How Hard Is the CompTIA A+? Difficulty, Pass Rates, and What Trips People Up

Many aspiring tech specialists wonder about CompTIA A+'s difficulty level. The job market shows a 22% growth projection for certified IT professionals over the next five years. The path isn't simple - candidates often fail the exam several times before they end up passing.
CompTIA A+ serves as an entry-level IT certification that verifies core skills in hardware, software, networking, and technical support. Two separate exams make up the certification: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Each exam brings unique challenges and contains up to 90 questions with a 90-minute time limit. You'll need specific scores to pass - at least 675 out of 900 for Core 1 and 700 out of 900 for Core 2.

Beginners find the CompTIA A+ difficulty level challenging for several reasons. The exam covers diverse topics from networking and hardware to security and operating systems. It also combines multiple-choice questions with performance-based questions (PBQs) under time pressure. The good news? Educational institutions report an 84% overall pass rate, which shows success is possible with proper preparation.

In this piece, we'll explore the CompTIA A+ exam's challenges, common pitfalls for test-takers, and effective preparation strategies to pass both exams on your first try.

What is the CompTIA A+ Certification?

CompTIA A+ certification is the foundation you need to start an IT career. It appears in more tech support job listings than any other IT credential. This certification goes beyond basic computer repair and verifies a wide range of skills in hardware, networking, operating systems, security, and troubleshooting.

Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)

CompTIA A+ stands out from other certifications because of its two-exam structure. You'll need to pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) to get the full certification. You can take these exams in any order, which makes your preparation more flexible.

Core 1 focuses on five key domains:

• Mobile devices (installation, configuration, connectivity)
• Networking (connections, IP addressing, configurations, tools)
• Hardware (understanding different technology devices)
• Virtualization and cloud computing
• Hardware and network troubleshooting

Core 2 covers four distinct areas:

• Operating systems (navigating multiple platforms)
• Security (malware removal, social engineering, common issues)
• Software (installation and troubleshooting)
• Operational procedures (soft skills for technical support)

Each exam has 90 questions at most and gives you 90 minutes to finish. The passing scores are different: Core 1 needs 675 out of 900, while Core 2 requires 700 out of 900.

Who should take the A+ exam?

The A+ certification proves valuable if you want to start your IT career.

It opens doors to several entry-level positions such as:

• IT Support Specialist
• Help Desk Technician
• Field Service Technician
• Tier I Support Specialist
• Desktop Support Specialist
• Associate Network Engineer
• Systems Support Technician
• Junior Systems Administrator

You don't need formal prerequisites to take the exams. CompTIA suggests 9-12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field. This experience can come from academic labs, internships, or even helping friends and family with tech support.

Most new IT professionals need 3-4 months to get ready for both exams. Your preparation time depends on your computer knowledge, study habits, and learning materials.

Why it's considered the industry standard

CompTIA A+ has become the industry standard for two key reasons. The certification stays vendor-neutral. It teaches core concepts that work with all platforms instead of focusing on specific brands or systems. This gives you knowledge you can use in many different settings.

The certification also covers more ground than specialized ones. Entry-level techs need broad knowledge, and A+ delivers exactly that.

There's another reason why CompTIA A+ stands out - its performance-based questions. The exam has simulated scenarios that match ground situations you'll face at work. This shows you can use your knowledge, not just remember facts.

The certification stays fresh with updates every three years. The latest version (V15) came out on March 25, 2025, keeping the content relevant to today's tech world.
CompTIA A+ works as your gateway to an IT career. It proves your technical skills and shows you have the foundation to grow in a field that changes faster every day.

What Does the A+ Exam Cover?

Many candidates ask "How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam?" when they first tuck into the certification details. The answer lies in part in what these exams actually test. The certification includes two complete exams that assess different technical skills in IT domains of all types.

