"How hard is CompTIA A+?" It's probably the first question you ask when considering this certification. And honestly? There's no simple answer. I've seen people breeze through both exams in a month, and I've seen others struggle for six months before finally passing. The difficulty depends on so many factors - your background, how you study, even how your brain processes technical information.
But here's what I can tell you: the A+ exam is absolutely passable for anyone willing to put in the work. It's designed as an entry-level certification, after all. That said, "entry-level" doesn't mean easy. CompTIA expects you to demonstrate real competency across a wide range of IT topics. Let me break down exactly what you're facing, why some people struggle, and what you can do to pass on your first try.
CompTIA A+ Exam Overview: What You're Facing
Before we dive into difficulty, let's get clear on what the A+ certification actually involves. You're not taking one exam - you're taking two. Both must be passed to earn your certification, and they cover different territory.
A+ Exam Structure
- Core 1 (220-1101): Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing
- Core 2 (220-1102): Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures
- Questions per exam: Maximum of 90
- Time limit: 90 minutes per exam
- Question types: Multiple choice, performance-based, drag-and-drop
- Passing scores: 675/900 (Core 1), 700/900 (Core 2)
- Exam cost: Approximately $253 per exam ($506 total)
That's a lot of ground to cover. Core 1 wants you to understand hardware components, basic networking, mobile device repair, and cloud concepts. Core 2 expects you to troubleshoot Windows, Linux, and macOS, understand security best practices, and follow proper IT procedures.
The breadth of content is probably the biggest challenge. This isn't a certification where you master one topic deeply. You're expected to know a little about a lot of things. And that "little" still adds up to hundreds of distinct concepts, commands, and procedures.
How Hard Is CompTIA A+? The Honest Truth
Let me give you a straight answer: how hard is the CompTIA A+ exam? On a scale of 1-10, most people rate it around a 5-6 for difficulty. It's harder than basic IT certifications like Google IT Support Professional, but easier than mid-level certs like Network+ or Security+.
But that number means nothing without context. Here's what actually makes the A+ challenging:
The Sheer Volume of Material
The A+ exam objectives document runs over 30 pages. You're expected to know dozens of connector types, cable categories, network protocols, Windows features, Linux commands, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. Some questions test obscure details that seem impossibly specific.
I remember one practice question asking about the maximum cable length for a specific connector type I'd barely encountered. That level of detail can feel overwhelming, especially when you're also trying to understand broader concepts.
Performance-Based Questions
About 15-20% of each exam consists of performance-based questions (PBQs). These aren't multiple choice - they're simulations. You might need to configure network settings, set up a SOHO router, partition a hard drive, or troubleshoot a connectivity problem through an interactive interface.
PBQs are where many candidates struggle. You can't guess your way through them. Either you know how to complete the task, or you don't. And they're weighted more heavily than standard questions, so bombing the PBQs can sink your entire score.
Time Pressure
Ninety minutes for 90 questions sounds reasonable until you factor in those performance-based questions. A single PBQ can take 5-10 minutes if you're working through it carefully. Spend too long on the simulations, and you'll rush through the multiple-choice section making careless mistakes.
Time Management Tip
Skip performance-based questions on your first pass through the exam. Answer all multiple-choice questions first, then return to PBQs with your remaining time. This ensures you don't run out of time for easier points.
A+ Pass Rates: What the Numbers Tell Us
CompTIA keeps official pass rates confidential, but we can piece together a realistic picture from industry data and candidate reports. The CompTIA A+ pass rate typically falls between 60-70% for first-time test takers who've actually prepared.
Those numbers need some context:
- Well-prepared candidates: 75-85% pass rate
- Moderately prepared: 55-70% pass rate
- Underprepared ("I'll just try it"): 30-45% pass rate
The difference between passing and failing almost always comes down to preparation quality, not innate ability. People who use comprehensive study programs, practice with realistic exam simulators, and get hands-on experience consistently pass at higher rates.
