What is the Passing Score for CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam?

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When I started preparing for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam, one of my first questions was, “What’s the passing score I need to hit?” As someone who passed with no IT experience, knowing this target shaped my study plan. In this post, I’ll explain the passing score for CompTIA A+ Core 1, how it works, and how to prep to achieve it. I’ll also point you to free resources like SkilltestPro for practice tests and Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for videos that helped me succeed.

What is the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam?

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) is the first of two exams required for the A+ certification, a key 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 (multiple-choice and performance-based) in 90 minutes. As a beginner, understanding the passing score gave me a clear goal—here’s the breakdown.

What is the Passing Score for CompTIA A+ Core 1?

  • Passing Score: 675 out of 900.
  • Percentage Equivalent: 675 ÷ 900 = 0.75, or 75%.
  • What It Means: You need to earn 75% of the total possible points to pass Core 1. The exam has up to 90 questions, but they’re not equally weighted—performance-based questions (PBQs) like configuring a router carry more points than multiple-choice questions (e.g., “What’s port 80?”). You’ll likely need to answer roughly 65–70 questions correctly, depending on the question mix.
  • Scaled Scoring: CompTIA uses a scaled score to adjust for question difficulty, so 75% is an equivalent, not a raw percentage of questions correct.
  • No Penalty for Guessing: Wrong answers don’t deduct points, so I answered every question, even if I had to guess.

I aimed for 80–85% on practice tests to ensure I’d clear the 75% mark comfortably on test day.

Why Knowing the Passing Score Matters

The 75% target gave me a benchmark to track my progress. It also showed me that performance-based questions were critical, as they’re worth more points. This motivated me to practice simulations and focus on high-value topics like hardware (33%) and troubleshooting (25%). Knowing the score helped me avoid under-preparing, which was tempting as a newbie.

How to Achieve the Passing Score

Here’s how I prepped to hit and exceed 75%:

  • Study the Objectives: CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam objectives (SkilltestPro’s objectives) outline key topics like hardware, networking, and virtualization. I used them as a checklist.
  • Watch Videos: Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel has beginner-friendly videos on PC components, Wi-Fi setups, and more. I watched during downtime to reinforce concepts.
  • Use Practice Tests: SkilltestPro’s first three Core 1 tests are free at their A+ page. Their questions, like “How to diagnose a no-boot PC?” or PBQs like dragging components into a motherboard, were exam-like. Explanations helped me hit 80%+ scores. I took a test weekly.
  • Get Hands-On: I practiced swapping RAM, configuring routers, and setting up virtual machines in VirtualBox to nail PBQs, which boosted my score.
  • Focus on Weak Areas: Early tests showed I was shaky on networking (e.g., ports like 443). I used Tech Wolf’s networking videos to catch up.
  • Study Schedule: I studied 8–12 weeks, 1–2 hours daily, 5–6 days a week, aiming for consistent progress.

Tips to Hit 75% or Higher

  • Prioritize PBQs: Performance-based tasks are high-value, so practice them on SkilltestPro. I skipped them early in tests to save time for multiple-choice, revisiting with 15–20 minutes left.
  • Memorize Key Facts: Drill terms like “Cat6a,” “DNS,” and port numbers (80, 443) with flashcards for multiple-choice questions.
  • Simulate Exam Conditions: Take SkilltestPro tests with a 90-minute timer to build stamina and time management.
  • Guess Strategically: If stumped, eliminate wrong options and guess—there’s no penalty. I did this on a few networking questions.
  • Target 80%+ in Practice: This buffers against exam-day nerves. I hit 80% after 8 weeks and passed with room to spare.
  • Stay Relaxed: The night before, I reviewed flashcards and slept well to stay sharp.

Why Passing Core 1 is Worth It

Hitting the 75% passing score for CompTIA A+ Core 1 is a major 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 confidence boost that paved the way for Core 2 and my first IT role. The skills I learned, like troubleshooting hardware, are now part of my daily work.

Ready to score 75% or higher on CompTIA A+ Core 1? Explore Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for practical videos and grab the free Core 1 practice tests on SkilltestPro to prep like a pro. Keep studying, and you’ll pass with ease!