ Domain Breakdown
| Domain | % of Exam | ~Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Architecture | 29% | ~26 | Enterprise security design, cloud, zero trust, microservices |
| Security Operations | 30% | ~27 | Threat management, vulnerability management, IR, forensics |
| Security Engineering and Cryptography | 26% | ~23 | Crypto implementations, PKI at scale, hardware security |
| Governance, Risk, and Compliance | 15% | ~14 | Risk strategies, compliance frameworks, BIA |
What Makes CASP+ PBQs Different
- Multi-step enterprise scenarios: Design security for multi-cloud environments with compliance requirements
- Trade-off analysis: Choose solutions considering cost, performance, and risk
- Advanced cryptographic decisions: Select cipher suites and configurations for specific use cases
- Incident response leadership: Make executive-level decisions during complex incidents
CASP+ PBQs take 10-15 minutes each. Expect 5-7 PBQs.
CASP+ vs. CISSP
| Factor | CASP+ | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Technical architecture | Security management + breadth |
| Questions | Up to 90 (PBQs) | 125-175 (CAT adaptive) |
| Scoring | Pass/Fail | 700/1000 |
| Cost | $494 | $749 |
| DoD Level | IAT III | IAT III |
| Best For | Hands-on architects | Security managers/leaders |
CompTIA Security Pathway
| Level | Cert | Questions | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Security+ | 90 / 90 min | Security fundamentals |
| Intermediate | CySA+ | 85 / 165 min | Blue team analysis |
| Intermediate | PenTest+ | 85 / 165 min | Red team testing |
| Advanced | CASP+ | 90 / 165 min | Security architecture |
Study Preparation
Experienced professionals need 10-14 weeks at 2-3 hours daily:
- Enterprise architecture: Design security for complex multi-cloud environments
- Cryptography depth: Cipher suite selection, key management at scale, PKI design
- Scenario-based thinking: Evaluate options against business requirements
- Lab work: Set up SIEM, SOAR, and EDR tools in lab environments
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Quick Answer
The CompTIA CASP+ exam contains Up to 90 questions . You have 165 minutes to complete the exam, and you need a score of Pass/Fail to pass. The exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs), testing your knowledge across all certification domains. Understanding the exact structure helps you plan your time and preparation strategy effectively.
Before scheduling your CompTIA CASP+ exam, knowing exactly what you'll face is half the battle. Here's the complete breakdown of questions, timing, and what it takes to pass the CASP+ certification.
The CompTIA CASP+ certification from CompTIA validates your expertise in this field. This guide covers Up to 90 questions across 165 minutes, the Pass/Fail passing threshold, and strategic approaches for each question type. From time management to scoring mechanics, here's everything candidates need for effective exam preparation.
Use the objectives for your booked exam and your own skill gaps to choose study resources. This guide does not establish a pass rate, salary outcome, or holder count.
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CompTIA CASP+ Exam Structure Overview
The CompTIA CASP+ exam is designed to thoroughly assess your knowledge and skills. Here's the complete breakdown of what you'll face:
Total Questions: Up to 90 Time Allowed: 165 minutes Passing Score: Pass/Fail Number of Exams: 1
The exam is administered by CompTIA and can be taken at authorized testing centers or online with live proctoring. The questions are designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application of concepts.
Types of Questions You Will See
The CompTIA CASP+ exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). Understanding each question type helps you prepare effectively:
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) The majority of questions are traditional multiple-choice with four answer options. Some questions may have multiple correct answers, which will be clearly indicated (e.g., "Select TWO answers").
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) PBQs require you to complete tasks in a simulated environment. You might configure settings, troubleshoot issues, or demonstrate hands-on skills. These typically appear at the beginning of the exam and are weighted more heavily in scoring.
Question Distribution by Domain
Questions are distributed across all exam domains based on their weight in the exam objectives. Higher-weighted domains have more questions. Review the official exam objectives to understand the percentage breakdown for each domain.
Time Management Strategy
With Up to 90 questions in 165 minutes, time management is critical. Here's how to approach it:
Calculate Your Average Time Per Question Divide your total time by the number of questions to get your baseline pace. For CompTIA CASP+, this works out to approximately 110 seconds per question on average.
Strategy for Maximum Efficiency: 1. First Pass (60% of time): Answer all questions you're confident about. Mark difficult questions for review. 2. Second Pass (30% of time): Return to marked questions and work through them carefully. 3. Final Review (10% of time): Check your answers, especially on high-weighted questions.
PBQ Time Allocation Performance-based questions take longer than multiple-choice. Budget 5-10 minutes per PBQ. Many experts recommend flagging PBQs initially, completing multiple-choice questions first, then returning to PBQs with remaining time.
Don't Get Stuck
If you spend more than 2 minutes on any single multiple-choice question without progress, mark it and move on. Spending too much time on difficult questions can prevent you from answering easier questions you know well.
