CompTIA A+ V15 Exam Format: Questions, Time, PBQs, and Passing Scores Explained

Knowing exactly how the exams are built lets you walk in with a plan instead of nerves. This article covers how the CompTIA A+ V15 exams are structured — and because A+ is two separate exams, there are a couple of details (like two different passing scores) that trip people up.

For the wider certification picture, start with the complete A+ guide. This piece zooms in on format.

Two exams, not one

The single most important format fact: A+ requires passing two exams — Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You register for, pay for, and schedule each separately, and you can take them in either order. Almost nobody sits both on the same day. If you pass one and fail the other, you only retake the one you failed.

The core numbers (per exam)

Each of the two exams has the same structure:

• Up to 90 questions. Ninety is the maximum; your exam may have slightly fewer.
• 90 minutes. Roughly a minute per question on average, but PBQs take longer.
• Multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions (PBQs). Expect somewhere around 10–15 PBQs.

The two passing scores

Here's the detail people miss: the two exams have different passing scores.

• Core 1 (220-1201): 675 on a 100–900 scale.
• Core 2 (220-1202): 700 on a 100–900 scale.

Both are scaled scores, not raw percentages, and questions are weighted by difficulty (PBQs are worth more). The 25-point gap tells you CompTIA holds Core 2 to a slightly tighter standard, which matches its heavier security and command-line content. Don't try to reverse-engineer "how many can I miss" — aim to build a comfortable margin above the cut on each exam. A common readiness benchmark is consistently scoring around 80% or higher on realistic practice tests.

Performance-based questions

PBQs are interactive tasks in a simulated environment — configuring hardware or a SOHO network, diagnosing a boot problem, setting up wireless encryption, or working a troubleshooting scenario. They're widely considered the hardest part because they demand granular, hands-on knowledge rather than recognition. You can't cram them; you build the skill through practice. Since they can appear early and take time, a good strategy is to flag any lengthy PBQ and return to it after banking the faster multiple-choice points.

Pacing strategy for test day

A dependable approach for each exam:

1. Triage the PBQs. Do the quick ones; flag the time-sinks and move on.
2. Work multiple-choice and drag-and-drop steadily. Read multiple-response items carefully — note how many answers are required.
3. Return to flagged items with your remaining time.
4. Leave nothing blank. There's no penalty for a wrong answer, so always make your best guess.

Rehearse under a 90-minute timer so the pace feels routine. Do this for each core separately.

Retake rules

If you fail, you can retake immediately for a second attempt. From the third attempt onward, a 14-day wait applies between tries, and there's a limit of three attempts within a 12-month period. Each attempt needs its own voucher — unless you bought a voucher with retake assurance up front, which covers a second attempt of that exam.

Where format prep fits

Format familiarity is the finishing layer over real skill. Learn the objectives for each core, practice hands-on, then rehearse full-length timed sessions. Our study plan sequences all of it across both exams.

Adaptive practice tells you honestly when you're ready.

Gauge your readiness: CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Practice (V15) adapts to your weak areas across both exams. When you're consistently clearing your target, book with an A+ exam voucher — you'll need one for each exam — or the voucher-plus-retake option for a safety net. As an Authorized CompTIA Partner, materials are official.

A note on voucher eligibility: Voucher eligibility depends on your exam testing location, per CompTIA policy. Testing in an emerging-market region? We don't sell those here — contact us.

FAQ

Why are there two different passing scores? Because A+ is two exams. Core 1 passes at 675 and Core 2 at 700, both on a 100–900 scale. Core 2's bar is slightly higher.

How many questions and how long per exam? Up to 90 questions in 90 minutes for each of Core 1 and Core 2.

How many PBQs are there? Typically around 10–15 per exam. They're hands-on simulations and take longer than multiple-choice, so triage them.

Do I take both exams on the same day? You can, but almost nobody does. They're scheduled separately, and taking them on different days is normal.

Is there a penalty for guessing? No. Always answer every question, even if it's a best guess.

What if I pass one and fail the other? Your passing result still counts. You only retake the exam you failed — but both must eventually be passed from the same version series.