How Hard Is the CompTIA A+ Exam?

Many entry-level IT jobs, such as IT support specialist, help desk technician, and system administrator require the CompTIA A+ certification.

If you’re considering this certification, you might wonder how hard the exam is. We get it—you want to be well-prepared and make the most of any investment in a CompTIA course. 

While the exam can be challenging, depending on your background, proper preparation and study can help you succeed. In this article, we will explore what the CompTIA A+ exam entails and how hard the exam is. We’ll also share how long it takes to prepare and how to pass this exam.

What Is the CompTIA A+ Exam?

The CompTIA A+ exam is taken by those looking to earn a CompTIA A+ certification, an entry-level certification designed for individuals starting their professional journey in IT. It is a foundational certification, perfect for people who are just beginning to explore the field or want to refresh their basic IT skills.

The CompTIA A+ exam is divided into two tests: CompTIA A+ 220-1001 (Core 1) and CompTIA A+ 220-1002 (Core 2). To become A+ certified, you must pass both exams. Each exam can have a maximum of 90 quetions which consist of multiple-choice and performance-based questions.

Passing the CompTIA A+ certification exam can open doors to various job opportunities in the IT field. Job roles such as IT support specialist, help desk technician, and system administrator often require this certification.

In addition to learning where you can take the A+ certification test, you may want to know what areas each exam assesses. Here’s a quick overview of each:

CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1)

The Core 1 exam tests your knowledge of the following:

• Hardware: Identify and install different hardware components.
• Mobile devices: Install, configure, and troubleshoot various mobile devices.
• Networking: Networking basics, including network types, devices, and configuration.
• Cloud computing and virtualization: Fundamentals of virtualization and cloud computing.
• Hardware and network troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and resolve common hardware and network issues.

The passing score for Core 1 is 675 on a scale of 100 to 900.

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 (Core 2)

The Core 2 exam covers the following:

• Operating systems: Basics of operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Software troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and resolve software issues with mobile devices and PCs.
• Security: Understand security threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices to protect systems and data.
• Operational procedures: Follow best practices for IT professionals related to safety, communication, and environmental concerns.

The passing score for Core 2 is 700 on a scale of 100 to 900.

How Many People Pass the CompTIA A+ Exam?

When evaluating the difficulty of the CompTIA A+ certification exam, there is no official data available on the exact number of people who pass the exam. However, many candidates on various online forums, like Reddit and Quora, have shared their stories of failing the A+ exam at least two or three times before finally passing.

Despite this, it’s essential to remember that the CompTIA A+ is designed as an entry-level test, and various factors can make the A+ difficult for candidates.

Factors That Make the A+ Exam Difficult

Here are some factors that can make the CompTIA A+ exam challenging for first-time test takers:

Memorization Requirements of the A+

One of the major factors that can make the A+ exam difficult is the sheer amount of information you need to memorize. 

To be successful, candidates must be able to recall specific technical details, such as port numbers, pin layouts, and command line tools.

Additionally, understanding the various components of different operating systems, hardware configurations, and network protocols adds to the challenge.

The need for extensive memorization, combined with the need to apply this knowledge to practical scenarios, makes the exam challenging for many.

Large Amount of Information to Cover

Many candidates struggle to balance the depth and breadth of knowledge needed for the CompTIA A+ exam. The A+ exam covers a broad range of topics, from networking and hardware to security and operating systems, making it challenging to thoroughly study and prepare for the test. 

As a result, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with a vast amount of subject matter. This extensive list of topics can feel overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the IT field.

Additionally, the exam includes specific areas like cloud computing, mobile devices, and operational procedures, which require a solid understanding of each subject to succeed.

Time Constraints and Pressure to Pass

The CompTIA A+ exam consists of two tests that must be completed within ninety minutes. With an average of ninety questions per test, you’ll have approximately one minute to read, comprehend, and answer each question. Additionally, the questions can appear in random order, adding another layer of difficulty. This time constraint and the pressure to pass can make even the most confident test-takers anxious.

Tricky Questions

The questions in the CompTIA A+ exam are designed to test your understanding of various IT scenarios that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The exam also includes performance-based questions (PBQs), which require you to perform tasks or solve problems in a simulated environment. If you do not have hands-on experience with programs like Bash or PowerShell, these questions can be really challenging.

How to Pass the A+ Exam

Although the A+ exam is moderately challenging, many candidates clear it on their first attempt. 

In addition to consulting an experienced CompTIA training provider such as ONLC, here are a few tips to help you achieve the same:

• Don’t panic: Test anxiety is the top reason people fail exams. You can always retake it. 
• Take your time with the questions: The exam is designed for someone with less than one year of experience, so stick to the basics.
• Watch out for beta questions: Don’t let them throw you off.
• Don’t get stuck on performance questions: Rely on your multiple choice questions skill.
• Stay confident: Remember, you don’t need a perfect score to pass.
• Use Study Resources: Take advantage of study guides, textbooks, and online courses to build a solid understanding of the exam content.
• Practice Tests: Regularly taking practice tests can help you get familiar with the exam format and identify areas where you need more study.

If you’re wondering whether a CompTIA A+ certification is worth the time and effort, check out our post on what jobs you can get with a CompTIA A+ certification.

If you’re ready to take the next step, consider enrolling in CompTIA A+ training classes with ONLC to help you prepare effectively.