COMPTIA LINUX+ / HOW MANY QUESTIONS Know the Linux+ format.
Practise at the command line.
Review the current Linux+ domains, exam limits, and practical skills before a timed practice session.
Published by PrepForCerts · Editorial responsibility and sources · Updated
How Many Questions Are on the CompTIA Linux+ Exam? Complete 2026 Guide
The CompTIA Linux+ exam contains up to 90 questions with a 90-minute time limit and a passing score of 720/900. Linux+ is CompTIA's vendor-neutral Linux certification, validating your ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Linux systems across any distribution.
Current exam and planning guidance
Linux+ XK0-006 allows up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and requires a scaled score of 720/900. Preparation schedules, salary scenarios, and materials budgets here are planning examples, not verified market prices or guaranteed outcomes. Practice percentages are optional review targets, not official pass predictors.
CompTIA uses scaled scores and does not disclose its detailed scoring formula or the weight of individual questions. The 720/900 passing threshold is not a fixed raw percentage or count of correct answers.
Provider references checked September 8, 2026: Current exam details and objectives · Retake policy · CE renewal fees.
Plan your next step
The CompTIA Linux+ exam contains Up to 90 questions . You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and you need a score of 720/900 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.
One of the most common questions candidates ask is "How many questions are on CompTIA Linux+?" The answer matters more than you might think for planning your Linux+ preparation strategy.
The CompTIA Linux+ certification from CompTIA validates your expertise in this field. This guide covers Up to 90 questions across 90 minutes, the 720/900 passing threshold, and strategic approaches for each question type. Whether you're scheduling your first attempt or retaking the exam, understanding format details helps optimize your preparation.
Unlike RHCSA (100% hands-on, Red Hat-specific), Linux+ combines multiple-choice with PBQs simulating terminal environments. Ideal for system administrators, DevOps engineers, and cloud professionals in vendor-diverse environments.
Domain Breakdown
| Domain | % | ~Questions | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Management | 32% | ~29 | Users, file systems, storage, processes, boot |
| Security | 21% | ~19 | Permissions, SELinux/AppArmor, firewall, SSH, PKI |
| Scripting, Containers, Automation | 19% | ~17 | Bash, Docker/Podman, Git, CI/CD |
| Troubleshooting | 28% | ~25 | System, network, storage, performance issues |
CompTIA Linux+ Exam Structure Overview
The CompTIA Linux+ 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: 90 minutes Passing Score: 720/900 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.
Essential Commands
| Category | Commands |
|---|---|
| File Operations | ls, cp, mv, rm, find, grep, awk, sed, tar, chmod, chown |
| User Management | useradd, usermod, userdel, passwd, groupadd, id |
| Packages | apt, yum/dnf, rpm, dpkg, snap, flatpak |
| Networking | ip, ss, netstat, ping, traceroute, dig, nmcli |
| Processes | ps, top, htop, kill, nice, systemctl, journalctl |
| Storage | fdisk, lsblk, mount, df, du, lvm, mkfs |
Linux+ vs. Alternatives
| Cert | Format | Time | Score | Cost | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux+ | 90 MC+PBQ | 90 min | 720/900 | the current regional exam fee | Vendor-neutral |
| RHCSA | ~20 hands-on | 150 min | 210/300 | $400 | RHEL admin |
| LPIC-1 | 60 MC x2 | 90 min x2 | 500/800 | $400 | Vendor-neutral |
Study Preparation
- Daily CLI practice: 30+ min/day in a terminal
- Bash scripting: Write scripts for user provisioning, monitoring
- Container basics: Docker/Podman commands (new in the current Linux+ exam)
- Lab VM: Ubuntu or CentOS for hands-on practice
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.
Facts and planning estimates
- Questions
- Up to 90
- Time Limit
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 720/900
- Question Types
- Multiple-choice and PBQs
Types of Questions You Will See
The CompTIA Linux+ 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. Read each task carefully; CompTIA does not disclose its individual scoring weight.
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 up to 90 questions in 90 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 Linux+, this works out to approximately 60 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 marked 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 Linux+ scoring works helps you set realistic goals:
Scaled Scoring CompTIA uses scaled scores and does not disclose its detailed scoring formula or the weight of individual questions. The 720/900 passing threshold is not a fixed raw percentage or count of correct answers. 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.
