What is the failure rate for CompTIA?

Many people wonder about their chances of passing CompTIA exams. These certification tests can feel scary, and knowing the pass rates helps you understand what to expect. While CompTIA doesn't share exact numbers for how many people fail their tests, we can look at what test-takers and training centers tell us about passing these exams.

Understanding CompTIA Pass Rates

The success rate for CompTIA tests changes based on which exam you're taking and how well you prepare. From what students and teachers share, about 70-80% of people pass their CompTIA A+ exam on the first try. This means roughly 20-30% of test-takers need to try again. For other CompTIA tests like Network+ and Security+, the numbers are pretty similar, though Security+ is often seen as a bit harder.

Why Do People Fail CompTIA Exams?

Not studying enough is the main reason people don't pass their CompTIA tests. These exams check if you really know your stuff, and just reading a book once won't cut it. Many students believe they can learn everything in a few days, but that usually doesn't work. Another big problem is not doing enough practice tests. These help you get used to how CompTIA asks questions, which can be tricky if you're not ready for them. We often tell test-takers that CompTIA is 50% about the tech, and 50% about English Comprehension. The quesiton style can seem hard to follow at times, especially if the question is situation based or asks you for the "BEST" possible answer where you are expected to use your own judgement on a situation.

The A+ Exam Story

The CompTIA A+ exam is usually the first cert many people try to get. It has two parts, and you need to pass both to get certified. Each part costs money, so failing means spending more to try again. Most people find the first part (Core 1) a little easier than the second part (Core 2). Students say they usually need about three months of good studying to feel ready for these tests.

Network+ Pass Rates

The Network+ exam is a step up from A+, and some find it harder. Around 75% of people pass Network+ when they try it. This test covers lots of questions about computer networks, and you need to know both how things work and how to fix them when they break. People who work with networks every day often find this test easier than those who are just starting out.

Security+ Pass Rates

Security+ has become super popular as more companies want workers who know about cybersecurity. About 70-75% of people pass this test on their first try. Many say it's harder than A+ or Network+ because you need to know so many different security tools and ideas. Plus, the questions often make you consider many more real situations you might face at work than the previous certifications.

Making Sure You Pass

Getting ready for a CompTIA exam takes time and smart planning. Most successful test-takers study for at least two to three months before trying the exam. They use different ways to learn - watching videos, reading books, and doing lots of practice tests. Practice tests are super helpful because they give you a taste of what you'll face on the real exam.

How long you need to study depends on what you already know and which test you're taking. For A+, most people study about 60-80 hours overall. Network+ usually needs 40-60 hours of study time, and Security+ often takes 60-70 hours. But these are just rough guesses - some people need more time, others need less. The key is studying until you feel really good about the topics on the test.

Common Test Problems

Many students run into the same problems when taking CompTIA exams. They often say the questions are written in a way that makes them second-guess themselves. Some questions have more than one answer that seems right, but you need to pick the best one. Time can also be tough - you have to answer all the questions before your time runs out, which makes some people feel rushed.

What To Do If You Fail

If you don't pass your CompTIA test, don't feel too bad - it happens to lots of people. The smart thing to do is look at which parts of the test gave you trouble. CompTIA gives you a report that points out which topics you need to work on more. Take some time to study those areas extra hard before trying again. Many people who fail the first time pass on their second try because they know what to expect.

Moving Forward After Failing

Taking a CompTIA test again after failing can feel scary, but it's totally normal. Many successful IT pros failed a cert test at least once. The key is to learn from what went wrong and make a better study plan. Some people find that trying a different way of studying helps - like watching videos instead of just reading, or joining a study group instead of studying alone.