How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam is a question all intrepid test takers ask before they pursue this entry-level IT exam.
Before investing time and money into this new endeavor, you’ll want to equip yourself with accurate information that will inform your study habits.
In this article, we’ll address concerns you may have regarding the difficulty of CompTIA A+ as well as discuss what the test will look like, the content covered, and what information you need to know prior to the test. We’ll also offer helpful study tips to best prepare you for this potentially life-changing certification.
What Is CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is an entry-level IT certification designed to validate foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, and IT support. It consists of two exams - Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), and you must pass both to earn the certification. Each exam has up to 90 questions, a time limit of 90 minutes, and a passing score of 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2 (on a scale of 100–900).
The certification is vendor-neutral, so you’ll be tested on universally applicable IT knowledge rather than brand-specific products. Topics range from mobile devices and networking technology to operating systems, cyber security, and troubleshooting.
The cost per exam is typically around $253 USD.
You can purchase your CompTIA A+ Voucher Core 1 220-1101 or CompTIA A+ Voucher Core 2 220-1102 from us at a discounted rate, saving up to 30% off the official price. This is a great option for budget-conscious learners looking to reduce certification costs without sacrificing exam eligibility.
The A+ credential is recognized globally and is often a requirement for roles like help desk technician, IT support specialist, and field service technician.
What Is CompTIA A+ About?
With a combined maximum of 180 questions in total, A+ will test you on a spectrum of foundational IT knowledge.
Core 1 (220-1201) Domains
Core 1 focuses on the technical foundation of IT support and infrastructure, covering:
- Mobile Devices (13%) - Covers configuring, managing, and troubleshooting smartphones, tablets, and laptops, including mobile OS features and accessories.
- Networking Technology (23%) - Involves setting up, configuring, and maintaining network connections, protocols, and hardware for wired and wireless networks (TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, SOHO networking).
- Hardware (25%) - Focuses on installing, upgrading, and maintaining components like motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage devices, and peripherals.
- Virtualization & Cloud Computing (11%) - Teaches how to configure, deploy, and manage virtual machines and basic cloud services.
- Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (28%) - Requires diagnosing, repairing, and resolving hardware and network connectivity issues using structured troubleshooting methods.
Core 2 (220-1202) Domains
Core 2 builds on operational and security competencies, covering:
- Operating Systems (28%) - Involves installing, configuring, and managing Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems.
- Security (28%) - Covers implementing, managing, and troubleshooting security measures, threat protection, and best practices.
- Software Troubleshooting (23%) - Requires diagnosing and fixing operating system, application, and mobile device software issues.
- Operational Procedures (21%) - Focuses on applying best practices for safety, communication, documentation, and change management in IT environments.
Each knowledge domain is represented by a percentage, so you know how much of each exam is dedicated to a certain topic. Before taking the exam, we highly recommend downloading CompTIA’s list of exam objectives and familiarizing yourself with each objective.
There are two styles of questions you’ll encounter when taking the exam.
The majority of the questions you’ll see are multiple-choice. Here you’ll be asked to choose the best answer or answers from a list of options. While most multiple-choice questions only have four possible answers to choose from, some will have more than four options. An example of a typical A+ exam question can be seen below.
Question: In a TCP/IP network, which protocol is responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices on the network?
A) DNS
B) DHCP
C) FTP
D) HTTP
E) HTTPS
The second type of question you’ll have to answer are performance-based questions (PBQs). These hands-on questions will test your critical thinking skills and technical understanding of foundational IT. They will simulate a problem you might encounter as an entry-level IT professional.
While you may be asked up to 10 PBQs on each exam, it’s more likely that you only have to answer between three-to-six. As PBQs are weighted heavier than multiple-choice questions, the more PBQs you answer, the fewer multiple-choice questions you will receive.
How hard the CompTIA A+ exam will be, in part, dependant on the ratio of PBQs to multiple choice questions you receive. There is no way to know how many PBQs you will receive until the day of the test.
What Should I Know Before Starting CompTIA A+?
While CompTIA A+ is designed for beginners, having some familiarity with certain IT fundamentals will make your study process smoother and faster. You don’t need deep, advanced expertise, but knowing the basics of the technologies covered on the exam will give you a strong starting point.
1. Basic Networking Concepts
- Understand what an IP address is and the difference between IPv4 and IPv6.
- Know the basics of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and wireless networking standards (like 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax).
- Be able to identify common networking devices such as routers, switches, and access points.
2. Hardware Awareness
- Recognize components like CPUs, RAM, storage drives (HDD/SSD), motherboards, and power supplies.
- Be aware of different ports and connectors you’re likely to see today (USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet) rather than outdated ones like VGA and serial.
3. Operating System Familiarity
- Have hands-on experience with Windows (installing apps, navigating settings, performing updates).
