How Hard Is the CompTIA A+ Exam? Complete Breakdown | VMSOIT.

How Hard Is the CompTIA A+ Exam? Complete Breakdown.

How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam? This is a common question all IT beginners ask before investing their valuable resources in this certification exam.

Before investing time and money into this entry-level IT exam, you should collect accurate information about how hard this CompTIA A+ Certification is. This information will inform you of the best study habits and tactics to pass this certification.

This article will give us all the information you should know to start your learning journey. You can find the difficulty level, question types, and what information you need to know before the test. We’ll also provide helpful study tips to prepare for your life-changing entry-level IT certification.

Introduction to CompTIA A+ Certification:

The CompTIA A+ certification is a globally recognized cert and is considered a fundamental entry point into the IT industry. It validates your knowledge and skills for various IT support roles, including hardware, software, networking and troubleshooting, operating systems, and security.

Overview of the CompTIA A+ Exam:

The CompTIA A+ certification is split into two exams:

• Core 1 (Exam 220-1101).
• Core 2 (Exam 220-1102).

You have to pass both exams to get certified for CompTIA A+. Each exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions, a mixture of multiple-choice questions (single and multiple responses), and performance-based questions that test your hands-on skills in a simulated environment. Don’t worry; we’ll cover all these types in depth later in this article.

Both exams contain a maximum of 90 questions that candidates must complete in 90 minutes. Passing scores on exams are 675 for Core 1 (on a scale of 100-900) and 700 for Core 2. The scales of both exams are the same 100-900. A passing score in percentage of both exams is almost 80%.

Note: A+ is vendor-neutral, meaning you will not be quizzed on company-specific technology or hardware. To read more about CompTIA A+ Certification read this blog: CompTIA A+: A Complete Beginners Guide.

Key Topics Covered in the CompTIA A+ Exam:

Core 1 (220-1101): Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization, Cloud Computing, Troubleshooting:

1. Mobile Devices: Understanding the components, configuration, and troubleshooting of mobile devices is essential. The exam will test knowledge on topics like laptop hardware, mobile device connectivity, and applications.
2. Networking: This section covers networking fundamentals, such as IP addressing, wireless technologies, and network protocols. Practical skills in configuring and troubleshooting networks are also assessed.
3. Hardware: Candidates need to be familiar with various hardware components, including motherboards, CPUs, RAM, power supplies, and storage devices. The ability to assemble and disassemble PCs is crucial.
4. Virtualization and Cloud Computing: Basic concepts of virtualization and cloud services are tested, focusing on their integration into traditional IT infrastructure.
5. Network and Hardware Troubleshooting: This section covers networking and hardware problems and how to troubleshoot them. In this domain, you’ll learn practical skills in network and hardware troubleshooting.

Core 2 (220-1102): Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting and Operational Procedures:

1. Operating Systems: This domain includes installing, configuring, and managing operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Command-line tools and OS troubleshooting are also covered.
2. Security: Basic security practices, such as setting permissions, implementing security protocols, and protecting data, are essential for passing the exam.
3. Software Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving software issues is a key skill tested, including common problems with operating systems and applications.
4. Operational Procedures: In this domain of Core 2 you’ll learn about the operational procedures that are important to work in an IT industry or IT company.

Note: To learn more about the Domains of both exams and what you will learn in this Domain you can download CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives. If you want to know how many questions you can face from a specific domain you can visit this blog: CompTIA A+: A Complete Beginners Guide.

Question types in CompTIA A+ exams:

You can find 2 types of questions. Now we are going to discuss both types of questions and how to solve them.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

The majority of the questions you’ll see in exams are multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Here you’ll be asked to choose the best (possible/correct) answer or answers from a list of options. You can find 4 or more options from you have to select the answers. 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:

Which of the following are ways that a laptop can communicate with other computers? (wireless and short range 10m).

1. Bluetooth
2. WLAN
3. DC jack
4. Cellular WAN
5. Satellite Network

Performance Based Questions (PBQs):

The second type of question you’ll have to answer in exams are performance-based questions (PBQs). These hands-on questions will test your technical understanding and critical thinking skills. They will simulate a (real-life) problem that you might face as an entry-level IT professional.

No one knows the exact count of PBQs on the exams. But you may be asked up to 10-15 PBQs on each exam, it’s more likely that you only have to answer between 3-6 questions.

The long question in your school/college test weighed heavier than the short and MCQs. Similar PBQs are weighted heavier than MCQs in the CompTIA A+ exams. The more PBQs you complete, the fewer MCQs you’ll receive. You can see a demo performance-based question given below:

This is a demo question as CompTIA does'nt share their question papers online so you can't find any past paper like content. I take this question from a student who recently cleared his CompTIA A+ Certification.

