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Your FREE CompTIA A+ (A Plus) Practice Test 2026 – 450+ Q&A

Realistic CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) practice questions across all nine official domains — take a full practice test or drill one domain.

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Click Start Test above to launch a full-length CompTIA A+ practice test weighted to match the official 220-1201 and 220-1202 objectives, or drill a single domain — Hardware, Networking, Security, Operating Systems, Troubleshooting, and more. Every question includes a clear explanation so you learn the reasoning, not just the answer.

CompTIA A+ is the entry-level credential for IT support and help-desk roles, administered by CompTIA. The current V15 series requires passing two exams — Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), both launched March 25, 2025.

[1] These free CompTIA A+ practice questions and test prep mirror the current objectives so you practice the way the real exams are built. To round out your prep, pair these with our free study guide, flashcards.

CompTIA A+ is one of the 14 CompTIA certifications — explore all our CompTIA practice tests to compare and prep across the whole family.

CompTIA A+ at a Glance

CompTIA A+ (V15) at a glance
DetailCompTIA A+ (V15)
Administered byCompTIA
Exams requiredTwo: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)
Total questionsMaximum 90 per exam
Time limit90 minutes per exam
FormatMultiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based (PBQ)
Passing scoreCore 1: 675 / Core 2: 700 (scale of 100–900)
Exam feeAbout 265perexam(about265 per exam (about 530 for both, retail)
Recommended experienceAbout 12 months of hands-on IT support experience
Validity3 years; renew with 20 CEUs

What Is on the CompTIA A+ Exam?

The CompTIA A+ exam covers nine domains across two tests: Core 1 (220-1201) spans Hardware and Network Troubleshooting, Hardware, Networking, Mobile Devices, and Virtualization and Cloud Computing,[2] while Core 2 (220-1202) covers Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures.[3]

Core 1 is weighted toward troubleshooting and hardware; Core 2 emphasizes systems and security. The percentages within each core sum to 100% — because A+ is two separate exams, read the weights below per core rather than as a single combined blueprint. Our full practice test is weighted to match:

CompTIA A+ weighting by domain (Core 1 + Core 2)
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (Core 1)28% · ≈13 Qs
Hardware (Core 1)25% · ≈11 Qs
Networking (Core 1)23% · ≈10 Qs
Mobile Devices (Core 1)13% · ≈6 Qs
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (Core 1)11% · ≈5 Qs
Operating Systems (Core 2)28% · ≈13 Qs
Security (Core 2)28% · ≈13 Qs
Software Troubleshooting (Core 2)23% · ≈10 Qs
Operational Procedures (Core 2)21% · ≈9 Qs
CompTIA A+ practice test — practice questions by domain with answer explanations

Practice Questions by Domain

Use Start Test for a full weighted CompTIA A+ simulation, or open the hub and pick a single domain to drill your weak area. After each full exam, your results show a per-domain breakdown so you know exactly where to focus — most candidates need the most reps on troubleshooting and the performance-based scenarios.

What Are the Requirements to Take CompTIA A+?

There are no formal prerequisites to take CompTIA A+ — anyone may register. CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role, or equivalent knowledge, before testing.[1]

There is no required degree, prior certification, or training course, but the exams assume practical familiarity with hardware, operating systems, networking, security, and customer-facing support.

To earn the certification you must pass both Core 1 and Core 2 from the same V15 version; mixing exam versions is not permitted.

How Do You Register for the CompTIA A+ Exam?

You register for CompTIA A+ through CompTIA (comptia.org) or an authorized partner such as Pearson VUE, purchasing a voucher for each exam and scheduling it at a Pearson VUE test center or via online proctoring.[1] At retail, each exam voucher is about $265 (roughly $530 for both cores), though authorized training partners and student discounts can lower that. You can take Core 1 and Core 2 in either order and on separate dates, but both must come from the current V15 series.

What Is the Passing Score for CompTIA A+?

The passing score for CompTIA A+ is 675 for Core 1 (220-1201) and 700 for Core 2 (220-1202), each scored independently on a scaled range of 100 to 900.[1]

Because the score is scaled, it does not map to a simple percentage of questions correct; CompTIA uses item statistics so different exam forms are held to an equivalent standard. Performance-based questions (PBQs) typically appear at the start of the exam and are weighted into your overall score.

You must pass both exams to earn the A+ certification.

How Hard Is CompTIA A+? (Pass Rate)

The CompTIA A+ first-attempt pass rate is estimated at roughly 60 to 75 percent per exam — CompTIA does not publish official statistics, and results vary widely with preparation and hands-on experience.[1] Because earning the credential requires passing two separate exams, candidates who underprepare for either Core 1 or Core 2 — particularly the performance-based questions — are the most common to need a retake.

~60–75%
Est. pass rate
per exam (unofficial)
675 / 700
Passing scaled scores
Core 1 / Core 2
9
Official domains
across two cores

The takeaway: drill until you’re consistently scoring above target on full-length practice — across both cores and especially the PBQ-style scenarios — before you book your exam dates.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Arrive at your Pearson VUE test center at least 15 minutes early to check in — bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID whose name matches your CompTIA registration.[1]You’ll store phones and personal items in a locker; no notes are allowed.

A short tutorial precedes the exam, then you have 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions, including the performance-based tasks that usually appear first. If you test via online proctoring, expect a similar room scan and ID check.

You receive your scaled score at the end of each exam, and you take Core 1 and Core 2 in separate appointments. Having simulated the full timing with practice tests makes that clock feel routine.

How to Use This CompTIA A+ Practice Test

  • Recreate exam conditions. Take the full test timed, with no notes.
  • Diagnose, then drill. Use a full simulation to find weak domains, then drill them.
  • Cover both cores. Don’t neglect your weaker exam — you must pass both.
  • Practice PBQ-style scenarios. Hands-on troubleshooting is where most points are lost.
  • Learn the why. Read every explanation — understanding beats memorizing.

Why Get CompTIA A+ Certified?

CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification, often required (or strongly preferred) by employers for help-desk and IT support roles and a launchpad to Network+ and Security+.[1] These free CompTIA A+ practice tests are the most efficient way to get there.

Conclusion

Passing CompTIA A+ comes down to covering both cores thoroughly and getting comfortable with the performance-based questions. Use this free CompTIA A+ practice test to find your weak domains, drill them to mastery, and reinforce them with our study guide, flashcards so you walk in confident on test day.

CompTIA A+ Practice Test FAQ

CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level credential for IT support and help-desk roles, administered by CompTIA. The current V15 series requires passing two exams — Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) — which launched on March 25, 2025.

References

  1. 1.CompTIA. “A+ Core 1 and Core 2 V15 (official domains, weights, scoring).” CompTIA.org, 2026. ↑
  2. 2.CompTIA. “A+ 220-1201 Core 1 Exam Objectives (PDF).” CompTIA.org. ↑
  3. 3.CompTIA. “A+ 220-1202 Core 2 Exam Objectives (PDF).” CompTIA.org. ↑
  4. 4.CompTIA. “Continuing Education and Certification Renewal.” CompTIA.org. ↑
  5. 5.CompTIA. “How to Renew Your CompTIA Certification (CEUs).” CompTIA.org. ↑
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