Can You Skip Questions on CompTIA Exam? Your Guide to Test Strategies

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As I prepped for my CompTIA A+ exams, I kept wondering, “Can I skip questions if I get stuck?” Having passed both Core 1 and Core 2 with no IT background, I learned the ins and outs of CompTIA’s exam rules firsthand. In this post, I’ll clarify whether you can skip questions on CompTIA exams like A+, share smart test-taking strategies, and offer tips to pass with confidence. Plus, I’ll point you to free resources like SkilltestPro for CompTIA exam practice tests and Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for CompTIA exam questions study videos that helped me succeed.

What Are CompTIA Exams?

CompTIA certifications, like A+, Network+, and Security+, are key for IT pros. A+ is perfect for beginners, requiring two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Core 1 focuses on hardware and networking, while Core 2 covers software and security. Each exam has up to 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based) in 90 minutes, needing 75% (Core 1) and 77.8% (Core 2) to pass. As a newbie, I was curious about exam mechanics, especially skipping questions. Here’s the scoop.

Can You Skip Questions on CompTIA Exams?

Yes, you can skip questions on CompTIA exams, including A+ Core 1 and Core 2. Here’s how it works:

  • Flagging Questions: During the exam, you can mark questions for review and skip them to return later, time permitting. I used this feature on Core 1 when I hit a tricky performance-based task about router setup—I flagged it, answered easier questions, and came back with a clearer head.
  • No Penalty for Skipping: Unanswered questions count as incorrect, but there’s no extra penalty. I made sure to answer everything before submitting, even if I guessed on flagged ones.
  • Time Management: With 90 minutes for up to 90 questions, you get about a minute per question. Skipping tough questions early saved me time for multiple-choice ones, but I had to watch the clock to revisit flagged items.
  • Performance-Based Questions: These simulations (e.g., configuring a PC) appear early and take longer, so skipping them initially can help. I tackled them last on Core 2 to maximize points from quicker questions.

This flexibility was a relief, but it’s not a free pass—you need a strategy to make skipping work.

Why Skipping Questions Can Help

Skipping questions let me:

  • Stay Calm: Instead of panicking over a hard question, I moved on and kept momentum.
  • Maximize Points: Answering easier questions first ensured I banked points before tackling tougher ones.
  • Use Time Wisely: Flagging performance-based tasks gave me time to clear multiple-choice questions, which I found faster.

On Core 1, I flagged about 5 questions and had 10 minutes left to review them, which boosted my score.

Test-Taking Strategies for CompTIA Exams

Here’s how I used skipping and other tactics to pass:

  • Start with Multiple-Choice: Answer these first, as they’re quicker. I skipped performance-based questions early to avoid time traps.
  • Flag and Move On: If a question stumped me (like a Core 2 security scenario), I flagged it and kept going. This prevented fixation.
  • Guess Before Submitting: If time ran low, I guessed on flagged questions—there’s no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Practice Time Management: On [SkilltestPro’s