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What Happens If I Fail the CompTIA A+ Exam? Complete Retake Guide 2026

There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.

Plan your next step

There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher. There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher. The retake costs the current regional exam fee. CompTIA does not publish passing rates. Use your score report to plan further study.

Didn't pass CompTIA A+ on your first attempt? You're in good company. Here's exactly what happens next and how to approach your A+ retake.

A failed attempt gives you a starting point for further study. This guide covers exactly what happens after failing, the official CompTIA retake policy, and proven strategies for passing on your next attempt.

Current A+ exam and policy guidance

A+ V15 uses 220-1201 and 220-1202. Both exams must be from the same version. Each allows up to 90 questions in 90 minutes; Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. Study schedules and preparation budgets on this page are planning examples, not guaranteed outcomes or current price quotes.

CompTIA uses scaled scores: Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. These thresholds do not give a fixed percentage or number of correct answers. CompTIA does not disclose the detailed scoring formula.

There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.

Checked September 8, 2026: Core 1 · Core 2 · Retake policy · Scoring policy · Renewal fees.

A+ is the most popular entry-level IT certification in the world, but its broad coverage makes it deceptively challenging. The exam covers everything from hardware components and mobile devices to networking, security, cloud computing, and troubleshooting methodology. Many candidates underestimate the breadth of knowledge required, particularly for the performance-based questions that simulate real IT support scenarios.

Retake Wait
14 Days
Cost Per Part
Current regional price
Passing Score
675-700
Max Retakes
Unlimited

Understanding the CompTIA A+ Two-Part Structure

CompTIA A+ is unique among IT certifications because it requires passing two separate exams. Core 1 focuses on mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, and troubleshooting hardware and network issues. Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Each exam contains up to 90 questions with a 90-minute time limit.

The passing scores differ between the two parts: Core 1 requires 675 out of 900, while Core 2 requires 700 out of 900. This means Core 2 has a slightly higher bar, which catches many candidates off guard. Both exams include a mix of multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real-world IT scenarios like configuring a wireless router, setting up email on a mobile device, or troubleshooting a network connectivity issue.

If you fail one part, the good news is that your pass on the other part remains valid. You do not need to retake both exams. Simply focus your study efforts on the specific part you failed and schedule your retake under the current waiting policy. Both parts must be completed within the current exam version's availability window (check the retirement date for your exam version).

What to Do Right After Failing

First: Do Not Panic

Failing CompTIA A+ feels devastating in the moment, but it is more common than you think. A failed attempt gives you information to guide the next stage of preparation.

The First 24 Hours:

Step 1: Process the Disappointment - Allow yourself to feel frustrated. It is natural. Avoid making hasty decisions about giving up. Remember this is a setback, not a verdict on your abilities.

Use the score report’s listed exam objectives to identify areas for review. It does not reveal the specific missed questions or a detailed scoring formula. Compare these objectives with your practice notes.

Step 3: Take a Brief Break - Step away from study materials for 24-48 hours. Clear your head before analyzing what went wrong. Return with fresh perspective and renewed focus.

What NOT to Do:

CompTIA A+ Retake Policy Explained

There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.

Allow time for review before another attempt, even when no waiting period is required. It gives you adequate time to analyze your score report, identify weak areas, adjust your study plan, and reinforce concepts before trying again. Candidates who rush to retake without proper preparation tend to fail again, wasting both time and money.

Consider purchasing a retake voucher bundle if available. CompTIA occasionally offers exam bundles that include a retake at a discounted price. These bundles can save you hundreds of dollars if you need a second attempt. Check the CompTIA store or authorized training providers for current bundle offers. Some bundles include both exam parts plus a retake for each at a package price.

Official CompTIA A+ Retake Policy

Waiting Period Requirements:

Specific Rules:

Retake Costs:

Unlimited attempts are allowed. Vouchers typically work for retakes. Some employers cover retake costs. Retake insurance may be available at initial purchase.

What Carries Over: Nothing. Each attempt is independent. Previous scores do not affect new attempts. Fresh question pool each time.

Allowing time between attempts supports preparation, prevents wasting money on unprepared attempts, and allows for meaningful score analysis.

Reading Your CompTIA A+ Score Report

Use the score report’s listed exam objectives to identify areas for review. It does not reveal the specific missed questions or a detailed scoring formula. Compare these objectives with your practice notes.

For Core 1, the domains and weights are: Mobile Devices (13%), Networking (23%), Hardware (25%), Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%), and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%). For Core 2, the domains are: Operating Systems (28%), Security (28%), Software Troubleshooting (23%), and Operational Procedures (21%). Focus your retake preparation on domains where your score report shows the weakest performance.

Pay special attention to the troubleshooting domains, as they connect several exam objectives. Core 1's Hardware and Network Troubleshooting domain is 28%; Core 2's Operational Procedures domain is 21%. These domains require practical problem-solving skills rather than memorization, which is why they trip up candidates who study only from books.

