How to Maximize Your Score in CompTIA A+: Ultimate Guide

The United States saw more than 260,000 job postings for IT support positions in 2020 alone.

Your IT career could begin with a better CompTIA A+ score. This certification is a vital stepping stone into the IT industry that creates opportunities for growth in technology and cybersecurity.

CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102), which were released on April 20, 2022. You'll need to achieve at least 675 out of 900 on Core 1 and 700 out of 900 on Core 2 to pass. Core 1 evaluates your knowledge of mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing. Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

Course objectives serve as your complete checklist to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam effectively. Your exam-day preparation makes a most important difference - get enough sleep, eat well before the test, show up early, and keep a positive mindset.

This piece outlines proven strategies to help you excel in both exams. We've got you covered with practical advice that works, from understanding the certification's structure to choosing the right study materials, including Crucial Exams practice tests for both the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams.

Are you ready to begin your journey toward CompTIA A+ certification success? Let's take a closer look!

Understand the CompTIA A+ Certification Structure

CompTIA A+ certification needs you to pass two different exams. This structure helps you build your technical foundation step by step. Your first step to score better is understanding what these exams cover.

Core 1 vs Core 2: What's the difference?

CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams - Core 1 and Core 2. Each exam tests different technical areas that complement each other.

Core 1 (exam code 220-1201) tests your knowledge of:

• Hardware components and installation
• Networking fundamentals and configurations
• Mobile devices and their maintenance
• Virtualization and cloud computing basics
• Hardware and network troubleshooting techniques

Core 2 (exam code 220-1202) reviews your skills in:

• Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Security concepts and implementation
• Software troubleshooting methodologies
• Operational procedures and best practices

"Think of Core 1 as focusing on physical IT infrastructure, while Core 2 emphasizes software, security, and system administration," explains a CompTIA expert. This split lets them test all skills needed for entry-level IT positions thoroughly.

Each exam gives you 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions. The questions come in different formats: multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop, and performance-based scenarios that mirror real-life situations.

Exam domains and scoring breakdown

The content in each exam splits into domains. Here's how much weight each domain carries:

Core 1 (220-1201) Domain Breakdown:

• Mobile devices: 13%
• Networking: 23%
• Hardware: 25%
• Virtualization and cloud computing: 11%
• Hardware and network troubleshooting: 28%

Core 2 (220-1202) Domain Breakdown:

• Operating systems: 28%
• Security: 28%
• Software troubleshooting: 23%
• Operational procedures: 21%

You need a score of 675 out of 900 to pass Core 1. Core 2 sets the bar higher at 700 out of 900. This higher score reflects the complex nature of security and operating system concepts in the second exam.

Smart study tip: Plan your study time based on these domain percentages. Since hardware and network troubleshooting makes up 28% of Core 1, spend more time on this area.

Why A+ is a foundational IT certification

A+ kicks off IT careers with good reason too:

• The A+ certification shows up in more tech support job listings than any other IT credential. Getting this certification makes you more employable in companies of all sizes.
• A+ shows employers you have the skills they need most. These include hardware knowledge, software troubleshooting, networking fundamentals, and security awareness - exactly what entry-level IT positions like help desk technicians and technical support specialists need.

The certification opens doors to career growth. After getting A+, you can move toward specialized certifications like Network+ and Security+. This creates a clear path for professional growth.

Companies worldwide recognize and respect CompTIA A+. This global acceptance makes it valuable if you want to work internationally or with multinational companies.

The certification tests practical knowledge instead of just theory. You should mix your study with hands-on practice. One IT professional said, "The performance-based questions will challenge you to respond as if dealing with actual workplace scenarios."

Learning this certification's structure helps you pass CompTIA A+. Once you understand what each exam covers, you can create a focused study plan that targets specific domains and skills.

Know What to Expect on the Exam

Your success in the CompTIA A+ exam depends on knowing its format well. A deep understanding of the testing method gives you an edge to boost your score beyond just studying the material.

