CompTIA A+ passing score: 675 and 700 explained
The CompTIA A+ passing score is 675 for Core 1 (220-1201) and 700 for Core 2 (220-1202), on a scaled score from 100 to 900. A scaled score is not a percentage: CompTIA weights questions and does not publish how many right answers make a pass. On our practice tests, 80% or more on each core is a safe target.
- 675
- to pass Core 1
- 700
- to pass Core 2
- 100-900
- scaled score range
- 80%
- our practice target
Last checked · Passing scores from CompTIA; the practice target is ours
By the LifeScore Editorial Team · Updated · How we check facts · How this is scored
What is the passing score for CompTIA A+?
675 on Core 1 and 700 on Core 2, each on a 100 to 900 scale. You must pass both exams, from the same series, to earn the certification.
| Exam | Code | Questions | Time | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core 1 | 220-1201 | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 675 on a 100 to 900 scale |
| Core 2 | 220-1202 | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 700 on a 100 to 900 scale |
Each exam is scored on its own. A high Core 1 score does not carry over to Core 2, and a fail on one does not cancel a pass on the other.
Is 700 on A+ the same as 70%?
No. The scale runs from 100 to 900, not 0 to 1,000, and questions carry different weights, so a 700 is not 70% correct, and CompTIA does not publish a conversion.
CompTIA uses scaled scoring so that results mean the same thing on different versions of the exam, which may differ slightly in difficulty. Performance-based questions can carry more weight than a single multiple-choice question, and some questions may be unscored trial items.
Some people find this frustrating, but it protects you: a slightly harder form does not make passing harder, because the scale adjusts for it. What it means for preparation is simple. Aim high enough on practice questions that the exact cut does not matter.
You will see conversion charts online that claim "700 is about 83%" or similar. They are guesses. The honest position is that nobody outside CompTIA knows the exact raw score needed, and it may vary between forms.
What score should I aim for on A+ practice tests?
On our practice tests, aim for 80% or more on each core, on questions you have not seen before, at least twice. That leaves a margin for harder questions and the performance-based tasks we do not simulate.
| Band | Percent right | Out of 90 (one core) | Out of 180 (both) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early practice | Under 55% | Under 50 | Under 99 |
| Building | 55% or more | 50 or more | 99 or more |
| Solid | 70% or more | 63 or more | 126 or more |
| Strong (our target) | 80% or more | 72 or more | 144 or more |
| Top practice band | 90% or more | 81 or more | 162 or more |
These are our bands on our questions, not CompTIA scores. The free A+ practice test reports each core and each domain.
What does the A+ score report show?
Your scaled score, whether you passed, and the exam objectives where you missed questions. It does not show which questions you got wrong.
If you do not pass, the objectives listed on your report are where to start your retake preparation. Map them to the domains on our pages and use the drills for those domains: the Core 1, Core 2, networking, security and troubleshooting pages each have free drills.
How should scaled scoring change how I take the exam?
Answer every question, because a blank scores nothing and there is no penalty for a wrong answer, and do not let one performance-based question take a large share of your 90 minutes.
Because performance-based questions can carry more weight, it is worth giving them real effort, but not at the cost of 20 multiple-choice questions at the end. A common plan is to read each PBQ, do what you can quickly, flag it, finish the multiple-choice questions, and come back with the time left.
You have up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, about a minute each. Our practice tests use the same clock, so you can see whether your pace holds before the real exam.
What if I do not reach 675 or 700?
You can retake the exam straight away for a second attempt; for a third or later attempt you must wait at least 14 days. Each attempt needs a new voucher.
Waiting a little is usually wise anyway: a quick retake without new study tends to give the same result. Use the score report, drill the weak domains until you are at 80% on our questions, and then rebook. The CompTIA A+ exam guide covers the retake policy in full.
Which domains carry the most points?
On Core 1, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%) and Hardware (25%); on Core 2, Operating Systems and Security (28% each).
| Exam | Domain | Weight | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core 1 | Mobile Devices | 13% | Laptop hardware, mobile displays, connections and accessories, mobile device management and synchronization |
| Core 1 | Networking | 23% | Ports and protocols, network hardware, Wi-Fi standards, addressing and subnets, network services and tools |
| Core 1 | Hardware | 25% | Cables and connectors, memory, storage and RAID, motherboards and CPUs, power supplies, printers |
| Core 1 | Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% | Cloud models and characteristics, client-side virtualization and hypervisors |
| Core 1 | Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 28% | The troubleshooting method and the symptoms of failing hardware, displays, storage, mobile devices, printers and networks |
| Core 2 | Operating Systems | 28% | Windows editions, tools, commands and settings, file systems, installs and upgrades, macOS and Linux basics |
| Core 2 | Security | 28% | Physical and logical security, wireless security, malware, social engineering, data destruction, browser security |
| Core 2 | Software Troubleshooting | 23% | Windows, mobile app and security problems: symptoms and the first fix to try |
| Core 2 | Operational Procedures | 21% | Documentation, change management, backups, safety, environmental controls, privacy, professionalism and scripting basics |
A domain at 28% is roughly 25 of the 90 questions, so it is worth more than double the 11% domain. Study time should follow the weights, adjusted for where you are weakest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the A+ Core 1 passing score?
What is the A+ Core 2 passing score?
How many questions can I miss on A+?
Is A+ pass or fail?
Do I need to pass both exams at once?
Why is the Core 2 passing score higher?
Does my score show on the certificate?
When do I get my A+ result?
Get both cores above the line
Eight full A+-style mocks scored by core and domain, 36 drills and every answer explained.
The CompTIA A+ Pass Pack gives you 8 full mocks on the real clock, 36 drills of 12 questions for the sections that cost you points, and a predictor that turns your mocks into the odds of reaching your target. One payment, no subscription, and your free score stays free.
Prep courses for these tests usually cost $19 to $129. The CompTIA A+ Pass Pack is US$39 (£29), once.
- 8
- timed mocks
- 36
- topic drills
- 1
- score predictor