Analyzing Your Score Report

Your score report is the most valuable study tool you will receive. Here is how to use it:

Score Report Components:

Reviewing Practice Domain Scores:

Creating Your Improvement Plan:

Priority 1: Lowest-Scoring Domains - These likely cost you the exam. Dedicate 50% of study time here. Use different resources than before.

Priority 2: Middle-Scoring Domains - Small improvements equal significant point gains. Focus on specific weak topics within domains.

Priority 3: High-Scoring Domains - Do not abandon these entirely. Quick reviews to maintain knowledge. About 10% of study time.

Patterns to Check in Practice Results:

Core 1 Domain Deep Dive

Understanding what each Core 1 domain covers helps you focus your retake study:

Core 2 Domain Deep Dive

Core 2 focuses on software, security, and operational skills:

14-Day Recovery Study Plan

  1. Days 1-2: Analyze and plan. Review your score report thoroughly. Identify the two or three weakest domains and create a focused study schedule targeting those areas. Don't try to re-study everything — focus on where you lost the most points.
  2. Days 3-5: Address weakest domains. Dedicate intensive study sessions to your lowest-scoring areas. Use video courses, official study guides, and hands-on labs to reinforce concepts. If hardware was weak, get hands-on with physical or virtual hardware. If networking was weak, practice subnetting and port memorization.
  3. Days 6-8: Practice performance-based questions. PBQs are worth more points than standard multiple-choice. Practice command-line operations (ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat for Windows; ifconfig, ping, traceroute, netstat for Linux), network configuration scenarios, and troubleshooting simulations. Set up virtual machines to practice these tasks.
  4. Days 9-11: Full practice exams. Take at least two full-length practice exams under timed conditions (90 questions in 90 minutes). Aim for 85% or higher before scheduling your retake. Review every wrong answer — understand not just what the correct answer is, but why the other options are wrong.
  5. Days 12-13: Review and fill gaps. Go through every question you got wrong on practice exams. Create flashcards for facts, port numbers, and acronyms you keep missing. Focus on the CompTIA acronym list — many questions test your ability to identify services and technologies by their abbreviations.
  6. Day 14: Light review and rest. Do a brief overview of key concepts, get a good night's sleep, and approach your retake with confidence. Cramming on exam day typically hurts more than it helps.

Recovery Study Strategy

Returning to the same study method that led to failure is the most common mistake. Here is what to change:

Rule 1: Different Resources If you used video courses, add textbooks or official guides. If self-study, consider instructor-led training. Add multiple practice test sources instead of just one. Switch from passive reading to active labs and practice.

Rule 2: More Hands-On Practice Theory memorization often fails under exam pressure. Increase practical experience. Lab time should be 40-50% of total study. Practice troubleshooting scenarios. Build, break, and fix systems repeatedly.

Rule 3: Targeted Weakness Focus Your weak domains need disproportionate attention:

Rule 4: Practice Exam Strategy Use multiple practice exam sources. Take under realistic conditions (timed, no breaks). Target consistent 85%+ before scheduling retake. Analyze every wrong answer thoroughly.

Sample 4-Week Recovery Plan:

Your Timeline to Passing

Based on your score and situation, here is what to expect:

If You Were Close (Within 5% of Passing):

If You Were Moderate (5-15% Below Passing):

If You Were Far Below (15%+ Below Passing):

Milestone Checkpoints:

When to Schedule Your Retake: You are ready when practice results show consistent understanding across the objectives, you can explain concepts without notes, and you feel confident rather than anxious.

Common Reasons Candidates Fail CompTIA A+

Underestimating the exam breadth. CompTIA A+ covers an enormous range of topics across hardware, software, networking, security, cloud computing, and troubleshooting. Candidates who focus too narrowly on one area—like hardware—while neglecting networking, security, or operational procedures often fall short. The exam tests your ability across the entire IT support spectrum.

Skipping performance-based questions. PBQs appear at the beginning of the exam and can be intimidating. Some candidates skip them intending to return later but run out of time. PBQs are worth more points than standard multiple-choice questions. Practice PBQs extensively before your retake, and budget at least 20-25 minutes for them at the start of the exam.

Relying solely on memorization. While acronyms and port numbers require memorization, the exam emphasizes practical application. You need to understand why you would use a specific technology, not just what it is. Questions present scenarios and ask you to identify the best solution — this requires understanding, not just recall.

Poor time management. With up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, you have roughly one minute per question. Spending too long on difficult questions leaves insufficient time for easier ones. PBQs take longer than multiple-choice, so completing them first (or flagging them for later) is important for time management.

Not practicing with the command line. Both Core 1 and Core 2 test command-line proficiency. If you've never used ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat, diskpart, sfc, or chkdsk from the command prompt, or ls, chmod, grep, and apt-get from a Linux terminal, you'll struggle with PBQs. Set up a virtual machine and practice these commands daily.

