Thinking about taking the CompTIA A+ exam and wondering how many questions are on it? With its crucial role in launching IT careers, it’s essential to know what you’re up against. Each of the two CompTIA A+ exams includes up to 90 questions, making a total of no more than 180 questions for full certification. Knowing the number of questions helps you gauge the time and effort needed to prepare effectively. The CompTIA A+ certification is a significant milestone for anyone looking to break into the IT industry, so let’s make sure you’re well-prepared for what’s ahead.

Overview of the CompTIA A+ Exam

The CompTIA A+ exam is an essential certification for anyone looking to start a career in the IT industry. Before diving into the number of questions and other details, it helps to understand what the certification is all about and how the exams are structured.

What is the CompTIA A+ Certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification is a well-recognized credential in the IT world. It’s like a ticket to enter the tech industry, proving you have the necessary skills to handle various IT tasks. Think of it as a solid foundation for your IT career. This certification covers a wide range of skills, such as:

• Troubleshooting: Fixing common IT problems.
• Networking: Understanding how different devices connect and communicate.
• Operating Systems: Getting to know different OS platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux.
• Security: Basics of keeping systems and data secure.
• Mobile Devices: Managing and troubleshooting smartphones and tablets.

Structure of the CompTIA A+ Exam

The CompTIA A+ certification is divided into two exams: 220-1001 and 220-1002. Each of these exams has its own focus areas, making sure you are well-rounded in your IT knowledge.

220-1001 Exam

The 220-1001 exam primarily deals with:

• Mobile Devices: Covers the basics of mobile hardware and network connectivity.
• Networking Technology: Focuses on various types of networks and connections.
• Hardware: In-depth knowledge of PC components and peripherals.
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing: Introduction to cloud services and virtualization concepts.
• Network Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve network issues.

220-1002 Exam

The 220-1002 exam focuses more on:

• Operating Systems: Understanding different operating systems, their features, and interfaces.
• Security: Basic security concepts and best practices.
• Software Troubleshooting: Identifying and fixing issues related to software.
• Operational Procedures: Professionalism and best practices in IT environments.

Both exams together ensure that you have a complete and comprehensive understanding of the skills needed to excel in IT support roles. Each exam includes up to 90 questions, so in total, you will face no more than 180 questions to achieve the full certification. And remember, after you finish the main exam questions, you’ll also have an optional exit survey with around 12 multiple-choice questions about your study habits and reasons for getting certified.

How Many Questions Are on the CompTIA A+ Exam?

If you’re planning on taking the CompTIA A+ exam, you’re probably curious about how many questions you’ll face. The question count is a key piece of info that can help you manage your study time and test-taking strategy. Let’s break it down, so you know exactly what to expect.

Number of Questions in Each Exam

The CompTIA A+ certification requires you to pass two exams: 220-1001 and 220-1002. Each of these exams has no more than 90 questions. So, when you put them together, you’ll be answering a total of no more than 180 questions to earn your certification.

Types of Questions

When it comes to the types of questions, the CompTIA A+ exam isn’t just about multiple-choice. To really test your knowledge and practical skills, the exam includes several different types of questions:

• Multiple-Choice Questions: These are the standard questions you might be used to from other tests. You’ll pick the correct answer from a list of options.
• Drag-and-Drop: This type of question will ask you to match items or place them in the correct order. It’s a bit more interactive and tests your practical understanding.
• Performance-Based Questions (PBQs): These are scenario-based and require you to perform tasks in a simulated environment. They are designed to test how you apply your knowledge in real-world situations.

Knowing the variety of questions can help you prepare better. For example, you can practice with interactive simulations to get ready for PBQs or review multiple-choice questions to refresh your memory on key topics..

Optional Exit Survey

After you’ve tackled the main questions of the CompTIA A+ exam, you will encounter an optional exit survey. This section provides valuable insight into your exam experience and helps CompTIA improve its certifications.

Purpose of the Exit Survey

The optional exit survey is more than just a formality; it’s a tool that CompTIA uses to gather crucial feedback about the exam process. By understanding how candidates prepare for the exam and their motivations for getting certified, CompTIA can:

• Improve Exam Content: Your feedback helps identify which areas of the exam are clear and which might need more refinement.
• Enhance Study Resources: Knowing how candidates study allows CompTIA to develop better preparation materials.
• Understand Certification Motivations: Learning why candidates pursue the A+ certification can help tailor future certifications to better meet the needs of IT professionals.

