The A+ exam tests hardware troubleshooting and IT support skills through multiple-choice and performance-based questions

CompTIA's A+ certification exam includes two parts: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Each exam runs 90 minutes and contains roughly 80 to 90 questions. The questions are not all the same type — some ask you to pick the right answer from four choices, while others show you a scenario and ask what you would do next. A few questions require you to drag components into the right slots or click hotspots on an image.

The exam covers real work: installing RAM, replacing a hard drive, troubleshooting a printer that won't connect, identifying why a computer won't boot, and understanding what happens when malware infects a system. If you work in IT support or plan to, the questions reflect tasks you will actually perform.

Key Takeaways

  • Core 1 focuses on hardware, mobile devices, and networking basics; Core 2 covers operating systems, security, and troubleshooting.
  • Multiple-choice questions ask you to select one correct answer from four options, and wrong answers often describe similar but incorrect components or procedures.
  • Performance-based questions require you to complete a task on a simulated computer or arrange items in the correct order.
  • Scenario-based questions describe a real problem — a user cannot print, a laptop won't turn on — and ask what you would do first.
  • You need a passing score of roughly 675 out of 900 points on each exam to earn the A+ certification.

Multiple-Choice Questions on Hardware and Components

These questions ask you to identify a component, explain what it does, or choose the right tool for a job. A typical question might read: "A customer reports that their desktop computer randomly shuts down after 15 minutes of use. You notice the CPU fan is not spinning. Which of the following is the most likely cause?" The four answers might be: overheating, a failed power supply, a loose RAM stick, or a corrupted BIOS. The correct answer is overheating, because a non-spinning fan cannot cool the processor.

Another common format asks you to match a symptom to a component. "A laptop screen flickers intermittently. Which of the following is the most likely cause?" Answers might include a failing hard drive, a loose display cable, insufficient RAM, or a virus. The correct answer is the loose display cable, because the other three would not cause flickering.

These questions test whether you understand what each part does and what happens when it fails. The wrong answers are plausible — they describe real problems — so you need to know the relationship between the symptom and the component.

Performance-Based Questions That Simulate Real Tasks

These questions show you a virtual desktop or network diagram and ask you to complete a task. You might see a Windows desktop and be told: "A user reports they cannot access shared files on the network. Configure the network settings to restore connectivity." You would then click through the operating system menus, check the network adapter status, and adjust settings until the connection works.

Another type shows you a list of steps in the wrong order and asks you to arrange them correctly. For example: "A technician needs to replace a failed hard drive in a desktop computer. Arrange the following steps in the correct order: (1) Power off the computer and unplug it. (2) Remove the side panel. (3) Disconnect the SATA cable and power connector. (4) Remove the old drive. (5) Install the new drive. (6) Reconnect cables. (7) Power on and verify." The correct sequence is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 — you must power down before opening the case, and verify the drive works after reconnecting.

Performance-based questions count for roughly 25 percent of your score. They take longer to complete than multiple-choice, so time management matters.

Scenario-Based Questions About Troubleshooting

These questions describe a real situation and ask what you would do first, second, or next. A typical scenario: "A user calls saying their printer prints garbled text on every page. You have already confirmed the printer is powered on and connected to the network. What should you do next?" The answers might be: reinstall the printer driver, replace the toner cartridge, check the printer's display panel for error codes, or restart the print spooler service. The correct answer is usually to check the printer's display panel, because error codes tell you what is actually wrong before you waste time on fixes that might not help.

Another scenario: "A laptop will not boot. It shows the manufacturer's logo, then a black screen. You have already confirmed the hard drive is detected in the BIOS. What is the most likely cause?" Answers might include a corrupted boot sector, insufficient RAM, a failed motherboard, or a disconnected keyboard. The correct answer is a corrupted boot sector, because the BIOS can see the drive but the operating system cannot load from it.

Scenario questions test whether you troubleshoot in the right order — checking the simplest things first, gathering information before making changes, and understanding what each symptom tells you.

Questions About Operating Systems and Security

Core 2 includes questions about Windows, macOS, and Linux. You might see: "A user's Windows 10 computer is running slowly. Task Manager shows high disk usage but low CPU and memory usage. Which of the following is the most likely cause?" Answers could be a failing hard drive, malware, insufficient virtual memory, or a background Windows update. A failing hard drive or active update would cause high disk usage while CPU stays low.

Security questions ask about malware types, encryption, user account control, and password policies. "Which of the following best describes ransomware?" Answers might include: software that logs keystrokes, software that encrypts files and demands payment, software that steals browser history, or software that disables antivirus. The correct answer is the second one — ransomware encrypts and extorts.

You will also see questions about patching, firewalls, and what to do when a system is compromised. These test whether you understand how to protect systems and respond when something goes wrong.

Networking and Mobile Device Questions

Core 1 includes networking basics. "Which of the following IP addresses is a private address suitable for a local network?" Answers include 192.168.1.1, 8.8.8.8, 172.16.0.1, and 10.0.0.1. The first, third, and fourth are all private ranges — the question tests whether you know the difference between public and private address space.

Mobile device questions ask about Android and iOS features, security settings, and troubleshooting. "A user's smartphone will not connect to Wi-Fi even though other devices on the network work fine. Which of the following should you check first?" Answers might include the router's MAC filter, the phone's Wi-Fi password, the phone's airplane mode, or the router's channel bandwidth. Airplane mode is the simplest thing to check first, so that is usually the correct answer.

What the Exam Does Not Test

The A+ exam does not ask you to write code, design networks from scratch, or memorize every model number of every printer ever made. It does not test advanced topics like virtualization, cloud architecture, or database management — those are covered in higher-level certifications. The exam focuses on what an IT support technician actually does: fix broken things, install hardware, troubleshoot software, and keep systems find.

You will not see questions asking you to explain the history of computing or discuss the philosophy of open-source software. Every question has a practical purpose — it tests a skill you need to do the job.

How to Prepare for These Question Types

The best preparation is hands-on practice. Build a computer from parts, install an operating system, replace a hard drive, and troubleshoot a network connection. When you have done these tasks, the questions make sense because you have seen the real thing.

Study guides and practice exams let you see the question format and the kinds of answers CompTIA uses. Many guides include explanations of why each answer is right or wrong, which teaches you the reasoning behind the correct choice. Practice exams also show you how to manage time — you have roughly one minute per question, and performance-based questions take longer.

Read the question carefully. Wrong answers often describe real problems that sound plausible. The question is testing whether you know which problem matches which symptom, so slow down and think about what each answer actually means.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the exam if I fail?

Yes. You can retake either Core 1 or Core 2 as many times as you need. CompTIA does not limit retakes, though you must pay the exam fee each time. Most people who fail study the weak areas and pass on the second attempt.

How long are the practice exams in study guides?

Most practice exams are the same length as the real exam — 90 minutes with 80 to 90 questions. Some study guides include shorter quizzes of 20 to 30 questions focused on one topic, which are useful for learning but do not simulate the full exam experience.

Do the questions on the real exam match the practice questions exactly?

No. The real exam uses different questions, but they test the same skills and follow the same format. If you can answer practice questions correctly, you understand the material well enough to answer new questions on the same topics.

What happens if I run out of time during the exam?

You do not get points for questions you do not answer. Time management is part of the test — you need to work through questions at a steady pace. Performance-based questions take longer, so many people answer those last if they are running short on time.

Are the questions the same difficulty throughout the exam?

No. The exam uses adaptive testing — if you answer questions correctly, the next questions get harder. If you answer incorrectly, the next questions may be easier. This means your score depends on how many hard questions you answer correctly, not just the total number right.