Core 1: Hardware, Networking, Mobile Devices

Core 1 (exam code 220-1201) tests five technical domains that are the foundations of IT support:

• Mobile Devices (13%) - This section tests your knowledge of mobile device component installation and configuration. You'll need to set up accessories like Bluetooth and USB connections and fix common mobile hardware problems. The exam checks if you understand synchronization settings and wireless connectivity options.
• Networking (23%) - Core 1 dedicates much time to networking protocols, ports, and wireless technologies. You'll face questions about small office/home office network setup, IP addressing, VPNs, and using tools like crimpers and Wi-Fi analyzers.
• Hardware (25%) - This major section tests your understanding of computer components such as RAM, CPUs, storage devices, and peripheral installation. Questions cover cables, connectors, and motherboard configurations.
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%) - This smaller section tests virtual machines, hypervisors, and cloud service models like IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%) - Core 1's largest component tests how well you diagnose and fix hardware and network connectivity issues. You'll need hands-on troubleshooting experience.

Core 2: Operating Systems, Security, Troubleshooting

Core 2 (exam code 220-1202) tests four domains essential to daily IT support:

• Operating Systems (28%) - You'll need to show your skills with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Questions cover OS installation, Windows tools like Task Manager and Command Prompt, and file system management.
• Security (28%) - This section tests encryption, access controls, wireless security protocols, and malware prevention techniques. CompTIA A+'s technical depth often shows up here.
• Software Troubleshooting (23%) - You'll need to show how well you can diagnose and resolve OS issues, application problems, and security-related software concerns. Mobile troubleshooting appears here too.
• Operational Procedures (21%) - Documentation practices, safety protocols, communication skills, and backup/recovery processes round out the professional IT procedures tested.

Weightage of each domain

Each domain's weight helps explain how difficult the CompTIA A+ exam varies among candidates.

Version 15 breaks down like this:

Each exam gives you 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions. Question formats include multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions (PBQs) that mirror real-life scenarios.

Candidates often ask "is the CompTIA A+ hard?" because of both content breadth and depth. The hardware section alone requires detailed knowledge of RAM types, storage devices, motherboard form factors, and power supply considerations.

The CompTIA A+ difficulty comes from its troubleshooting requirements - you must apply theory to practical scenarios through performance-based questions. Success requires more than memorization. You'll need to solve actual tech problems, which challenges those without hands-on experience.

How Hard is the CompTIA A+ Exam Really?

Many aspiring IT professionals ask this question before they start their certification trip: is CompTIA A+ hard? Your background, study habits, and expectations will shape the answer.

Is the CompTIA A+ hard for beginners?

The A+ exam presents a moderate challenge to people with little or no IT experience. This certification welcomes beginners. The wide range of topics, from hardware and networking to security and troubleshooting, might seem too much to handle.

New test-takers find these aspects tough:

• Volume of content – You'll need to understand everything from RAM types to network protocols
• Technical terminology – The exam uses acronyms instead of spelling terms out
• Practical application – You must apply knowledge to solve problems, not just memorize facts

The A+ remains an entry-level certification. You can pass with consistent study time, even if you're changing careers or starting fresh. Some schools report an 84% overall pass rate for A+ exam takers. Good preparation brings success.

How difficult is the CompTIA A+ exam compared to others?

The A+ ranks as the easiest in the CompTIA certification family. This certification offers complete coverage compared to other entry-level IT certifications like Google IT Support or Microsoft Fundamentals.

Certification specialists rank A+ this way:

1. It covers more ground than single-focus certifications that only deal with cloud or tech support
2. Network+ or Security+ need deeper technical knowledge as they explore specialized areas
3. This foundational certification tests broad knowledge without going too deep

One key difference: A+ needs you to pass two separate exams, which doubles your study time. Each exam gives you 90 minutes for up to 90 questions. That's about one minute per question.

What makes it feel harder than it is?

The A+ exam seems tougher than it really is for several reasons:

Question randomization can throw you off balance. Questions jump between knowledge areas without any pattern. This random approach makes the exam feel unorganized, even when you know your stuff.

Performance-based questions (PBQs) create a big challenge for many candidates. These questions test real-life scenarios where you fix issues in a virtual environment. PBQs rank as the toughest part of CompTIA exams, even for experienced test-takers.

