CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Format: What to Expect
A+ Core 1 is up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple-choice with hands-on performance-based questions. But A+ is a two-exam certification — you also need Core 2 (220-1102) to actually certify. Here is exactly what Core 1 looks like on screen, the question types, exam day, and how scoring works.
01 The format in one minute
Below is a close approximation of what a single multiple-choice question looks like in the Pearson VUE test engine. The header shows your position and the countdown clock; the footer holds the flag-for-review toggle and navigation:
A technician is replacing the RAM in a laptop that supports dual-channel memory. The motherboard has two SODIMM slots. Which configuration will enable dual-channel operation?
Illustration of the test-engine layout — not an actual exam question.
That single screen captures the multiple-choice half of Core 1: concrete, hardware-and-networking scenarios where one option is clearly correct and the distractors are common misconfigurations. The other half — PBQs — drops you into a simulated interface to configure or troubleshoot something hands-on, and those usually appear first.
02 Question types & the two-exam structure
Core 1 uses just two scored question formats — but the bigger structural thing to understand is that A+ is two exams, not one. Get that wrong and you will think you are certified when you are only halfway there.
Performance-based (PBQs)
Interactive simulations — configure a SOHO router, match connectors to ports, sort cables, or drag-and-drop a troubleshooting sequence. They cluster at the start of the exam and eat time, so do not over-invest early.
First & fewMultiple choice
Single-answer and multiple-answer items. The stem tells you when to “choose TWO.” These make up the clear majority of your 90 questions and move quickly once you know the material.
Most questionsTwo-exam certification
A+ = Core 1 (220-1101) + Core 2 (220-1102). Pass both, in any order, to be certified. Passing only Core 1 banks that half — it does not, on its own, make you A+ certified.
Both requiredAdaptive (CAT)
None. Core 1 is a fixed linear form, not computer-adaptive. Every candidate gets a comparable set, and you can move backward and forward freely — nothing changes based on whether you answered the last one right.
Not on this examOne thing to flag for 2026: CompTIA refreshes A+ on a roughly three-year cycle, and a newer Core 1 objectives version (220-1201) has begun rolling out. The format below — 90 questions, 90 minutes, MCQ plus PBQs, the 675 pass — is stable across recent A+ versions, but always confirm your exact objectives version on CompTIA's site when you book.
03 Timing, structure & domain weighting
You get 90 minutes for up to 90 questions — roughly a minute apiece, tighter than most associate exams. PBQs sit near the front and take longer, so a smart move is to skim them, do the quick ones, flag the heavy ones, and bank the fast multiple-choice points before circling back. Core 1 weights its five domains like this:
| Domain | Weight | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mobile Devices | 15% | Laptops, displays, mobile connectivity, accessories |
| 2. Networking | 20% | Protocols, ports, hardware, SOHO and wireless setup |
| 3. Hardware | 25% | Cables, connectors, RAM, storage, CPUs, peripherals |
| 4. Virtualization & Cloud Computing | 11% | Cloud models, client-side virtualization, resources |
| 5. Hardware & Network Troubleshooting | 29% | Diagnosing devices, storage, displays, and networks |
04 What exam day actually looks like
You can sit Core 1 at a Pearson VUE test centre or online with a remote proctor. The exam content is identical; the check-in is what differs. Here is the typical flow for an online-proctored sitting.
Log in and launch early
Open the OnVUE software, run the system test, and begin check-in up to 30 minutes ahead. Latecomers can be refused and forfeit the fee.
ID & room scan
Photograph your government ID and your workspace from all angles. The desk must be clear — no notes, phone, second monitor, or drinks unless explicitly allowed.
Confidentiality & tutorial
Accept the CompTIA Candidate Agreement, then a brief, untimed tutorial of the engine. The 90-minute clock does not start until you begin the actual exam.
The exam
Up to 90 questions, your clock counting down. PBQs typically appear first. Flag, skip, and revisit freely. A proctor watches by webcam — looking away or speaking can trigger a warning.
Submit & short survey
Submit when done or when time expires. An optional survey follows; it does not affect your score.
Provisional result
A pass/fail message and your scaled score appear on screen at once. The full score report is available in your CompTIA account shortly after.
Allowed
- A valid, unexpired government photo ID
- An on-screen whiteboard (no physical paper online)
- Flagging and reviewing questions before you submit
- A short bio-break under strict rules at some test centres
Not allowed
- Phones, smartwatches, headphones, or second screens
- Notes, books, or scratch paper (online proctoring)
- Other people entering or talking in the room
- Leaving your seat without proctor permission
05 How scoring & results work
Core 1 is reported on a scaled range of 100–900, and you need 675 to pass. Core 2 (220-1102) uses a higher bar of 700 out of 900 — and you must clear both, on separate exams, to earn A+. There is no overall average across the two: a stellar Core 1 cannot rescue a failed Core 2.
You see an immediate provisional pass/fail and scaled score on screen the moment you submit; the full breakdown lands in your CompTIA certification account. If you fail, there is no waiting period before your second attempt — you can re-book as soon as you can pay. From the third attempt onward, a 14-day wait applies between sittings, and you pay the full fee (around $253) each time.
06 FAQ
How many questions are on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) exam?
A maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes — a mix of multiple-choice (single and multiple answer) and performance-based questions (PBQs), which are interactive simulations. You may see slightly fewer than 90 because PBQs count as larger items, but plan around the full 90.
Do you need to pass both exams to get CompTIA A+ certified?
Yes. A+ is a two-exam certification — you must pass both Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) to earn the credential. You can take them in any order, but passing only one banks that half until you clear the other; it does not certify you on its own.
What is the passing score for CompTIA A+ Core 1?
Core 1 (220-1101) requires 675 on a scaled range of 100–900. Core 2 (220-1102) requires a higher 700 out of 900. The score is scaled, not a raw percentage, so 675 does not equal 75% of questions correct. You must clear the bar on each exam separately.
What is the CompTIA A+ retake policy if you fail?
There is no waiting period between your first and second attempt — you can re-sit as soon as you can book and pay. From the third attempt onward, CompTIA requires a 14-day wait between attempts. You pay the full exam fee (around $253) each time.