Why Candidates Fail CompTIA A+

Understanding why you failed helps prevent repeating mistakes:

Pattern 1: Insufficient Preparation Time Signs: Rushed through study material, skipped hands-on labs, scheduled exam before feeling ready. Fix: Add 2-4 weeks to original study timeline.

Pattern 2: Wrong Study Resources Signs: Resources did not match exam objectives, outdated materials, concepts seemed unfamiliar on exam. Fix: Verify resources align with current exam blueprint.

Pattern 3: Memorization Without Understanding Signs: Struggled with scenario-based questions, could not apply concepts to new situations, strong on definitions but weak on application. Fix: Focus on understanding "why" behind concepts.

Pattern 4: Test Anxiety or Poor Strategy Signs: Score close to passing threshold, ran out of time, changed correct answers to wrong ones, blanked on familiar material. Fix: Practice exam-taking strategies and time management.

Pattern 5: Underestimating Exam Difficulty Signs: Assumed experience would carry you through, limited formal preparation, surprised by question depth. Fix: Treat certification exams as serious assessments requiring dedicated study.

Performance-Based Question Strategies

PBQs are simulation-style questions that test hands-on skills. On Core 1, you might need to configure a SOHO wireless router (setting SSID, security protocol, channel, DHCP range), set up a network with proper IP addressing, or troubleshoot hardware issues by dragging components to the correct locations. On Core 2, expect scenarios involving operating system installation, command-line operations, security configuration, or malware removal procedures.

The best way to prepare for PBQs is to build a home lab. Install Windows 10/11 and a Linux distribution (Ubuntu is recommended) in virtual machines using VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player (both free). Practice using the command line for both operating systems. Configure network settings, manage user accounts, set up shared folders, configure Windows Firewall rules, and troubleshoot common issues. This hands-on experience translates directly to exam performance.

During the exam, consider flagging PBQs and returning to them after completing the multiple-choice questions. This ensures you collect easier points first and can dedicate remaining time to the more complex simulation scenarios without the pressure of unanswered questions behind you. However, don't leave PBQs for the last 5 minutes — allocate at least 20-25 minutes for them.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Retakes

Paying for additional exam attempts can add to your budget. Here are several strategies to reduce your costs:

Facts and planning estimates

Waiting Period
No wait after first failure; 14 days before third+ attempt
Retake Cost
the current regional exam fee
Pass Rate
Not published
Avg Attempts
1.3

Study tips

Common mistakes to avoid

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to wait to retake CompTIA A+?

There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.

No waiting period is required after the first failure. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.

How much does it cost to retake CompTIA A+?

The current regional fee applies to each exam attempt. Since A+ has two parts (Core 1 and Core 2), you only pay for the specific part you need to retake.

What is the CompTIA A+ passing score?

Core 1 requires 675 out of 900, and Core 2 requires 700 out of 900. Both exams are scored on a scale of 100-900.

How many times can I retake CompTIA A+?

There is no limit on retake attempts. You can retake the exam as many times as needed, subject to the current retake waiting policy.

You can retake CompTIA A+ unlimited times. There is no maximum attempt limit. However, you must wait at least 14 calendar days before the third and each later attempt and pay the full exam fee each time.

Do I lose my Core 1 pass if I fail Core 2?

No. Each part is scored independently. Passing Core 1 remains valid while you prepare for and retake Core 2, as long as you complete both within the exam version's availability window (check the retirement date for your exam version).

Can I use a voucher for a retake?

Standard vouchers can be used for retakes. However, discounted academic or promotional vouchers may have restrictions. Always check your voucher terms before scheduling a retake.

Is CompTIA A+ harder than people think?

Many candidates underestimate A+ because it is entry-level. It covers an extremely broad range of topics including hardware, networking, security, operating systems, cloud computing, and troubleshooting, making thorough preparation across all domains essential.

How much does a CompTIA A+ retake cost?

A CompTIA A+ retake costs the current regional exam fee. This is the same as the original exam fee. Some employers reimburse retake costs, and retake insurance may be available when purchasing your initial voucher.

What percentage of people fail CompTIA A+ on the first try?

CompTIA does not publish passing rates. A failed attempt does not define your potential; use the score report to plan targeted review.

Will my employer know I failed CompTIA A+?

No, your exam results are confidential. CompTIA does not share individual scores with employers. You only share your certification status after passing. Failed attempts remain private unless you choose to disclose them.

Do I get a different exam when I retake CompTIA A+?

Yes, you will receive a different set of questions from the CompTIA A+ question pool. While topics remain the same, specific questions are randomized. This prevents memorization strategies and ensures fair assessment.

Can I use my original voucher for a CompTIA A+ retake?

No, vouchers are single-use. You need to purchase a new voucher or pay the full exam fee of the current regional exam fee for your retake. However, some voucher packages include retake insurance that covers one free retake if purchased in advance.

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