Time limits add extra stress. You get 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions, including complex PBQs. Time management plays a vital role. This pressure makes simple questions look harder.

Test anxiety affects how well you do. Students say nerves, not lack of knowledge, cause mistakes on the exam. The need to pass makes confident test-takers nervous too.

Here's the good part: You can handle most of these challenges with the right preparation. Understanding what makes the exam challenging helps you build strategies to overcome these hurdles. Most well-prepared candidates pass on their first try.

What Makes the A+ Exam Challenging?

The CompTIA A+ certification comes with several unique challenges that test your knowledge and exam-taking skills. Let's look beyond the basic question "how hard is the CompTIA A+ exam" and learn about the specific obstacles you'll face on test day.

1. Volume of content to memorize

First-time test-takers are often caught off guard by the amount of knowledge needed for CompTIA A+.

This isn't like other certifications that zero in on one area - you just need to be familiar with multiple IT domains:

• Hardware components and devices
• Networking protocols and configurations
• Multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS)
• Security principles and practices
• Troubleshooting methodologies
• Mobile device management
• Virtualization and cloud concepts

The certification's broad scope creates a real challenge. Many candidates struggle because the exam tests both broad and detailed knowledge in all these areas. It's nowhere near as simple as the "entry-level" label might suggest.

2. Performance-based questions (PBQs)

The sort of thing I love about the A+ exam is its performance-based questions. These aren't your typical multiple-choice questions - they test how well you can solve real problems in simulated environments.

You'll see these questions right at the start of your exam. They usually involve:

• Configuring operating systems in virtual environments
• Setting up or troubleshooting networks
• Diagnosing and fixing hardware issues
• Performing security-related tasks

PBQs are tough because you need to apply your knowledge rather than just remember facts. They carry more weight in scoring but take longer to complete. Most exams have 3-6 PBQs, and while you can bookmark and return to simulation PBQs later, you must finish virtual environment PBQs when you see them.

3. Time pressure and pacing

The exam gives you 90 minutes to handle up to 90 questions. That's just one minute per question - barely enough for simple multiple-choice items, let alone complex PBQs.

Even well-prepared candidates feel the pressure. Test-takers often run out of time because:

• PBQs eat up a lot of time at the start
• Questions need careful reading and analysis
• Exam anxiety slows down decision-making
• Moving between different knowledge areas takes mental effort

This time crunch turns manageable questions into a race against time.

4. Randomized question order

The A+ exam doesn't follow a textbook's logical flow - it jumps between topics randomly. You might get a printer troubleshooting question, followed by wireless security protocols, then CPU specifications.

This random approach tests your ability to switch between IT domains quickly. Your mental focus needs constant adjustment, which becomes especially challenging under time pressure.

5. Use of acronyms and technical terms

The IT world loves its acronyms, and the A+ exam objectives list hundreds of them. You'll need to know networking acronyms (DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP), hardware terms (DIMM, SATA, PCI-E), and security protocols (WPA, EFS, PKI).

Questions use "DHCP" instead of spelling out "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol". This approach assumes you're comfortable with industry language. Newcomers who haven't mastered this technical vocabulary often struggle to understand questions, even when they know the concepts.

Understanding the CompTIA A+ Passing Score

You need more than simple IT knowledge to pass the CompTIA A+ certification - you must get specific scores on both required exams. Here's a clear breakdown of those numbers and how the scoring system works.

Core 1 passing score: 675/900

The Core 1 (220-1201) exam needs you to score at least 675 points out of 900 to pass. This requirement stays the same whatever time you take the exam or which version you try. The Core 1 exam tests your knowledge of hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and troubleshooting - these are key areas for entry-level IT professionals.
CompTIA picked this threshold to match the minimum skill level needed for ground support roles. The 675-point mark isn't random - it shows that a candidate has enough mastery of Core 1 topics.