Difficulty Level of the CompTIA A+ Exam:

What Makes the CompTIA A+ Exam Challenging?

The difficulty of the CompTIA A+ exam is not the same for all the candidates. It can vary depending on the candidate’s (your) background, degree, and experience in IT. For beginners, the range of topics covered (in this certification) can be overwhelming. CompTIA A+ exams require a solid understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical skills. Particularly the performance-based questions can challenge because these questions demand not just an understanding of the concept but also the hands-on experience (to apply your knowledge in real life).

Common Pitfalls:

At the present time, 3 challenges are very common that every test-taker faces during the exams.

1. The first one is related to the exam preparation, which is underestimating the depth of knowledge required, particularly in areas like networking and security.
2. The second challenge the candidate faces is failing to practice hands-on tasks, which are critical for performance-based questions.
3. The third and last challenge that you can face is time management. You have a maximum of 1 minute for each question (90 minutes for 90 questions). During the exams, it can be a major hurdle, as complex questions require more time and careful thought. So, you have to also include time management while practicing for the exams.

Success Rates and Statistics:

CompTIA doesn’t share the results and official pass rates publicly. As CompTIA A+ certification is very old. So, industry estimates suggest that the passing rate for the first-time test-takers is around 50%.

The estimated percentage is very low for the first time. This indicates that the exam is passable with proper preparation. It is not a walk in the park. So this certification exam requires a serious commitment to study and practice.

Comparing the Difficulty with Other IT Certifications:

How CompTIA A+ Compares to Other Entry-Level Certifications:

When CompTIA A+ is compared to other entry-level certifications like Cisco’s CCENT, Cisco’s CCNA, Microsoft’s MTA, or Microsoft’s MCSA the CompTIA A+ is often considered less difficult. Other entry-level certs are related to specific fields of IT. While the CCENT and CCNA delve deeper into networking. However, the A+ covers a wider range of topics, making it a more well-rounded entry-level certification. This range and scope can make the A+ challenging because candidates need to be confident across multiple domains instead of specializing in one domain.

Skill Level Required:

The CompTIA A+ is designed for people with 6 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the IT field or equivalent education. If you have no previous experience in the IT field you can prepare for exams. However, having experience and 6-12 months of experience will give you an advantage while understanding or performing hands-on labs.

Study Strategies for the CompTIA A+ Exam:

Best Study Resources:

1. Books and Online Resources: Books and online CompTIA A+ training courses are the best choice for preparing for CompTIA A+ exams. In 2 different blogs, we already covered both resources. You can use the following links to read more about the books, free, paid, hybrid CompTIA A+ resources, and best practice resources for both exams.
• Exploring the Best Books for CompTIA A+ Certification Completion.
• Free vs Paid vs Hybrid: Find the Best Resources for Completing CompTIA A+.
• Best Resources to Practice for CompTIA A+ Exams.
2. Hands-On Practice: Setting up a home lab with old hardware and using virtual machines can significantly boost your practical knowledge, which is critical and important for performance-based questions.

Creating a Study Schedule:

Creating a structured study schedule is important for success on the CompTIA A+ exams. As the exam covers a wide range of topics, it’s important to allocate time for each domain based on your strengths and weaknesses.

It's completely up to you how you create your study schedule. If you are using video training courses or reading books the pace of learning depends on you. But I’ll advise you to practice for each domain you cover. Practice for MCQs and PBQs from different resources to solidify your understanding.

Practice Tests and Their Importance:

Taking practice tests is the most effective way to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam in my opinion. The practice tests will help you to familiarize yourself with questions similar to final exams. It will also help you to spot your weak areas and also help you to improve your time management skills. That will give you an advantage over other candidates.

You can use free or paid practice resources to test yourself. If you are learning CompTIA A+ you’ll practice questions for every objective and domain separately. If you complete all the domains of one exam you can find practice tests for both exams on this website.

Exam-Day Tips and Tricks:

What to Expect on Exam Day:

On the day of the exam, it is important to arrive at the testing center early. If you’re taking the exam online you have to set up your environment (room) well in advance (according to the CompTIA rules).

Ensure that you have all the necessary ID and documents. If you are going to take a test remotely, your computer must meet all technical requirements.

Before the exam, you’ll begin with a tutorial that explains how to navigate through the exam interface. Use this time to eat well, hydrate your body, calm your nerves, and get familiar with the system.

Last-Minute Preparation:

According to research, the last-minute preparation has benefits and drawbacks.

• Short-term retention, improved focus, and boosts confidence are the benefits.
• Long-term retention can increase stress, lack of understanding, and burnout are drawbacks.

But you can effectively use this technique. Rather than reading or cramming all the content you can review all the concepts by active learning activities like summarizing, self-quizzing, and elaboration.

