How Many Questions Are on CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam?

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When I started gearing up for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam, one of my first questions was, “How many questions are on CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam I will face?” As someone who passed with no IT experience, knowing this detail helped me plan my prep. In this post, I’ll explain the number of questions on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam, break down the format, and share tips to tackle them. I’ll also point you to free resources like SkilltestPro for practice tests and Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for videos that helped me pass.

What is the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam?

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) is the first of two exams needed for the A+ certification, a top credential for entry-level IT roles like help desk or support technician. It covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, troubleshooting, and virtualization. The exam lasts 90 minutes, and you need a 75% score (675/900) to pass. As a beginner, understanding the question count was key to my strategy—here’s the deal.

How Many Questions Are on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam?

  • Question Count: The CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam has up to 90 questions.
  • Breakdown:
    • Multiple-Choice Questions: Around 70–80 questions, including single-answer (pick one) and multiple-answer (select all that apply). Examples: “What’s the default port for HTTPS?” (443) or “Which components are needed for a PC? (Select three).”
    • Performance-Based Questions (PBQs): Typically 2–5 questions, often at the start. These are hands-on simulations, like configuring a router or assembling a PC in a virtual environment.
  • Time Per Question: With 90 minutes, you get about 1 minute per question. PBQs take longer (5–10 minutes each), so time management is crucial.
  • My Experience: I had ~85 questions, including 4 PBQs, like dragging components into a motherboard. Multiple-choice dominated, but PBQs felt weightier due to their point value.
  • Scoring Note: Questions aren’t equally weighted—PBQs carry more points. You need 675/900 (75%), roughly 65–70 correct answers, depending on the mix. There’s no penalty for guessing.

Why Knowing the Question Count Helps

Knowing there are up to 90 questions helped me pace myself. I learned to skip time-heavy PBQs early to bank points on faster multiple-choice questions, saving 15–20 minutes for simulations. It also showed me the exam’s scope, pushing me to prep broadly across hardware (33%) and troubleshooting (25%).

How to Prep for the 90 Questions

Here’s how I handled the question load:

  • Study the Objectives: CompTIA A+ Core 1 objectives (SkilltestPro’s objectives) cover hardware, networking, and more. I used them to ensure no topic was missed.
  • Watch Videos: Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel has clear videos on CompTIA A+ Core 1 practice questions PC components, Wi-Fi setups, and virtualization. I watched daily to grasp concepts like “RAID.”
  • Use Practice Tests: SkilltestPro’s first three Core 1 tests are free at their A+ page. Their PBQs (e.g., network configs) and multiple-choice (e.g., “What’s Cat6a?”) were exam-like. I hit 80%+ after weekly tests.
  • Get Hands-On: I swapped RAM, set up routers, and used VirtualBox for VMs to prep for PBQs. This made simulations less intimidating.
  • Drill Key Terms: Flashcards for ports (80, 443), cables (Cat6a), and acronyms (SSD) helped me ace multiple-choice. I reviewed 10–20 terms daily.
  • Study Plan: I studied 8–12 weeks, 1–2 hours daily, 5–6 days a week, focusing on networking and PBQs, my weak spots.

Tips to Tackle the Questions

  • Skip PBQs Early: Flag performance-based questions to do multiple-choice first. I saved ~20 minutes for PBQs.
  • Manage Time: Check the timer every 20 questions. I aimed to finish with 10–15 minutes for flagged questions.
  • Eliminate Distractors: For multiple-choice, rule out wrong answers (e.g., Cat5e vs. Cat6a) to boost accuracy.
  • Practice Simulations: SkilltestPro’s PBQs got me used to the exam’s interface. I treated them like mini-labs.
  • Guess if Needed: No penalty for wrong answers, so I guessed on tough questions after eliminating options.
  • Stay Focused: PBQs can feel heavy, but a step-by-step approach (e.g., check cables, test settings) kept me calm.

Why Passing Core 1 is Worth It

Handling up to 90 questions on CompTIA A+ Core 1 is a big step toward IT jobs like help desk or field technician (~$50,000–$60,000/year in the U.S.). For me, passing Core 1 was a game-changer that led to my first IT role. The skills I learned, like fixing hardware or setting up networks, are now part of my daily work.

Ready to face the 90 questions on CompTIA A+ Core 1? Check out Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for practical videos and grab the free Core 1 practice tests on SkilltestPro to prep with confidence. Keep studying, and you’ll nail the exam!