Core 2 passing score: 700/900

Core 2 (220-1202) sets a higher bar with a minimum score of 700 out of 900 points. This higher requirement matches the tougher Core 2 content that covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
The different passing requirements between Core 1 and Core 2 suggest that CompTIA sees security and software troubleshooting as more challenging - or maybe even more vital - than the hardware topics in Core 1.

What these scores mean in percentage

These scores make more sense as percentages. A 675/900 score in Core 1 comes to about 75%. Core 2's requirement of 700/900 equals roughly 78%.

All the same, percentage conversion isn't simple. A student who got 819/900 asked if that meant 719/800 (about 90%) or 91% of the total possible score. There's no easy answer because CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system instead of straight percentages.

How scoring works with PBQs and MCQs

CompTIA keeps its scoring system somewhat mysterious. Here's what we know:
The exam uses math to calculate a "scaled score" from what would be a percentage score. This scaling helps keep scores consistent across different versions of the same exam.
Questions don't all count the same. Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) usually count more than multiple-choice questions. More than that, some multiple-choice questions are worth more points based on how complex they are.

So two test-takers with the same number of right answers might get different scores if they got different questions correct. This weighted system rewards understanding of harder concepts.

Some questions on your exam don't even count toward your score. CompTIA adds these non-scored questions to collect data about test-taker knowledge, but you can't tell which ones they are during the exam. Your best bet is to treat every question as if it matters.
Most importantly, CompTIA doesn't tell you how many questions you need to get right to pass. Your score report won't show which questions you missed or how many, but it lists exam objectives tied to wrong answers to help you study if you need another try.

Practice tests are a great way to get ready for the A+ exams. Students who regularly score 80% or higher on good practice exams usually pass on test day. This gives you a solid target for your prep work.

Common Mistakes That Trip People Up

Many candidates struggle with the CompTIA A+ exam despite good preparation. You can boost your chances of success by knowing these common mistakes before test day.

Not practicing PBQs

Performance-Based Questions give test-takers more trouble than any other part of the exam. These simulations show up at the start of your test. You need to solve real IT problems in virtual environments.

Candidates often make these mistakes:

• They spend too much time on early PBQs and run short on time for other questions
• They don't know the key difference between simulation and virtual environment PBQs (you can skip and revisit simulation PBQs, but not virtual PBQs)
• They skip hands-on practice before the exam

"Ask anyone who has taken any CompTIA exam, and they'll tell you the hardest part was answering the performance-based questions". Success depends on your hands-on experience with actual hardware and software.

Ignoring time management

The exam gives you 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions. Poor time management causes many candidates to fail.

Time becomes your enemy when:

• You can't see a timer during PBQs
• You get stuck on complex questions early in the exam
• Test anxiety slows you down compared to practice sessions

You should tackle multiple-choice questions first, then return to time-consuming PBQs. This strategy helps you avoid spending too much time on simulations while missing easier points later.

Underestimating the exam difficulty

Many candidates don't prepare enough because they see this as an "entry-level" exam. The CompTIA A+ exam tests you through:

• Material covering networking, hardware, operating systems, and security
• A two-exam format that doubles your study needs
• Questions that test how you apply knowledge, not just what you memorize

Test anxiety makes things worse, as "many students report that nervousness, not lack of knowledge, leads to mistakes on the exam".

Skipping the exam objectives

CompTIA provides detailed exam objectives, but many candidates ignore this valuable resource.

This creates problems when:

• You study irrelevant topics while missing required material
• You skip sections thinking they won't appear
• You misunderstand how deep to study each topic

Downloading CompTIA's exam objectives list should be your first step. These documents spell out exactly what you need to study.

Over-relying on one study resource

Using just one book or video course often leads to exam failure. This happens because:

• Each resource explains concepts differently
• One resource might miss some exam objectives
• Different study methods help you learn better than repetition

"Using multiple study resources will help you reinforce your understanding and prepare you for different types of questions". Your best preparation combines textbooks, video courses, practice tests, and hands-on labs.

Note that the A+ certification challenges you, but you can earn it with the right study approach and awareness of these common mistakes.

