Professor Messer’s SY0-701 Security+ practice exams include written performance-based questions. Review the sample, then add hands-on practice for tasks such as configuration and troubleshooting.
PBQ count and score contribution vary by exam delivery. Do not rely on a fixed count or raw score share when planning your preparation.
What PBQs Actually Look Like
Practice examples can simulate real tasks. The following are study examples, not promised live exam questions:
- Security+ — configure a firewall ruleset by dragging rules into priority order; match attack indicators to attack types; complete a command-line task in a simulated terminal. - Network+ — assign subnets to network segments; configure router interfaces; troubleshoot a network diagram by selecting the failed component. - A+ — diagnose a printer issue from a simulated control panel; configure mobile device settings from a tablet UI mockup.
PBQ count and score contribution vary by exam delivery. Do not rely on a fixed count or raw score share when planning your preparation.
The PBQ Prep Stack That Works
Layered from free to paid:
1. CompTIA's free PBQ samples (free) — the official sample PBQs published with each exam objectives release. Take these first.
Review the exact practice pack and a sample for task format, explanation quality, price and your exam version.
3. TryHackMe (free + $10/mo Pro) — for Security+ and Network+, the hands-on rooms simulate real PBQ-style tasks. Pick rooms tagged with your cert.
Use the available PrepForCerts practice questions to review concepts, and add hands-on tasks separately.
5. A practice virtual machine — for Network+ and A+, spinning up a free Linux VM and practicing real commands is the highest-realism prep.
An example schedule allocates 5–10 hours across two weeks. Adjust the plan to your skills and available time; it does not establish readiness.
Exam Day PBQ Strategy
On the real exam:
1. Read the exam instructions and confirm whether items can be flagged and revisited.
2. Set an initial time budget based on the full exam duration and the task instructions.
3. Complete the parts you understand. Scoring depends on the item; this guide does not promise partial credit.
4. If review is allowed, use the remaining time to return to eligible flagged items.
Use a pacing plan that follows the exam instructions. If review is allowed, you can flag a time-consuming item; do not assume every question can be revisited.
Pro Tips
Use a pacing plan that follows the exam instructions. If review is allowed, you can flag a time-consuming item; do not assume every question can be revisited.
Use the input method available at your test location; do not rely on touchscreen access.
Review the exact practice pack and a sample for task format, explanation quality, price and your exam version.
For command-line PBQs, practice on a real terminal (Linux VM or WSL) — UI-only practice doesn't build muscle memory.
Complete the parts you understand. Scoring depends on the item; do not assume a fixed amount of credit for an incomplete response.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Spending 15 minutes on the first PBQ and running out of time for the MC section.
Leaving PBQs blank because you're unsure — always submit a best-attempt.
Practicing PBQs only on paper — the interface matters; you need clickable practice.
Professor Messer’s SY0-701 Security+ practice-exam listing includes written performance-based questions. Written practice is different from an interactive simulator; review the sample for your exam version.
Waiting until exam week to start PBQ prep — 5–10 hours spread across 2 weeks is far more effective.
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