- Basic awareness of macOS and Linux environments.
- Understanding of file systems (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT) and common OS utilities.
4. Security Fundamentals
- Know what a firewall is and the concept of antivirus/antimalware software.
- Understand basic security hygiene: strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and safe browsing habits.
5. Troubleshooting Mindset
- Be comfortable with identifying problems, testing solutions, and verifying fixes, whether for hardware, networking, or software issues.
You don’t need an in-depth understanding or mastery of an array of IT topics prior to beginning your studies. So long as you are an everyday user of the technology you’ll be tested on, you should have a solid foundation to begin your studies.
How Does CompTIA A+ Compare to Other Certifications?
If you’re exploring entry-level IT certifications, you may be wondering how CompTIA A+ compares to other popular options like the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking or the Google IT Support Certificate.
The table below outlines how these certifications stack up in terms of difficulty, focus areas, and what to expect, helping you choose the one that best matches your career goals.
| Certification | Difficulty Compared to A+ | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) - Networking | Similar or slightly easier | Focuses mainly on networking fundamentals, IP addressing, troubleshooting, and basic network security. Shorter, multiple-choice format, with an emphasis on Cisco’s approach. |
| Google IT Support Certificate | Easier than A+ | A self-paced, open-book, project-based program covering IT support basics, OS fundamentals, networking, and customer service. No proctored, timed exam. |
How Hard Is the CompTIA A+ Material?
The question, “How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam?" is relative. If you’re a Luddite who eschews all forms of technology, this exam will be difficult for you (of course, you wouldn’t be taking these exams in that case, would you?). However, if you already have a professional understanding of a variety of IT topics, this exam might be a breeze for you. It all depends on your current knowledge base.
To better understand the difficulty level of A+ let’s talk about the complexity of the material covered.
As a reminder, the A+ certification is comprised of two tests and a combined 180 questions. This is a lot of material to cover. Due to the sheer volume of topics covered, this test could pose a challenge to some test takers. While the test covers a lot of ground, it treads lightly on a range of subjects. You are expected to have high-level knowledge of various topics but be a master of none.
Along with the wealth of material covered, an issue the test poses is that it often uses acronyms instead of spelling things out for you. If you look at the exam objectives page we mentioned earlier and scroll down, you will see over a hundred acronyms CompTIA may refer to in the exams. To ensure you pass, it’s vital that you memorize each of these acronyms.
One more hurdle CompTIA puts in your way of passing the exams is that questions are not asked in any logical order. Questions will bounce from one knowledge domain to another. This could trip up test takers who are expecting the test questions to build on one another and for the exam to gradually become more difficult.
On a positive note, the fact that the certification is split into two exams, each with different knowledge domains, can make it easier to prepare for. You don’t need to enter knowing everything - just half now and half later.
How Hard Is the CompTIA A+ Exam?
CompTIA A+ is designed for those with broad but shallow working knowledge of foundational IT subject matter. Of all the CompTIA tests, A+ is probably the easiest. That being said, you should not underestimate it. Here are some of the test features that could make your life difficult.
Tricky Questions
CompTIA doesn’t give out any freebies. This organization has earned its respect by designing rigorous tests that verify a test taker's IT or cyber security prowess. This is demonstrated in how CompTIA crafts its questions. Far from being softballs, CompTIA will purposefully try to confuse you with certain questions.
We advise taking your time and reading each question twice before answering. Try to think of the answer prior to reading the multiple choices.
Performance Based Questions (PBQs)
Ask anyone who has taken any CompTIA exam, and they’ll tell you the hardest part was answering the performance-based questions. These questions simulate a task you might perform as an entry-level IT professional. PBQs will most likely center around troubleshooting basic IT issues.
This is where hands-on experience with programs like Bash and PowerShell will come in handy. When answering a PBQ, take your time. It’s okay to dedicate a few minutes to answering these questions. If you feel you’re taking too long on a PBQ, you can always flag it and return to it later.
Time Management
For each CompTIA A+ exam, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), you have 90 minutes to complete up to 90 questions. This gives you, on average, about one minute per question. However, not all questions take the same amount of time; some are quick multiple-choice items, while others are more complex performance-based questions (PBQs) that require hands-on problem-solving in simulated environments.
To maximize your score, it’s important to manage your time strategically. A proven approach is to tackle the multiple-choice questions first and save the PBQs for later. This prevents you from spending too much time on a single simulation early in the exam and running out of time for easier points. If you encounter a difficult question, flag it and move on, and come back to it after answering the rest.
When working through the test, maintain a steady pace:
- Read each question carefully to avoid missing key details.
- Answer confidently when you know the solution right away.
- Flag and skip when a question is unclear, don’t let it derail your momentum.