Types of questions: multiple choice and PBQs

The CompTIA A+ exams test both theory and hands-on skills through two main question types:

Multiple-choice questions come in two varieties:

• Single-answer questions where you pick one correct option (indicated by radio buttons)
• Multiple-answer questions that need two or more correct answers (indicated by square checkboxes)

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) make up the tougher part of the exam. These questions mirror real-life scenarios and ask you to complete specific tasks in a simulated environment. You might need to:

• Configure settings in a Windows or Linux environment
• Fix networking issues
• Set up hardware components virtually
• Run commands at a command prompt

The exam includes additional interactive formats:

• Drag-and-drop questions that need items placed in specific spots
• Exhibit-based questions to analyze displayed information
• Fill-in-the-blank questions needing specific terminology or commands

Time limits and question count

Each CompTIA A+ exam has a specific structure:

• Maximum of 90 questions per exam
• 90-minute time limit per exam
• PBQs show up at the start of the exam

Time management becomes key with just one minute per question. Many successful test-takers use this strategy:

1. Skip PBQs at first and note them for later
2. Answer all multiple-choice questions first
3. Go back to time-consuming PBQs with leftover time
4. Use "mark for review" for tough questions

A timer shows your remaining time throughout the test. Testing centers allow breaks when needed, though you can't pause the exam.

How the exam is scored

The CompTIA scoring system has several key features:

Each exam has its own passing score:

• Core 1 (220-1201): 675 out of 900
• Core 2 (220-1202): 700 out of 900

These numbers work differently than simple percentages. CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system where:

• Questions have varying weight values
• Some questions are unscored "pilot" items for future exams
• PBQs likely count for more points than regular multiple-choice questions

CompTIA keeps their exact scoring method private. They don't reveal how many questions you need to pass or how many you got wrong.

After your exam, you'll get:

• Your pass/fail result right away
• A detailed report showing areas needing improvement

This report helps guide your studies if you need to retake the exam. It points out knowledge gaps but won't show specific missed questions.

The CompTIA A+ certification requires passing both Core 1 and Core 2 exams. You can take these tests in any order and on different days.

Use the Official Exam Objectives as Your Study Map

Your CompTIA A+ exam preparation starts with a vital document that many test-takers skip. The official exam objectives are your roadmap to success - a complete blueprint that shows exactly what you need to know.

Where to download the objectives

Getting the official CompTIA A+ exam objectives is easy:

1. Visit the official CompTIA website (comptia.org)
2. Go to the A+ certification section
3. Look for "Exam Details" or "Resources" tabs
4. Download the PDF files for both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) objectives

The newest versions of these exams - 220-1201 and 220-1202 (V15) - came out on March 25, 2025. These versions will stay valid until about September 2028. This marks a big change from the previous 220-1101 and 220-1102 (V14) exams that launched in April 2022.

Important: Big differences exist between exam versions, so you should study materials written specifically for V15 exams. The V14 exams dropped many topics, but new ones took their place.

How to use them as a checklist

The exam objectives become your personal study checklist after you download them:

Start by reading all objectives. Mark what you know and what needs work. This creates a clear picture of your knowledge gaps.

Your study time should match domain weights. The hardware and network troubleshooting makes up 29% of Core 1, so spend more time on this area.

Here's how the domains break down:

Core 1 (220-1201)

• Mobile Devices: 15%
• Hardware: 25%
• Networking: 20%
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing: 11%
• Hardware and Troubleshooting: 29%

Core 2 (220-1202)

• Operating Systems: 31%
• Security: 25%
• Software Troubleshooting: 22%
• Operational Procedures: 22%

Check the objectives often as you study. Mark off what you've mastered and focus on what's left. This approach helps you avoid studying topics that won't appear on the exam.

Linking objectives to study resources

The exam objectives become really useful when you connect them to quality study materials:

• Match each objective with specific chapters in your study guides or video timestamps. This links what you need to learn with where to learn it.
• Professor Messer's free courses line up with exam objectives, making it easy to find content for each topic.
• Books like CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide and The Official CompTIA A+ Self-Paced Study Guide match their chapters to specific objectives.

