Free CompTIA A+ Practice Test 2026

CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level IT certification, widely recognized as the foundational credential for IT support professionals, help desk technicians, and field service technicians. It validates skills in hardware, networking, operating systems, security, cloud computing, and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ is vendor-neutral and is accepted by thousands of employers including the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8570). It is typically the first certification pursued by IT professionals entering the field.

The current CompTIA A+ certification (Core Series) requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) covers Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization & Cloud Computing, and Hardware & Network Troubleshooting. Core 2 (220-1102) covers Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures. Both exams consist of up to 90 questions (multiple choice and performance-based) with a 90-minute time limit each. The passing score is 675 out of 900 for Core 1 and 700 out of 900 for Core 2.

Each CompTIA A+ exam (220-1101 and 220-1102) contains up to 90 questions, including multiple-choice (single and multiple correct answers) and performance-based questions (PBQs — simulations and drag-and-drop scenarios). The time limit is 90 minutes per exam. Passing scores: 675/900 for Core 1 (220-1101) and 700/900 for Core 2 (220-1102). Scores are scaled — not raw correct answers. CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of hands-on IT experience before attempting the exam.

Core 1 (220-1101) domain weights: Hardware & Network Troubleshooting is the largest domain at ~28% — know the 7-step troubleshooting methodology, POST codes, printer repair, and networking commands (ping, ipconfig, tracert, netstat). Hardware follows at ~25% — CPU installation, RAM types (DDR4/DDR5, ECC), storage interfaces (SATA vs. NVMe), PSU connectors, PCIe slots, and laser printer components. Networking at ~20% requires IP addressing, OSI model layers, Wi-Fi standards, and memorized port numbers. Mobile Devices (~15%) and Virtualization & Cloud (~11%) round out Core 1.

Core 2 (220-1102) domain weights: Operating Systems at ~27% — Windows administrative tools (Task Manager, regedit, sfc, DISM, bootrec), BitLocker, UAC, NTFS, command-line tools, and basic macOS/Linux equivalents. Security at ~24% — malware types and symptoms, social engineering attacks (phishing, vishing, pretexting), MFA, principle of least privilege, encryption (BitLocker, EFS), firewall configuration, and physical security. Software Troubleshooting at ~11% covers malware removal procedure, Event Viewer, driver rollback. Operational Procedures at ~10% tests the 7-step troubleshooting methodology, data destruction, documentation, and professionalism.

Study time varies by background: complete beginners with no IT experience typically need 3–6 months of dedicated study (2–3 hours per day). IT professionals with 6–12 months of hands-on experience may be ready in 4–8 weeks per exam. Effective preparation: (1) Use a structured study guide (Professor Messer's free videos are industry-standard); (2) Hands-on lab practice — build PCs, configure networks, troubleshoot Windows issues; (3) Take practice exams regularly and review every wrong answer's explanation; (4) Focus on the high-weight domains first (Troubleshooting, Hardware, OS, Security). The A+ rewards practical experience as much as memorization.

CompTIA A+ opens doors to entry-level IT roles: Help Desk Technician (most common first role), IT Support Specialist, Field Service Technician, Desktop Support Analyst, Systems Administrator (junior), IT Technician, and Technical Support Representative. Average salaries for A+ holders range from $40,000–$60,000 for entry-level roles, increasing significantly with experience and additional certifications (Network+, Security+, CCNA). The A+ is also a prerequisite for DoD 8570 IAT Level I compliance, making it valuable for government and military contractor positions.