Scoring and Passing Requirements
Understanding how CompTIA CASP+ scoring works helps you set realistic goals:
Linear Scoring Your score is based on the percentage of questions answered correctly, weighted by domain importance. Some questions may be unscored "beta" questions being tested for future exams, but you won't know which ones—answer all questions as if they count.
Approximate Questions to Answer Correctly: Based on the passing score, you need to answer roughly NaN% of questions correctly. This provides some margin for error, but you should aim higher to ensure a comfortable pass.
Score Report
After the exam, you receive a score report showing your performance by domain. If you don't pass, this report helps identify weak areas for focused study before your retake. Even if you pass, reviewing domain scores can guide your professional development.
How to Prepare for Up to 90 Questions
Preparing for Up to 90 questions across all domains requires a strategic approach:
1. Master the Exam Objectives Every question is tied to the official exam objectives. Get the current objectives from CompTIA and use them as your study checklist.
2. Practice with Realistic Questions Complete at least 500+ practice questions before your exam. Focus on questions that match the exam format, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs).
3. Time Your Practice Exams Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. This builds stamina and helps you calibrate your pacing for the real exam.
4. Focus on Weak Domains Use practice test results to identify domains where you score below 80%. Concentrate additional study time on these areas.
5. Understand, Don't Memorize With Up to 90 questions covering diverse scenarios, memorization alone won't work. Focus on understanding concepts so you can apply them to novel situations.
Expert Tips
- Review CompTIA's official acronym list—you'll encounter many during the exam without explanation.
- CompTIA exams often front-load Performance-Based Questions—consider flagging them initially and returning after completing multiple-choice sections.
- Focus on the official CompTIA exam objectives as your study checklist—every question ties directly to these objectives.
- CompTIA scenario questions often include irrelevant details. Identify what they're actually asking before reading answer choices.
- Use CompTIA CertMaster Labs or similar environments to get hands-on practice that mirrors PBQ scenarios.
- CompTIA exams test both theoretical knowledge and practical application—balance your study between concepts and labs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the "soft" skills and governance aspects that advanced certs emphasize.
- Approaching the exam as a technical test when it often emphasizes management and strategy.
- Over-relying on deep technical knowledge without understanding broader organizational context.
- Underestimating the length and intensity of advanced certification exams.
- Not practicing with realistic scenario-based questions that mirror exam difficulty.
- Failing to manage stress and mental fatigue during lengthy exams.
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Additional details from the guide
- Last updated: March 8, 2026
- Question Types
- Duration
- Free CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test
- Test your knowledge with realistic exam questions.
- CASP+ renewal requirements and validity period.
- Does CASP+ Expire? 2026 Renewal Guide
- Does it expire?
- Security+ Exam: Up to 90 Questions (2026)
- This guide was last updated on September 8, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions?
Up to 90 in 165 minutes with advanced enterprise PBQs.
Passing score?
Pass/fail only — no numeric score.
Harder than CISSP?
More technically hands-on. CISSP is broader but more management-focused.
PBQs?
Yes, 5-7 complex PBQs taking 10-15 minutes each.
Experience needed?
10+ years IT with 5+ in security recommended.
Study time?
10-14 weeks at 2-3 hours daily.
DoD approved?
Yes, IAT Level III — highest via CompTIA.
CASP+ vs CySA+?
CySA+ = intermediate analysis. CASP+ = advanced architecture.
What is the total question count for CASP+?
The CompTIA CASP+ exam features Up to 90 questions . The 165 minutes time limit requires strategic pacing. Note that some exams include unscored beta questions being tested for future use.
Does CASP+ include unscored questions?
CompTIA may include unscored "beta" or "pilot" questions for future exam development. Since you can't identify which questions are unscored, treat every question as if it counts toward your final CASP+ score.
What question formats does CASP+ use?
The CompTIA CASP+ exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). Expect a mix of single-answer and multiple-response formats. Some questions require selecting multiple correct answers, which will be clearly indicated.
What is the CASP+ time limit?
With Up to 90 questions in 165 minutes, you have approximately 110 seconds per question on average. Budget extra time for complex scenarios and review.
Does CASP+ allow reviewing previous questions?
Yes, CompTIA CASP+ allows marking questions for review and returning to them later. Many successful candidates answer confident questions first, then revisit challenging ones.
What is the CASP+ passing score?
CompTIA CASP+ requires Pass/Fail to pass. The passing threshold considers both question difficulty and domain importance. Use unfamiliar practice questions to identify weak topics, explain your reasoning, and practise within the exam time limit. No practice percentage guarantees a pass.
What's the margin for error on CASP+?
Based on the Pass/Fail passing score, you need roughly NaN% correct answers. This allows missing approximately NaN questions, though this varies with question weighting.
Is every CASP+ exam different?
Yes, CompTIA CASP+ draws questions from a large pool and randomizes order. Each attempt presents a unique question set. This prevents memorization of specific question sequences.
Study resources
- How to Pass CompTIA CASP+
Study strategies and exam tips.
Study tips and exam strategies
Practice and exam details
- Free CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test
Test your knowledge with realistic exam questions.
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