How to Prepare for the A+ Exam Effectively

You need a smart plan to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification. The right tools and methods will help you tackle what many see as a tough test. Let me show you how to prepare effectively.

Use the official exam objectives

Start by downloading the official exam objectives from CompTIA's website. These documents are the foundations of your study plan and list every topic you should know. Make notes about topics you know well and ones that need work. The domain weightages deserve your attention, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%) for Core 1 and Operating Systems/Security (28% each) for Core 2. These objectives help you stay focused on what truly matters.

Take Crucial Exams 1201 and 1202 practice tests

Practice tests show you what the real exam looks like and point out where you need help. Crucial Exams has 1,000 expert-written questions that match the V15 exam blueprint. Our CompTIA A+ 1201 practice test and CompTIA A+ 1202 practice test question banks have performance-based questions (PBQs) that feel just like the actual exam. You can build custom tests by domain or objective, with 5-100 questions and timing that matches real exam conditions. Students who score 80% or higher on quality practice tests usually pass the actual exam.

Join study groups and forums

Learning with others makes progress faster. Online communities are a great way to get answers and see how others solve similar problems. Reddit's r/CompTIA and CompTIA's own community give you insights from other test-takers. Natural study groups work better than forced ones, they create an environment where members help each other succeed.

Create a realistic study schedule

Good structure prevents feeling overwhelmed. Break exam objectives into weekly chunks and track your progress regularly. Set specific study times each day, many find the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes focused work, 5-minute break) helps them stay focused without burning out. Make time to review, take quizzes, and practice exams to strengthen each topic. Your schedule should fit your life, steady progress beats cramming sessions.

How Long Should You Study for the A+?

The time needed to prepare for CompTIA A+ depends significantly on your current knowledge level. Here's a practical breakdown of study timeframes based on your experience.

Beginners: 120–160 hours

New to IT? You'll need to dedicate 120-160 total hours to master both Core exams. This means about 60-80 hours per exam. Students who are completely new to IT succeed by dedicating two hours each day over 6-8 weeks.

Some experience: 80–100 hours

Do you know simple IT concepts? Your preparation might take 80-100 total hours. Each exam requires approximately 50-70 hours. Students who study part-time (10-15 hours weekly) typically become exam-ready in 3-4 months.

Experienced users: 40 hours or less

IT professionals with hands-on experience prepare faster, usually within 40 total hours or less. Each exam needs roughly 10-20 hours. Tech support specialists often need just 20-40 hours total and mainly focus on understanding the exam format.

How to track your readiness with practice tests

Practice tests help you measure your preparation accurately. You're ready when you score above 85% consistently on timed practice exams. Take these tests under exam conditions without breaks or interruptions. A review of wrong answers reveals knowledge gaps that need attention. These timed assessments build your confidence and vital time management abilities.

Conclusion

The CompTIA A+ certification marks a major milestone when starting an IT career. Many people wonder about its difficulty level, but success depends on how you prepare and what you already know. Each year, thousands of people pass these exams, even though first-time test-takers need to master multiple domains.

The A+ becomes challenging because of its unique format. You'll face performance-based questions right at the start that test your hands-on skills. The 90-minute time limit adds extra pressure. Knowing these challenges gives you a real advantage.

Core 1 needs a score of 675/900 while Core 2 requires 700/900. These scores show how the exams differ in complexity. Questions carry different weights, so you need full preparation for all exam topics.
People fail the A+ because of mistakes they could avoid. They don't practice PBQs enough, run out of time during the exam, or stick to just one study resource. Of course, these issues can trip up even the most knowledgeable candidates.

Your experience level should guide your study plan. Beginners should spend 120-160 hours preparing. People with some IT background need 80-100 hours. Experienced pros might need just 40 hours or less. Practice tests help you know when you're ready - you want to score above 85% consistently.

Getting A+ certified might look tough at first, but you'll build the right skills through structured prep and hands-on practice. The certification proves you have the basic knowledge that employers need in tech support roles. Take your time, prepare well, and walk into each exam confidently. Your A+ certification is within reach.