Reddit and CompTIA forums are great places to find discussions about tricky objectives. You can search using objective numbers or keywords to find specific explanations.

The objectives document should be your constant guide during preparation. When you feel lost or unsure about what to study next, go back to the objectives. They work as both your starting point and final review checklist.

A systematic approach through objectives and matching them with the right resources creates your custom study plan. This helps you learn better and boost your CompTIA A+ score.

Choose the Right Study Materials

Your success in the CompTIA A+ exams depends a lot on picking the right study materials. You need good resources to learn the content, even when you know the exam structure and objectives well.

Books and guides (e.g., Mike Meyers)

Mike Meyers is known as "the industry's leading authority on CompTIA certification and the bestselling author of ten editions of CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide". His materials stand out for several reasons.

His all-in-one guide covers everything you need for both exams. Each chapter starts with learning objectives and includes exam tips, practice questions, and detailed explanations.

The books come with great extras: "Online content includes practice exams for 1001 & 1002, more than one hour of free video training, TotalSim simulations of performance-based questions, and Mike Meyers' favorite PC tools and utilities".

You might also find these books helpful:

• "CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 Study Guide" by Shawn Walker ($29.97)
• "CompTIA A+ CERTIFICATION EXAM PREP 2025-2027" by Fermin O. Goetz ($33.77)
• "CompTIA A+ Exam Prep 2025–2026" by Drayden Voss ($32.99)

Each book takes a unique approach to the material and often includes practice tests and labs that help reinforce concepts.

Crucial Exams 220-1201 and 220-1202 practice tests

Practice tests are the best way to boost your CompTIA A+ score. Crucial Exams offers specific tests for both:

• CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Core 1 practice tests
• CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Core 2 practice tests

These tests help you:

1. Get familiar with exam format and question types
2. Find gaps in your knowledge
3. Build confidence through practice
4. Learn to manage time better on exam day

Most successful candidates aim for at least 80% on practice tests before taking the real exam. This gives them some wiggle room with the exam's scoring system.

Note that students typically need three to four months to prepare for both exams. Using a mix of videos, books, and practice tests creates a complete study plan. This approach works with different learning styles and helps reinforce key concepts in multiple ways.

Pick materials that match how you learn best. Visual learners often do better with Professor Messer's videos, while readers might prefer Mike Meyers' books. The best approach usually combines different resources rather than sticking to just one.

Build a Study Plan That Works for You

A well-laid-out study plan is the foundation of CompTIA A+ success. Students learn and retain information better when they have structured study habits. They also have a higher chance of passing their exams. Here's how you can build a plan that matches your learning style and schedule.

Set weekly goals and track progress

The CompTIA A+ content is so big it can feel daunting. You can handle it better by splitting exam objectives into weekly sections. Top performers recommend:

• Setting clear, doable goals each week (e.g., "Complete networking fundamentals" rather than "Study networking")
• Building a calendar with weekly checkpoints
• Starting with a diagnostic test to spot weak areas
• Spending time based on domain weights (focus more on heavily-weighted domains)

The tool you pick matters nowhere near as much as staying consistent. Some successful candidates block study sessions in Google Calendar, while others use Trello's visual boards to move topics from "To Learn" to "Mastered".

Research shows 7-10 hours of weekly study works best. Most people break this into daily sessions. You should adjust this based on your experience and schedule.

Use the Pomodoro technique to focus

The Pomodoro Technique gets its name from a tomato-shaped timer. It splits your study time into focused chunks. This method helps you:

1. Start easier with short bursts of work
2. Stay focused with a sense of urgency
3. Make studying feel like a game

The simple framework has 25 minutes of focused work and a 5-minute break. Take a longer 15-30 minute break after four cycles. This helps you avoid burnout and keep your concentration high.

Many CompTIA candidates study every day using Pomodoro sessions to stay disciplined. A Reddit user shared: "I set a goal of studying for at least 2 hours a day using the Pomodoro Technique but sometimes I would feel extra motivated and study for 4 or 5 hours a day".

