How Many Questions Are on the CompTIA A+ Exam? Full Exam Breakdown 2026

IT certification students tend to concentrate on the content to be studied first, and then on the format of the examinations. Such a strategy usually causes unjustified anxiety just before the exam. Learning the format of the exam in advance assists the candidates to manage their time and minimise on error due to pressure. The above question is one of the most frequently asked questions that candidates pose to the instructor and the forums about the CompTIA A+ exam, how many questions are on the CompTIA A+ exam, and whether all students take the same number. The solution is not only easy, but it is also strategic.

In both Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102), the total number of questions is 90. Nevertheless, the majority of the candidates are normally allocated 75 to 85 questions. It is not very common to reach 90 in the latter since CompTIA varies the number of questions depending on the types of questions in the test. One should look through CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2 objectives before setting up the test to comprehend the reasons as to why the structure varies in every attempt. The test is not arbitrary, as it is a balanced test design.

The “Maximum 90” Rule Explained

The maximum number of questions CompTIA permits is 90 questions, and the test does not always display the maximum. This is the case due to the fact that the test is in a linear format as opposed to an adaptive format. CompTIA alters the number of questions depending on the performance tasks instead of the difficulty. This figure changes with the addition of Performance-Based Questions.

The rule is simple. Increased PBQs imply that there will be fewer multiple-choice questions since PBQs take more time to resolve. They do not memorize, but rather test the skill of troubleshooting. Learners who learn to master Performance-Based Questions tend to feel that the overall number of questions they see reduces, but the level of the exam increases.

CompTIA A+ Time Limit vs. Question Count

The CompTIA A+ exam time limit of exam is 90 minutes per test. You will technically have one minute per question in case you get the maximum 90 questions. As a matter of fact, the timing is quite dissimilar. Simulations of performance need 5-10 minutes. Owing to this, a significant number of applicants are left with less than 45 seconds for standard multiple-choice questions.

Prospective candidates who practice the proven study hacks that are known to work know that fast is better than perfect. It is advisable to answer questions that are easier to answer first and then do the long troubleshooting questions afterward, so that your score is not affected.

Question Types That Impact the Total Count

This part is concerned with format, as opposed to knowledge on the subject. The distribution is a straightforward explanation of the variation of question totals.

• There are four choices presented in multiple-choice questions, and they are fast to answer.
• There are various Select questions involving the selection of several answers and slowness.
• Drag and Drop tasks entail the matching of interfaces or configurations.
• The performance-based questions (PBQs) are the most crucial format. These simulations are located in the virtual environments where the candidates are put, such as troubleshooting a command line or installing wireless access points.

Taking a practice examination and preparing for scenario questions makes one less hesitant, and time wastage on the examination is avoided.

How Many Questions Do You Need to Pass? (The Scoring Logic)

The CompTIA A+ passing score is not based on the number of correct answers counted. CompTIA has a scaled score of 100 to 900.

• Core 1 passing score: 675/900 (Approx 75%)
• Core 2 passing score: 700/900 (Approx 77%)

CompTIA does not specify how many questions one has to get right. Simple questions are less weighty than harder ones. The points that PBQs earn are much higher than those of the basic multiple-choice questions. After a beginner’s guide to CompTIA A+, there is always a shift in the study strategy since an individual is not required to memorize facts as much as being able to understand concepts.

The “Hidden” Unscored Questions

CompTIA puts the beta questions within the actual exam. Such questions do not influence the final score, and they resemble the scored ones.

When inquiring about the question, how many questions are on the CompTIA A+ exam, it is important to remember that there are questions that do not work to your example. The applicant is not able to recognize them.

The practice that is the safest is to proceed in case a question is reported to be uncharacteristically confusing. Excessive time on a single item may hurt the overall performance.

What Happens If You Run Out of Time?

Questions not answered automatically receive marks as wrong. Guessing is not punished in the exam. It is better to always select an answer before the timer runs out. Even by chance, one has a chance to score.

After checking CompTIA exam costs and retakes quickly, the candidate can soon realize that failure is not only a waste of money but also a waste of time, which is why pacing is a highly important matter.

Conclusion

It is no longer the same strategy of preparation when you know how many questions are on the CompTIA A+ exam you will have. Although the number of questions to be answered is not more than ninety, time management under ninety minutes is a challenge in itself. The existence of simulations is more important than their quantity.

The emphasis of the candidates should be on the speed of troubleshooting, and not on the volume of memorization. Counting questions is not a determining factor of success, but efficient pacing, rapid decision-making, and handling of PBQs. After systematic training and going through the best top preparation tips, the candidates should see the exam as a time-bound technical challenge and not as a knowledge exam.