Once you’ve reached the end, return to flagged questions and finally address the PBQs. This ensures you’ve collected as many quick points as possible before investing time in more complex tasks. To keep them from eating into your 90 minutes, use these strategies:
- Skim First, Act Second: When you reach a PBQ, read the instructions thoroughly, then quickly identify the key action(s) required. Avoid overcomplicating the task, stick to what’s asked.
- Prioritize Partial Credit: Even if you can’t complete every step perfectly, finish as much as you can. PBQs often award partial credit for correct actions.
- Use the “Best Guess” Rule: If you’re unsure, make an educated guess based on your training and experience. Don’t leave PBQs blank.
- Practice in Exam-Like Environments: Simulate PBQs during your study using virtual labs, simulation tools, or practice exam software to build speed and confidence.
By pacing yourself and using a clear question-ordering strategy, you can avoid last-minute rushing, reduce careless mistakes, and walk into the exam with a time management plan that boosts your confidence and your score.
Passing Grade
Each A+ exam has its own passing score.
- Core 1 has a passing score of 75%.
- Core 2 has a passing score of 77%.
While A+ doesn't share official stats on the passing rate of each exam, in our research, we found that most test takers pass each exam on the first try. At the end of the exam, you will be provided with your test score.
Tips to Prepare for CompTIA A+
Here are five tips that will help you pass CompTIA A+.
1. Use the A+ exam objectives to help you study for the exam. The exam objectives are a comprehensive list of everything you might be tested on. Remember that there are two exams, Core 1 and Core 2, meaning there are two exam objectives. Don’t forget to download and study both when preparing for these exams. We recommend meticulously crossing off each exam objective only once you understand it.
2. Use multiple study resources. Using StationX courses, practice exams, and other resources will ensure you have a well-rounded test preparation. We also have an A+ cheat sheet to help you quickly understand the many IT concepts you’ll be tested on. When choosing resources, be sure to choose resources from legitimate websites and study materials that complement your preferred study style.
If you prefer learning by reading, try a book from our recommended reading list.
3. Give yourself adequate time to prepare and study. Chances are you are the only person dictating when you take the exam. CompTIA offers the opportunity to take the exams at virtually any time on any day of the week. This means you only need to decide when works best for you. After examining the exam objectives and gauging how much you already know, create a study plan.
Carry out this study plan for a couple of weeks and then determine how long you will need to study to prepare for these tests. Once you have that magic number, go ahead and book your test dates.
Remember you can reschedule your exam up to 24 hours before your exam time with no fee.
4. Decide whether you want to take the tests online or in person. CompTIA allows you to take the test in person at a Pearson VUE center or online via a proctored exam. Choose to take the exam in the setting that feels more comfortable for you. For most people, this means taking it at home. If you do decide to take the exams at home, take them in the same place you’ve been studying. This will provide you with the familiarity and comfort you need to ace the exam.
5. Take practice tests on a regular basis as a way to gauge your understanding of the material A+ covers. If you’re unsure of what you already know, take a test prior to studying. Then continue to take practice exams every week as your studies progress. This will quantify how ready you are to take the certification.
6. Get familiar with exam-referenced tools. CompTIA A+ exams test more than just theoretical knowledge. You are also expected to recognize and apply basic real-world tools in practical scenarios. While you won’t dive into advanced penetration testing utilities, you should be comfortable with command-line tools like ipconfig, ping, tracert, and netstat for network troubleshooting, as well as Windows tools such as Device Manager, Disk Management, and Task Manager.
Core 2 may require familiarity with PowerShell or Command Prompt commands for system administration, while Core 1 could involve BIOS/UEFI utilities for hardware configuration. Setting up a small home lab using old PCs, spare parts, or virtual machines will let you practice these tools in a safe environment. By understanding their outputs and functions, you’ll be better prepared for performance-based questions and practical troubleshooting tasks on the exam.
Conclusion
Is CompTIA A+ hard?
As we have discussed, this all depends on your prior knowledge as well as your study habits. That being said, the test itself is an entry-level IT certification that, with proper studying, anyone can pass. Regardless of your experience in IT, by studying the right resources, you can adequately prepare yourself for these exams.
We offer two great ways to help you confidently pass your CompTIA A+ exam. For just $65, you can get lifetime access to the CompTIA Certification Path: Foundation Course Bundle, which includes 38.5 hours of on-demand video, 11 practice exams, 60+ quizzes, flashcards, mobile access, and a certificate of completion.
To accelerate your IT and InfoSec career, consider the StationX Master's Program. You’ll gain access to 30,000+ cybersecurity courses and labs, comprehensive certification exam prep, personalized 1:1 mentorship, and a supportive community. You’ll also take advantage of hands-on, real-world training and exclusive networking opportunities designed to fast-track your cybersecurity career.
You can also grab our discounted Core 1 and Core 2 exam vouchers, a smart way to save even more on your certification journey.
Whatever you choose to do, we wish you the best of luck.
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