What the Fail Rate Tells Us
The CompTIA A+ fail rate - roughly 30-40% of attempts - might sound scary, but consider this: many people take the exam before they're ready. They watch a few YouTube videos, skim a study guide, and hope for the best. That approach tanks the overall statistics.
If you're researching exam difficulty and taking preparation seriously (which reading this article suggests you are), you're already ahead of many test-takers. The people who fail are often those who didn't respect the exam's difficulty.
Core 1 vs Core 2: Which Is Harder?
This question sparks debate in every IT forum. Which A+ exam is harder - Core 1 or Core 2? The truth is, it depends on your background and how your brain works.
Core 1 (220-1101) Difficulty
Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, and cloud computing. Most people find this exam more concrete because you're dealing with physical things you can see and touch. Cable types, RAM slots, CPU sockets, network cables - these concepts feel tangible.
However, Core 1 requires significant memorization. You need to know connector types, cable specifications, port numbers, and hardware specifications. If rote memorization isn't your strength, Core 1 can feel brutal.
Core 2 (220-1102) Difficulty
Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. This exam tests more analytical thinking - you need to understand why things work, not just what they are.
The troubleshooting methodology questions often present scenarios where you must identify problems based on symptoms, then choose appropriate solutions. These require practical thinking rather than pure memorization.
Which Exam to Take First?
Most people take Core 1 first because it feels more approachable. The hardware focus gives you a foundation before diving into software and troubleshooting. However, if you have strong software experience but limited hardware exposure, Core 2 might actually feel easier.
Why People Fail the CompTIA A+ Exam
Understanding why others fail helps you avoid their mistakes. Here's what causes most A+ failures:
Underestimating the Breadth
The A+ exam objectives cover everything from cloud deployment models to printer troubleshooting to Linux commands. Many candidates study deeply in areas they enjoy while skipping topics that seem boring or unfamiliar. Then they encounter questions on those exact "boring" topics and bomb.
Every objective area gets tested. You can't skip the sections on printers because "who uses printers anymore?" - CompTIA still asks about them.
Ignoring Performance-Based Questions
Some study programs focus exclusively on multiple-choice question practice. This leaves candidates completely unprepared for the PBQs, which are weighted more heavily and can't be guessed.
If you haven't practiced in simulated environments, your first experience with command-line troubleshooting shouldn't be during the actual exam.
Relying Only on Video Courses
Video courses are great for initial learning, but watching someone else configure a router isn't the same as doing it yourself. Passive learning creates an illusion of competence that crumbles under exam pressure.
Insufficient Practice Testing
Practice exams serve two purposes: they identify knowledge gaps and build test-taking endurance. Many candidates take one or two practice tests and call it done. That's not enough to internalize the exam format or catch all weak areas.
Factors That Affect A+ Difficulty for You
Is A+ certification hard for everyone equally? Definitely not. Your personal difficulty level depends on several factors:
Prior IT Experience
If you've spent years building computers, troubleshooting family members' tech problems, or working in any IT capacity, you'll find A+ significantly easier. Much of the material will feel like review.
Complete beginners face a steeper climb. Every concept is new, and there's no experiential foundation to build on. This doesn't mean you can't pass - just that you'll need more time.
Learning Style
The A+ exam rewards practical, hands-on learners. If you learn best by doing - actually configuring routers, building computers, troubleshooting software - you'll have an advantage. If you're a purely theoretical learner who prefers reading textbooks, you'll need to push outside your comfort zone.
Study Time Available
How hard is CompTIA A+ when you can only study an hour a day? Significantly harder than with 3-4 hours daily. Limited study time means information fades between sessions, requiring more frequent review.
Quality of Study Materials
Not all A+ study resources are created equal. Outdated materials covering old exam versions, incomplete video courses, or low-quality practice tests can actively hurt your preparation. Using current, comprehensive resources makes a substantial difference.
Who Struggles Most with the A+ Exam?
