What Percentage to Pass CompTIA A+? A Clear Guide

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When I was studying for the CompTIA A+ certification, one question kept bugging me: “What percentage do I need to pass?” As someone who started with no IT experience and passed both Core 1 and Core 2, I can tell you understanding the passing score helped me focus my prep. In this post, I’ll break down the percentage needed to pass CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), explain how it works, and share tips to hit that mark. I’ll also point you to free resources like SkilltestPro for practice tests and Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for videos that got me exam-ready.

What is the CompTIA A+ Exam?

CompTIA A+ is a top certification for entry-level IT pros, requiring two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Core 1 covers hardware, networking, and troubleshooting, while Core 2 focuses on software, security, and operational procedures. Each exam has up to 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based) in 90 minutes. As a beginner, knowing the passing percentage gave me a clear target. Let’s dive into the details.

What Percentage Do You Need to Pass CompTIA A+?

CompTIA A+ passing scores are based on a scaled score out of 900, not a raw percentage of questions correct. Here’s the breakdown:

1. CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)

  • Passing Score: 675 out of 900.
  • Percentage Equivalent: 675 ÷ 900 = 0.75, or 75%.
  • What It Means: You need to score the equivalent of about 75% of the total points to pass Core 1. Since the exam has up to 90 questions, and questions vary in point value (performance-based questions are worth more), you’ll likely need to answer roughly 65–70 questions correctly, depending on the mix.

2. CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)

  • Passing Score: 700 out of 900.
  • Percentage Equivalent: 700 ÷ 900 ≈ 0.778, or 77.8%.
  • What It Means: You need about 77.8% of the total points to pass Core 2. With up to 90 questions, you’ll likely need to get around 68–73 questions right, factoring in the variable point values.

Key Notes

  • Scaled Scoring: CompTIA uses a scaled score to account for question difficulty, so 75% (Core 1) or 77.8% (Core 2) isn’t exactly 75% or 77.8% of questions correct—it’s a weighted equivalent.
  • Performance-Based Questions: These simulations (e.g., configuring a network) carry more points, so nailing them boosts your score more than multiple-choice.
  • No Penalty for Guessing: Answer every question, as wrong answers don’t deduct points.

When I prepped, I aimed for 80–85% on practice tests to ensure I’d clear the passing mark comfortably.

Why Knowing the Passing Percentage Helps

Understanding the 75% (Core 1) and 77.8% (Core 2) targets gave me a goal to hit in practice. It also showed Core 2 is slightly harder, needing a higher score, so I focused extra on its security and software topics. Knowing this helped me avoid under-preparing, which was tempting as a beginner.

How to Hit the Passing Percentage

Here’s how I prepped to meet and exceed the passing scores:

  • Study the Objectives: Use CompTIA’s official exam objectives (SkilltestPro’s CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives) to cover all domains—hardware, networking, software, security, and more.
  • Watch Videos: Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel has clear videos on CompTIA A+ practice questions, topics like PC components (Core 1) and Windows troubleshooting (Core 2). I watched during breaks to make learning stick.
  • Take Practice Tests: The first three Core 1 and Core 2 tests on SkilltestPro are free and mimic the exam’s format. Their questions, like “What’s the first step to fix a slow PC?” felt so real, and explanations helped me hit 80%+ scores. I took a test weekly to track progress.
  • Get Hands-On: Practice tasks like swapping RAM (Core 1) or setting user permissions (Core 2). I used VirtualBox to simulate systems, which prepped me for performance-based questions worth more points.
  • Focus on Weak Areas: My early practice tests showed I was shaky on Core 1’s networking and Core 2’s security, so I prioritized those with Tech Wolf’s videos.
  • Aim High: Target 80–85% on practice tests to buffer against exam-day nerves. I studied 8–12 weeks per exam, 1–2 hours daily.

Tips to Avoid Falling Short

  • Don’t Skip Performance-Based Questions: These carry more weight, so practice them on SkilltestPro’s tests.
  • Master Key Terms: Drill vocab like “DNS” (Core 1) or “malware” (Core 2) with flashcards. I reviewed daily to nail multiple-choice questions.
  • Time Management: Practice under a 90-minute timer to ensure you finish. I saved performance-based tasks for last to maximize points.
  • Don’t Cram: Spread study over weeks to retain info. I avoided last-minute panic by sticking to a schedule.

Why Hitting the Passing Score Matters

Passing CompTIA A+ (75% for Core 1, 77.8% for Core 2) opens doors to IT jobs like help desk or IT support. For me, it was a confidence boost that proved I could tackle tech challenges and landed me my first IT role. Knowing the target percentage kept my prep focused and effective.

Ready to hit the passing score for CompTIA A+? Start with Tech Wolf’s YouTube channel for engaging videos and grab the free practice tests on SkilltestPro to ensure you clear 75% and 77.8%. Keep at it, and you’ll pass with flying colors!