Balance review and new learning

The best study plans mix new material with reviewing past topics. Here are some proven strategies:

• Start each day with 15-20 minutes of review before learning new topics. This strengthens what you know and prepares your mind for new information.
• Add specific review days to your schedule. Use these days to take practice tests and revisit tough concepts.
• Keep working on your weak spots. One expert says: "Every week, retake your lowest-scoring quiz sections. Turn weaknesses into strengths before you ever schedule your exam".

Check your progress every two weeks. Assess what works and what doesn't, then tweak your approach. Your study habits should fit your learning style and daily schedule.

Clear goals, focused study sessions, and regular review will boost your CompTIA A+ score by a lot. Remember, steady progress beats intense cramming when preparing for these certification exams.

Practice with Realistic Simulations and Tests

Practice tests bridge the gap between study and success for CompTIA A+ candidates. Students who score 85% or higher on quality practice tests achieve a 92% pass rate on the actual exam. These numbers show a clear edge over typical first-time pass rates of 70-80%.

Why practice exams are essential

Practice tests do more than just check your knowledge:

• You'll get familiar with CompTIA's questioning style. Many technical professionals fail despite knowing the right answers because they misread the questions. Regular practice helps you spot patterns that lead to exam success.
• Practice tests get you ready for Performance-Based Questions (PBQs). These simulation questions need you to configure systems, fix problems, or complete technical tasks in virtual environments. PBQs make up much of your score, but many study materials don't prepare you well enough for them.
• You'll master time management skills. Both A+ exams give you 90 minutes for 90 questions, which creates intense pressure. Practicing with real timing helps you develop the right pace to answer every question accurately.

Students who had to score 95% on practice tests before getting exam vouchers passed at higher rates.

How to analyze your results

Your score matters less than the detailed explanations that come after each question. These explanations help you find gaps in your knowledge you didn't know existed.

After each practice test:

• Write down wrong answers in a "mistake journal"
• Understand why you picked wrong answers instead of just noting mistakes
• Group your errors by domain and sub-topic to find patterns

Successful test-takers recommend: "Take practice test #1, write out your wrong answers, take practice test #2, then write out your answers". This method builds understanding instead of memorization.

Using Crucial Exams to identify weak areas

Crucial Exams offers specialized practice tests for all CompTIA exams with features that spot knowledge gaps:

• Core 1 (220-1201) comes with 1,000 expert-written practice questions and 9 Performance-Based Questions that simulate command prompt setup, Windows OS troubleshooting, and network problem-solving.
• Core 2 (220-1202) gives you 1,000 more expert-written questions and 7 PBQs that match real-life scenarios.

The platform's tracking tools show exactly where you need to improve based on exam objectives. Their immediate analytics highlight areas that need more study, often showing unexpected gaps in topics like security concepts and operational procedures that test-takers often overlook.

Complete at least three full tests on Crucial Exams and try to score above 85% before scheduling your actual exam. This approach works well for many successful candidates.

Taking breaks between retakes stops you from memorizing answers and builds true understanding. This strategy turns practice tests from simple assessments into powerful learning tools that boost your CompTIA A+ score by a lot.

Prepare for Exam Day Like a Pro

Strategic planning makes all the difference in the final countdown to exam day. Your score can improve as much as weeks of studying with proper preparation in the last 24 hours before your CompTIA A+ test.

What to bring and how to set up

Test-takers need two valid forms of identification for in-person testing:

• Primary ID: government-issued with photo, name, and signature
• Secondary ID: must include at least your name plus either signature or photo

Both IDs must have your first and last name matching exactly with your exam registration name. An international travel passport is required when testing outside your citizenship country.

The check-in procedures need at least 15 minutes, so arrive early. This buffer time helps you avoid rushing and lets your mind relax.

Ask the test administrator for scratch paper before you begin. This helpful resource lets you write down essential information you'll need:

• Error codes you memorized
• Laser printing process steps
• Mnemonics or tables from your study materials

Note that personal items like phones, bags, books, notes, and smartwatches must stay outside the testing room.