Let me be honest about who typically finds the A+ exam hardest:
Career Changers Without IT Background
If you're coming from a non-technical field - say, teaching, retail, or healthcare - you're building from zero. This isn't impossible, but recognize that you need more preparation time than someone who's been tinkering with computers for years.
People Who Struggle with Memorization
Parts of the A+ exam are pure memorization. Port numbers, cable types, connector specifications, acronym definitions - if rote learning is genuinely difficult for you, these sections will be challenging. Flash cards, spaced repetition, and memory techniques become essential.
Non-Native English Speakers
The A+ exam uses technical English with industry-specific terminology. If English isn't your first language, you might struggle with nuanced wording in questions - especially the scenario-based ones where word choice matters.
Anxious Test-Takers
Some people know the material but freeze during timed exams. The 90-minute pressure, combined with the career stakes of passing, can trigger anxiety that tanks performance. If this describes you, extensive practice under exam conditions is crucial.
Proven Strategies to Pass CompTIA A+
Now for the good news: thousands of people pass the A+ exams every month. Here's what works:
Use Multiple Study Resources
Don't rely on a single video course or textbook. Different resources explain concepts differently, and one explanation might click where another didn't. Use a primary resource plus supplementary materials for weak areas.
Get Hands-On Experience
Build a computer. Set up a home lab with virtual machines. Configure a router. Practice command-line operations. The more you actually do, the more the concepts stick. Plus, you'll be ready for those performance-based questions.
Take Lots of Practice Exams
Practice exams should be a major component of your study plan. Take them under realistic conditions - timed, without notes, in a quiet environment. Review every wrong answer until you understand why you missed it.
Study Actively, Not Passively
Watching videos while half-paying attention doesn't work. Take notes. Pause and explain concepts back to yourself. Create flash cards. The more actively you engage with material, the better you'll retain it.
Pro Tip
After watching a video on any topic, immediately try to explain that topic to someone else (or even to yourself in the mirror). If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough yet.
Consider Professional Help
Sometimes the smartest move is recognizing when you need assistance. If you've been struggling with preparation, failing practice exams, or simply don't have adequate study time, professional exam services exist for exactly this situation.
At ComptiaHelp, we've helped hundreds of IT professionals achieve their A+ certification when self-study wasn't working out. If you're feeling stuck, learn how we can help with your CompTIA A+ exam.
How Long Does It Take to Study for A+?
How long to study for CompTIA A+ depends on your starting point:
- With IT experience: 4-8 weeks studying 10-15 hours/week
- Some tech background: 8-12 weeks studying 10-15 hours/week
- Complete beginner: 12-20 weeks studying 10-15 hours/week
These are estimates for passing on your first attempt. Rushing the timeline often leads to failure, which costs more time and money in the long run. It's better to take an extra month to prepare thoroughly than to fail and retake.
Recommended Study Schedule
Consistency beats cramming. Studying 1-2 hours daily produces better results than 10-hour weekend marathons. Your brain needs time to consolidate information between sessions.
Many successful candidates follow a pattern: study a topic, practice that topic with questions, then review previous material before learning new content. This spaced repetition approach prevents the common problem of forgetting early material by exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts: Is the A+ Difficulty Worth It?
So how hard is CompTIA A+? It's challenging enough to be meaningful, but absolutely achievable with proper preparation. The difficulty is part of what makes the certification valuable. Employers know that A+-certified candidates have demonstrated real competency across core IT fundamentals.
If you're considering whether to pursue the A+, don't let difficulty fears stop you. Thousands of people with no more advantage than you pass these exams every month. The key is respecting the preparation process, using quality resources, getting hands-on practice, and putting in consistent effort.
The A+ certification opens doors to help desk, desktop support, and field technician roles. It's the launching pad for careers in networking, security, and systems administration. A few months of focused study can change your career trajectory for years to come.
Ready to start your A+ journey? Explore our CompTIA A+ exam assistance services to see how we can help you achieve certification success.