Take our Free Practice Tests for the 2026 CompTIA A+ Core Series Exam.

The CompTIA A+ exam was created by CompTIA, a company that has been providing exams for basic IT certification since 1993. The exam is updated every three years to reflect the evolution of IT technology and practices. The latest version (1201-1202) was first offered in the spring of 2025. It is recommended that examinees have at least nine to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field.

The CompTIA A+ Core Series exam is administered by Pearson VUE, which requires online pre-registration before taking the exam. From the online portal, you can select your testing center, submit exam fees, and review testing policies and procedures. Exam vouchers are purchased from the CompTIA Online Store or from Pearson VUE. There is also an online testing option.

The CompTIA A+ Core Series exam is actually two exams, each of which includes 90 questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes, allowing approximately one minute per question during the exam. The questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. Performance-based questions are designed to test a candidate’s ability to solve problems in real-world settings. They can be delivered as simulations or within virtual environments.

The first exam (1201) covers the following topics (we’ve provided the proportion of questions related to each topic on the exam):

Mobile Devices (13%)
Networking (23%)
Hardware (25%)
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

The second exam (1202) covers:

Operating Systems (28%)
Security (28%)
Software Troubleshooting (23%)
Operational Procedures (21%)

The Comp TIA A+ Core Series exam can be difficult to prepare for adequately, but sufficient study and preparation can significantly increase your chances of earning this certification on your first attempt. Passing the exam is often the result of knowing what to expect. It’s worth taking some time to understand each exam section in greater detail to better prepare for the exam.

Sections of the CompTIA A+ Core Series Exam

220-1201 Hardware

Cables, connectors, RAM, and storage—just a few of the concepts you’ll be required to fully understand and work with when answering questions about hardware on this test. Many of the questions will ask you to envision a situation and recommend a “fix” or procedure that will help solve a problem. Your knowledge will need to extend to components used by the increasing number of remote workers. This section also covers printers and other devices. The questions for this section make up roughly 25% of the 220-1201 exam, with about half of them based on a scenario.

220-1201 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

About 28% of the 220-1201 exam questions relate to these areas, and they will all involve your response to a “scenario.” You will be asked for a suggestion to improve the situation, whether it is related to problems with the hardware, the network, or both. Wired or wireless, desktops or small devices, you’ll need to be able to troubleshoot them all.

220-1201 Mobile Devices

Questions about this content will cover all mobile technologies, from laptops to cell phones, and everything in between. You’ll need to know about synchronizing devices and providing support to people whose device has suddenly started acting strangely. Approximately 13% of the questions on the 220-1201 exam will cover this content, which also includes all accessories used with such devices and how to utilize them to their advantage. Additionally, content covers the unique needs of people working remotely. Approximately two-thirds of these questions begin with a scenario.

220-1201 Networking

Whether it’s a wired or wireless network, an IT professional needs to know everything about it and how to keep it functioning properly. Questions about networking content account for roughly 23% of the 220-1201 exam and cover a wide range of topics, including configurations, hosts, connection types, and helpful tools to use. Some types of network connections include TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and SOHO. Of course, security concepts are also threaded throughout these questions. Only about one-eighth of the questions begin with a scenario, so you’ll mostly be tested on simple knowledge of components and how to use them.

220-1201 Virtualization and Cloud Computing

There isn’t a lengthy list of terms to learn in this area of test preparation, but it’s really important that you understand the ones that are involved. Only about 11% of the 220-1201 exam covers this topic and none of the questions involve a scenario. Virtualization is a significant deal in today’s computer world, and cloud use is relied upon in many industries. There are also numerous requirements to keep in mind when dealing with virtualization and cloud computing, including those pertaining to setting up client-side virtualization.

220-1202 Operating Systems

Instead of dividing Windows and other operating systems into two categories, there is greater coverage of a wide variety of systems, which includes their installation and maintenance. You’ll need to know all about the capabilities of the systems and the tools they feature. It’s also important to know which type of system is better suited for certain purposes. Approximately 28% of the 220-1202 exam is devoted to questions about operating systems, and almost two-thirds of them involve a scenario.

220-1202 Operational Procedures

Managing IT systems is complex and requires knowledge of operations and proper procedures. Knowing how to prevent a disaster is just as important as knowing what to do if one happens, and taking action is always preferable. You’ll also need to be familiar with aspects of safety and professionalism. All of these concepts, and more, are covered in the questions about this topic, which occupy around 21% of the 220-1202 exam. About 60% of the questions begin with a scenario.

220-1202 Security

These days, the IT world is all about security, and the latest two versions of the CompTIA A+ exam have increased coverage of this concept, with approximately 28% of the 220-1202 exam covering security-related topics. Over half of these questions will include a scenario. Related questions will ask you to delve deeply into procedures that protect people and their information. Often, you will be asked to imagine a specific scenario and apply your security knowledge to maintain operational integrity.