Tips for online vs in-person testing

Online exams require a distraction-free environment. You'll need a closed-door room where no one can enter during the test, with minimal noise. Your workspace should only have your identification and allowed beverages.

The online check-in process includes photographing your testing area. Make sure to unplug extra monitors and computers, remove books, paper, and writing tools from reach, and clear any writing from walls.

Test-takers should locate the test center beforehand for in-person exams. Earplugs can help block other test-takers' distracting sounds.

Managing time and stress during the exam

Time management is vital with the 90-minute limit. The "mark for review" feature helps when PBQs stump you. These questions show up first but need more time, start with multiple-choice questions before returning to PBQs.

A simple technique helps with test anxiety: close your eyes after every 25 questions and take several deep breaths, holding each for five seconds. This brief pause refreshes your mind.

The exam doesn't penalize wrong answers, so answer every question. When unsure, eliminate obvious wrong choices to improve your odds.

Good hydration and proper nutrition before the exam keep your mental performance sharp. Your concentration depends heavily on your physical condition throughout the test.

What to Do After the Exam

A new experience starts after you complete your A+ exams. The way you utilize this achievement will shape your career advancement.

Understanding your score report

Your score appears on screen right after you finish the exam. Your phone should remain unused while testing software is active - no photographs of this screen. A detailed score report becomes available in your Pearson VUE account within 24 hours. CompTIA Certmetrics sends successful candidates a congratulatory email with instructions to access their certification record. This email contains important login details for your certification account, so make sure to save it.

What if you fail one exam?

Stay positive if you don't pass. You can retake the exam immediately if this was your first attempt. A 14-day waiting period applies for second or subsequent failures. Your score report emphasizes areas where you need more practice. Take some time right after leaving the testing center to write down any challenging questions while your memory is fresh. Different study resources might help you prepare better for your next attempt. Crucial Exams practice tests for 220-1201 and 220-1202 let you strengthen weak areas through targeted practice.

How to showcase your certification

Credly will send you a digital badge - a verified image that proves your achievement. This badge can enhance your social media presence, email signatures, resumes, and online portfolios. Anyone who clicks your badge sees verified details about your certification's associated knowledge and skills. You'll find your badge in the "Digital Badges" section of your CompTIA account. Recruiters prefer candidates who connect their certifications with measurable outcomes. Your LinkedIn profile or resume should include statements that show how you've applied your A+ knowledge.

Conclusion

Getting your CompTIA A+ certification just needs dedication, smart study habits, and the right resources. This piece walks you through each step to help you ace both the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams.

A clear understanding of the exam structure gives you a major edge. Core 1 covers hardware and networking, while Core 2 deals with operating systems and security. Mastering both parts opens up countless IT career opportunities.

Official exam objectives are the foundations of your success. These documents spell out exactly what CompTIA will test, helping you study quickly without wasting time on topics you don't need. Make sure to download these objectives right away if you haven't yet.

Your choice of study materials makes a big difference. Professor Messer's free videos, Mike Meyers' complete books, and practice tests from Crucial Exams for both 220-1201 and 220-1202 create a powerful study toolkit. Practice tests help you spot knowledge gaps before the actual exam.

Your study plan should match your schedule and learning style. Many successful candidates study 7-10 hours weekly for 3-4 months using techniques like Pomodoro to stay focused.

The right exam day preparation can boost your score. Getting proper rest, showing up early, and managing your time wisely during the test make a difference. Tackle multiple-choice questions before moving to performance-based ones.

If you don't pass on your first try, use your score report as a guide to study smarter. Crucial Exams practice tests help strengthen weak spots before your next attempt.

CompTIA A+ certification means more than technical knowledge - it shows your steadfast dedication to professional growth and problem-solving skills. This credential helps you break into the growing IT field, where job opportunities keep multiplying.

Start your prep today with focused study habits, regular practice tests, and belief in yourself. Your IT career is waiting!