When I began prepping for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam, I kept hearing about “performance-based questions” and wondered, “What are those?” As someone who passed with no IT background, I learned that mastering these questions was crucial for success. In this post, I’ll explain what performance-based questions (PBQs) are in the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam, share examples from my experience, and offer prep tips. I’ll also point you to free resources like SkilltestPro for practice tests and Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for videos that helped me conquer PBQs.
What is the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam?
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) is the first of two exams 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, with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. You need a 75% score (675/900) to pass. PBQs are a key part of the exam, and understanding them helped me prep effectively—here’s the breakdown.
What Are Performance-Based Questions in CompTIA A+ Core 1?
Performance-based questions (PBQs) are interactive, hands-on tasks that test your ability to apply IT skills in simulated environments, rather than just recalling facts. Unlike multiple-choice questions, PBQs require you to perform actions like configuring settings or troubleshooting issues. Here’s what you need to know:
- Number of PBQs: Typically 2–5 PBQs per exam, often appearing at the start. I had 4 on my Core 1 exam.
- What They Test: Practical skills in hardware, networking, troubleshooting, and virtualization, aligning with real-world IT tasks.
- Format: You interact with virtual interfaces, such as:
- Drag-and-drop tasks (e.g., place PC components on a motherboard).
- Simulated command-line or GUI environments (e.g., configure IP settings).
- Troubleshooting scenarios (e.g., fix a network issue by selecting steps).
- Point Value: PBQs are worth more points than multiple-choice questions, making them critical for hitting the 75% passing score.
- Time Impact: Each PBQ can take 5–10 minutes, so time management is key in the 90-minute exam.
- My Experience: My first PBQ was dragging components (CPU, RAM) into a motherboard diagram—nerve-wracking but fun once I got the hang of it. Another had me configure a router’s IP settings, which felt like a real IT task.
Examples of Core 1 PBQs
Based on my exam and practice, here are common PBQ types:
- Hardware Assembly: Drag and drop components (e.g., CPU, RAM, GPU) into correct motherboard slots.
- Example: “Build a PC by placing components in the right locations.”
- Network Configuration: Set up IP addresses, subnets, or Wi-Fi settings in a simulated router interface.
- Example: “Configure a router to restore internet connectivity.”
- Troubleshooting: Select steps to diagnose a hardware or network issue (e.g., no-boot PC, slow Wi-Fi).
- Example: “A PC won’t start—choose the correct troubleshooting steps.”
- Virtualization Setup: Configure a virtual machine’s settings in a simulated hypervisor.
- Example: “Set up a VM with specified CPU and RAM.”
These tasks test practical application, not just memorization, which made them challenging but rewarding.
Why PBQs Matter
PBQs are high-stakes because:
- Higher Point Value: Nailing them boosts your score significantly toward the 675/900 goal.
- Real-World Relevance: They mimic IT tasks like setting up networks or fixing hardware, preparing you for jobs.
- Time Challenge: They take longer, so I skipped them early to bank time for multiple-choice, returning with 15–20 minutes left.
How to Prep for Core 1 PBQs
Here’s how I mastered PBQs:
- Study the Objectives: CompTIA’s Core 1 objectives (SkilltestPro’s objectives) list skills like “configure network settings” or “troubleshoot hardware.” I focused on these.
- Watch Videos: Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel has videos on router setups, hardware assembly, and virtualization. Their Wi-Fi config video prepped me for a PBQ.
- Use Practice Tests: SkilltestPro’s first three Core 1 tests are free at their A+ page. Their PBQs, like dragging components or setting IP addresses, were exam-like. I practiced weekly, hitting 80%+ scores.
- Get Hands-On:
- Swap RAM or storage in a spare PC to mimic hardware PBQs.
- Configure a home router’s IP or Wi-Fi settings for network PBQs.
- Use VirtualBox (free) to set up virtual machines for virtualization PBQs.
- I tinkered with an old laptop and VirtualBox to build confidence.
- Learn Troubleshooting Steps: Follow a logical process (identify issue, test solution, verify fix) for PBQs like diagnosing a no-boot PC.
- Study Schedule: I studied 8–12 weeks, 1–2 hours daily, 5–6 days a week, emphasizing hands-on practice for PBQs.
Tips to Ace PBQs
- Skip PBQs Early: Flag them to tackle multiple-choice first, saving 15–20 minutes. I did this to avoid time pressure.
- Practice Simulations: SkilltestPro’s PBQs got me used to the exam’s virtual interface. I treated them like mini-labs.
- Read Scenarios Carefully: PBQs include details (e.g., “Wi-Fi is slow on one device”). I missed a detail once but caught it on review.
- Use a Systematic Approach: For troubleshooting PBQs, check basics first (cables, power) before complex steps.
- Don’t Panic: PBQs feel intense, but breaking them into steps (e.g., configure IP, test connection) kept me calm.
- Flag for Review: If unsure, flag the PBQ and return if time allows. I revisited one PBQ to tweak my answer.
Why Mastering PBQs is Worth It
Performance-based questions in CompTIA A+ Core 1 test real-world IT skills, making them a big part of passing and preparing for jobs like help desk (~$50,000–$60,000/year in the U.S.). For me, acing PBQs was a confidence boost that carried into my IT support role, where I now troubleshoot hardware and networks daily.
Ready to tackle performance-based questions on CompTIA A+ Core 1? Check out Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for hands-on videos and grab the free Core 1 practice tests on SkilltestPro to practice PBQs. Keep at it, and you’ll pass with ease!