220-1202 Software Troubleshooting

Also related to security is the concept of tainted or malicious software. These questions thoroughly examine proper and safe procedures and various types of software in terms of security and functionality. It was one thing to secure a stationary device, like a desktop, but today’s world requires many additional methods since our technology is often quite small and mobile. These questions make up about 23% of the 220-1202 exam, and all of them begin with a scenario.

What to Expect on Test Day

It’s always a great idea to leave for the exam early to ensure you have sufficient time to get to the testing location and make it through the sign-in and verification procedure. You may opt to take both exams on the same day or break them up into different days. No matter your plan, you should be prepared to remain at the testing site until the exam time allotment is over.

The testing center will also take a photograph of you during the check-in procedure to ensure the highest level of security and authentication.

What to Bring

It’s essential that you bring two legal forms of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license and a secondary ID. The types of identification that are accepted are found in the CompTIA’s Testing Policies information.

What Not to Bring

Do not bring any personal items with you on the day of your exam. This includes purses, bags, study guides, notes, books, computers, tablets, smartphones, or smartwatches. While some testing centers have designated space to secure your belongings, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave anything that is not essential at home or in your vehicle. You may also contact the testing site beforehand to find out if there is somewhere to secure your belongings.

Best Ways to Study for the CompTIA A+ Exams

Take CompTIA A+ Exam Practice Tests

The best possible move you can make to prepare for taking the CompTIA A+ Core Series exams is to take practice tests. These practice tests are especially important for the CompTIA A+ exams because of the performance-based questions. Test-takers can be thrown off their game if they aren’t familiar with this type of question before taking an exam. CompTIA A+ practice tests also help examinees become comfortable with the other types of questions, the subject matter, and the overall format of each exam. Practice tests are also a great way to identify any weak areas and ensure you build the confidence necessary to succeed on your exam day.

Use Alternative Study Methods

While the practice exams are a great study tool, you can boost your performance by adding supplemental study materials, like CompTIA A+ flashcards and CompTIA A+ study guides. These alternative study methods can help you ensure that you retain all of the information needed to ace both exams!

Simulate the Testing Experience

Another crucial study strategy is simulating the actual testing experience. Practice tests will give you some idea of the topics you need to study and your weak areas, but simulating the testing experience will give you a much better idea of how you will actually perform on the test day! Try timing yourself and taking both exams in one sitting. This is especially important if you registered to take them both in one day.

CompTIA A+ Exam Tips and Tricks

Split up the Exams

The CompTIA A+ Core Series exam is composed of two exams, which may or may not be taken on the same day. While some individuals opt to schedule both exams on the same day, this might not be the best plan if you are struggling with any of the material. If this is the case, it’s best to study and focus on one exam at a time and tackle the second one after you have passed the first.

Watch the Time You Spend on Performance-Based Questions

There are a number of performance-based questions on the CompTIA A+ Core Series exams, and generally speaking, these questions take longer to answer than other questions. To answer them adequately, you will have to manage your time effectively. While the 90 minutes allotted per exam allows roughly one minute per question, you will likely spend less than that on many questions and more than that on the performance-based questions. So, keep an eye on the clock while taking the exam.

Skip Confusing Questions

As a strategy to optimize your time, always skip confusing questions and return to them after you’ve answered the straightforward ones. This will give you an idea of how much time you have left to spend on the more challenging questions.

CompTIA A+ Exam FAQ:

1. How much does it cost to take the CompTIA A+ Core Series exam?

Each of the two exams in the CompTIA A+ Core Series costs $265. You must purchase a voucher from CompTIA or Pearson VUE, either online or in person, prior to taking the exams. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the purchase date, and both registration and testing must be completed within this window.

2. If I pass the exam, how long will my CompTIA A+ certification last?

Certification lasts for three years. There is a provision for taking continuing education courses that will automatically renew this certification, so you can avoid having to retake the exam to be recertified.

3. How many questions are on the CompTIA A+ Core Series exams?

Each of the two CompTIA A+ exams has 90 questions. The combination of the two exams required for certification totals 180 questions.

4. Can I retake the CompTIA A+ exam if I don’t pass the first time?

Yes, if you fail either part of the exam, you can retake that section immediately. If you fail on the second attempt, you must wait 14 days before you can take the exam again. This 14-day waiting period is required for all subsequent attempts at the exam. There is no cap on the total number of times you can take the exams.

5. Can I only take one section of the CompTIA A+ Core exam and receive partial certification?

Unfortunately, no. To become CompTIA A+ certified, you must pass both the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and the CompTIA A+ 220-1202 exams.