Your honest responses contribute to making the CompTIA A+ certification even more effective and relevant for future test-takers.

Types of Questions in the Exit Survey

The exit survey consists of approximately 12 multiple-choice questions. These questions are designed to gather information on various aspects of your exam preparation and your reasons for pursuing the certification. Here’s what you might expect:

1. Study Habits: Questions about how you prepared for the exam, such as:
   • What resources did you use? (Books, online courses, practice tests)
   • How many hours did you study per week?
   • Did you join any study groups or forums?
2. Reasons for Certification: Questions about your motivations, like:
   • Why did you decide to get certified? (Career advancement, personal growth, employer requirement)
   • What sector of IT are you aiming to enter or advance in?
   • How do you think the certification will impact your career?

These questions are straightforward and give you a chance to reflect on your preparation journey. Your feedback not only helps CompTIA but can also be a moment of self-assessment, allowing you to recognize the effort you’ve put in and the goals you’re aiming to achieve.

Preparing for the CompTIA A+ Exam

Getting ready for the CompTIA A+ exam can feel like a big task, but with the right approach, you’ll be set for success. This section will guide you through some valuable resources and time management tips to help you prepare effectively.

Study Resources

When preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam, having the right study materials can make a huge difference. Here are some resources that can help you on your journey:

1. Books:
   • CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide by Mike Meyers: This comprehensive book covers all the topics you need to know.
   • CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide by Quentin Docter: Another great option packed with practice questions and detailed explanations.
2. Online Courses:
   • Udemy: Offers several courses specifically designed for the CompTIA A+ exam, often with lifetime access and practice tests.
   • LinkedIn Learning: Provides courses led by industry professionals that you can watch at your own pace.
3. Practice Tests:
   • CompTIA’s Official Practice Tests: These are designed to mimic the real exam, giving you a taste of what to expect.
   • ExamWizardz: Offers free practice quizzes that can help you identify areas where you need more study. I’ll throw a button below so you can find the free A+ practice exams.
4. Study Groups:
   • Reddit: The r/CompTIA subreddit is a community where you can ask questions, share resources, and get support.
   • Discord: Several Discord servers are dedicated to CompTIA exams, offering a place to discuss topics and study with others.

Time Management Tips

Managing your time effectively is key to ensuring you’re well-prepared for the CompTIA A+ exam. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of your study time and perform well on exam day:

1. Create a Study Schedule:
   • Break down the topics you need to cover and allocate specific times for each. This helps prevent last-minute cramming.
   • Use tools like Google Calendar or a physical planner to keep track of your study sessions.
2. Prioritize Difficult Topics:
   • Focus more on the areas where you feel less confident. Spend extra time on these topics to build your understanding.
   • Use a color-coded system in your notes to highlight weaker areas.
3. Take Regular Breaks:
   • Studying for long periods can lead to burnout. Use the Pomodoro technique, where you study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break.
   • During breaks, do something relaxing like stretching or taking a short walk.
4. Simulate Exam Conditions:
   • Practice taking timed quizzes to get used to the pressure of the exam. This helps you manage your time during the actual test.
   • Set up a quiet, distraction-free environment for your practice tests.
5. Stay Consistent:
   • Make studying a daily habit, even if it’s just for an hour. Consistency helps reinforce what you learn.
   • Keep track of your progress and adjust your schedule as needed to ensure you cover all topics.
6. Prepare for Exam Day:
   • Get plenty of rest the night before the exam. Being well-rested can improve your focus and performance.
   • On the day of the exam, arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress. Bring all necessary materials, like your ID and exam registration details.

Conclusion

Understanding how many questions are on the CompTIA A+ exam helps you plan your study strategy effectively. Each of the two exams, 220-1001 and 220-1002, contains up to 90 questions, totaling no more than 180 questions for full certification.

Knowing this enables you to manage your time and focus on areas needing improvement. Consider pursuing the CompTIA A+ certification as a stepping stone to a rewarding career in the IT industry. Preparation is key, and now that you know what to expect, you’re already on the right path to success.