Required Correct Answers: CompTIA uses scaled scores and does not disclose its detailed scoring formula or the weight of individual questions. The 720/900 passing threshold is not a fixed raw percentage or count of correct answers.
Score Report
After the exam, your score report lists objectives to review. If you don't pass, this report helps identify weak areas for focused study before your retake. Review those objectives and your practice notes to guide further learning.
Study tips
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.
Review CompTIA's official acronym list—you'll encounter many during the exam without explanation.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming prior experience alone will carry you through without dedicated study.
Focusing too heavily on areas you're already comfortable with instead of weak spots.
Underestimating scenario-based questions that require applying concepts creatively.
Not allocating enough time for hands-on lab practice alongside theoretical study.
Spending excessive time on difficult questions early, leaving too little for easier ones.
Neglecting official documentation in favor of third-party summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions?
Up to 90 in 90 min with MC and PBQs.
Passing score?
720/900.
vs RHCSA?
Linux+ mixes MC/PBQ; RHCSA is 100% hands-on and RHEL-specific.
PBQs?
Yes, simulated terminal environments.
Worth it?
Yes for vendor-neutral; RHCSA for Red Hat-specific.
Study time?
6-10 weeks with Linux experience; 12-16 for beginners.
vs LPIC-1?
One exam vs two. Linux+ stronger in US.
Key commands?
ls, cp, find, grep, useradd, chmod, ip, ss, apt, dnf.
How many questions should I expect on the Linux+ exam?
The CompTIA Linux+ exam features Up to 90 questions . You have 90 minutes to complete all questions. Note that some exams include unscored beta questions being tested for future use.
Are all Linux+ exam questions scored?
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 Linux+ score.
What types of questions are on Linux+?
The CompTIA Linux+ exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). Multiple-choice questions form the majority of the exam. Some questions require selecting multiple correct answers, which will be clearly indicated.
How long is the CompTIA Linux+ exam?
With Up to up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, you have approximately 60 seconds per question on average. Some questions require more time than others, so pace yourself strategically.
Can I skip questions and come back later on Linux+?
Yes, CompTIA Linux+ allows marking questions for review and returning to them later. Many successful candidates answer confident questions first, then revisit challenging ones.
How many points are required to pass Linux+?
CompTIA Linux+ requires 720/900 to pass. The detailed scoring formula is not public. An optional practice target is 85%+. Use it to guide review alongside objective coverage and hands-on skills; it does not predict the exam result.
How many questions can I miss on Linux+?
CompTIA uses scaled scores and does not disclose its detailed scoring formula or the weight of individual questions. The 720/900 passing threshold is not a fixed raw percentage or count of correct answers.
Are Linux+ questions randomized?
Yes, CompTIA Linux+ draws questions from a large pool and randomizes order. No two exam experiences are identical. This prevents memorization of specific question sequences.
Practice Linux+ Questions
Build Linux CLI skills with adaptive practice questions.
Start Free Practice Test →Ready to Practice CompTIA Linux+ Questions?
Test your knowledge with unlimited adaptive CompTIA Linux+ practice questions. Simulate the real exam experience and identify areas for improvement.
Practice & quick reference
- Free CompTIA Linux+ Practice Test
Test your knowledge with realistic exam questions.
Study tools & plans
- What Is Linux+?
Complete certification overview and career benefits.
- How to Pass CompTIA Linux+
Study strategies and exam tips.
- How to Pass
Study tips and exam strategies
- CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives Explained (2026 Domain Guide)
Exam objectives
- CompTIA Network+ Exam Objectives & Domains (2026)
Exam objectives
Exam facts & renewal
- Does Linux+ Expire?
Linux+ renewal requirements and validity period. · Does it expire?
- RHCSA Questions
- RHCE Questions
- Failed Linux+? Retake Policy & Tips (2026)
If you fail
- A+ Exam: Up to 90 per exam Questions (2026)
How many questions
- Security+ Exam: Up to 90 Questions (2026)
How many questions
- Network+ Exam: Up to 90 Questions (2026)
How many questions
Career & comparisons
- Linux+ Without Experience: 2026 Guide
Without experience