You can change your exam date 24 hours before the exam. If you feel confident you can take the test. But if you have any self-doubt, you can postpone your exam.

Strategies for Answering Questions:

During the exam, read each & every question carefully before selecting your answer/answers for multiple-choice questions (MCQs). For performance-based questions (PBQs), take your time to ensure you understand what’s being asked and how you complete it. If you’re unsure about any answer, mark it for review and move on, returning to it later if time permits.

Prioritize questions you find easier to build confidence and manage your time effectively. Remember that incorrect answers do not penalize your score. So it is better to make an educated guess rather than leaving a question unanswered.

Post-Exam: What Comes Next?

Understanding Your Results:

After completion, you’ll receive a preliminary score report indicating whether you passed or failed. The official results are typically available within a few hours to a couple of days. The report will show all your mistakes and improvement spots.

Congratulations if you pass your exams. But in case of failure, you can retake the exam before reading the CompTIA retake policies.

Retake Policies:

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, CompTIA allows you to retake it after a waiting period of 14 days. There is no limit to the number of retakes. But after your second attempt, you must wait another 14 days between each retake. It is important to use the time between your attempts to revisit challenging topics to improve your skills.

Next Steps After Passing the CompTIA A+ Exam:

Once you have passed both CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams, you’ll earn the CompTIA A+ certification. Which is valid for the next three years. To keep your certification updated. You’ll need to retake exams or earn continuing education units (CEUs) through activities like:

• Additional certifications
• Training courses
• Attending industry events

After the CompTIA A+, you can specialize in any specific IT field. You can specialize further or move up the career ladder, such as:

• CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA a vender-specific certification)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA a vender-specific certification)

Tips to Prepare for CompTIA A+:

Here are some tips that will help you pass CompTIA A+.

1. Use the A+ exam objectives to study for the exams. It also helps you to figure out which domains and objectives you have completed. Don’t forget to download the objectives of both the Core 1 and Core 2 exams.
2. Use multiple study resources for a better understanding of objectives. You can use the “CompTIA A+: The Ultimate Beginners’ Guide” video training course offered by Virtual Mentors for free. You can also find practice questions and other resources on the Virtual Mentors Website. You can watch video courses (free, paid, hybrid), read books, and perform practice tests from different resources.
3. Give yourself adequate time to prepare and study. If you fail, it can cause depression and also loss of money. So, you should have prepared and practiced well. You can create a study plan, and prepare at your recommended pace.
4. Select the medium you want to take the test. You can take the test online or in person. If you like to take an exam in person, you can schedule the exam in person by visiting any Pearson VUE center near you. Otherwise, you can schedule your exam online in your room to feel more relaxed and comfortable.
5. Take practice tests for each domain again and again from different resources. By perform these practice tests you can spot your weak points and prepare for them before exam date.

Is CompTIA A+ hard?

As we have discussed about it, this all depends on your knowledge, degree, experience, and your study habits. I want to say that if you have a bachelor's or master’s degree in CS or IT, you can easily clear CompTIA A+. But if you don’t have any degree, you can clear the CompTIA A+ exam with a proper understanding of all objectives with proper hands-on experience. Regardless of your experience in IT, by studying the right resources, you can prepare yourself for these exams. Be connected with Virtual Mentors if you want to pass and get certified in CompTIA A+.

FAQs About the CompTIA A+ Exam:

How Much Does the CompTIA A+ Exam Cost?

The cost for each CompTIA A+ exam (Core 1 and Core 2) is not cleared you can visit the official CompTIA A+ blog where you can get the actual cost of both exams. However, pricing can vary based on location, and discounts are often available through training providers or bulk purchases.

How Long Should You Study for the Exam?

Study duration varies depending on your experience level. On average, candidates spend 2-4 months preparing, dedicating about 10-15 hours per week (almost 2 daily). Those with prior IT experience might require less time, while beginners may need more.

Is Work Experience Necessary for CompTIA A+?

While work experience is not mandatory, it is highly beneficial. The CompTIA A+ exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and hands-on experience can make a significant difference in understanding and applying the concepts.

Can You Pass the CompTIA A+ Exam on the First Try?

Yes, many candidates pass the CompTIA A+ on their first attempt with proper preparation. Utilizing study guides, taking practice tests, and gaining hands-on experience are key strategies to increase your chances of success.

What Is the Validity Period of the CompTIA A+ Certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exams. You can renew your certification through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program by earning CEUs or by passing the latest version of the exam.

bypassingHow Is the CompTIA A+ Certification Viewed by Employers?

The CompTIA A+ certification is well-regarded by employers, especially for entry-level IT roles. It demonstrates a foundational understanding of IT concepts and skills, making it a valuable asset for job seekers in the tech industry.