CompTIA A+ Passing Score: Core 1 and Core 2 Numbers Explained
The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for launching an IT career, but many candidates stumble not on the material, but on understanding the scoring system. You might think you need 70% to pass, but that's not how it works. In this article, we'll break down the CompTIA A+ passing score for both Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102), explain the scaled scoring model, and show you exactly how many questions you can afford to miss. More importantly, we'll give you a strategic study plan to bank safe marks on the domains that matter most.
What is the CompTIA A+ Passing Score?
For both Core 1 and Core 2 exams, the passing score is 675 on a scale of 100–900. That means you need to achieve a scaled score of at least 675 to pass. The maximum score is 900, and the minimum is 100. This scale is consistent across all CompTIA A+ versions, including the current 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams. Looking for more detail? See CCNA Passing Score: How Cisco Scores the 200-301.
How Scaled Scoring Works
Unlike simple percentage scoring (e.g., 70% = pass), CompTIA uses a scaled scoring model. This means your raw score (the number of questions you answered correctly) is converted to a scaled score using a statistical process that accounts for variations in exam difficulty. Not all versions of the exam are identical; some may have slightly harder or easier questions. Scaling ensures that a passing score represents the same level of knowledge regardless of which version you take.
In scaled scoring, the relationship between raw score and scaled score is not linear. For example, getting 70% of questions right might not yield a scaled score of 630 (70% of 900). Instead, the conversion is designed to maintain a consistent standard. Typically, the passing scaled score of 675 corresponds to a raw percentage that can vary slightly from one exam version to another, but it's usually around 70-80% correct.
How Many Questions Can You Miss?
The CompTIA A+ exams have a variable number of questions, usually between 70 and 90, with a time limit of 90 minutes. The exact number is not disclosed by CompTIA, but based on candidate reports, it's typically around 80-90 questions. To estimate how many you can miss, we need to make some assumptions.
Let's assume a typical exam has 80 questions. If the passing scaled score of 675 corresponds to a raw score of about 75% (which is a common estimate), then you need to answer at least 60 questions correctly (75% of 80). That means you can miss up to 20 questions. However, this is a rough estimate. Some candidates report passing with fewer correct answers, while others need more. The safest approach is to aim for a raw score of 80% or higher to ensure you clear the scaled threshold comfortably. For background on this area, read CompTIA Network+ vs CCNA: Which Networking Cert Gets You Hired Faster?.
Worked Example
Suppose you take the Core 1 exam and it has 90 questions. You need a scaled score of 675. Based on historical data, a raw score of 70% (63 correct) might yield a scaled score around 660-670, which is borderline. A raw score of 75% (68 correct) would likely give you a scaled score in the 680-700 range, a comfortable pass. So, to be safe, you should aim to answer at least 75% of questions correctly. For 90 questions, that means missing no more than 22 questions, but ideally fewer.
Domain Weighting: Where to Bank Safe Marks
The CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams are divided into domains, each with a specific percentage of the exam. Understanding these weights helps you prioritize your study time to maximize your score. Here's a breakdown for both exams:
| Exam | Domain | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core 1 (220-1101) | Mobile Devices | 15% |
| Core 1 | Networking | 20% |
| Core 1 | Hardware | 25% |
| Core 1 | Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% |
| Core 1 | Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 29% |
| Core 2 (220-1102) | Operating Systems | 31% |
| Core 2 | Security | 25% |
| Core 2 | Software Troubleshooting | 22% |
| Core 2 | Operational Procedures | 22% |
As you can see, the highest-weighted domains are your best opportunities to bank marks. For Core 1, focus on Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%) and Hardware (25%). For Core 2, Operating Systems (31%) and Security (25%) are critical. If you master these domains, you can afford to perform poorly on lower-weighted sections.
A free CompTIA A+ Core 1 study plan can turn these domain weights into a week-by-week prep schedule that fits your available study time.
Strategic Implications
Knowing the passing score and domain weights allows you to study strategically. Instead of trying to be perfect on every topic, allocate more time to the high-weight domains. For example, if you're short on time, skip deep dives into low-weight areas like Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%) and instead ensure you can answer troubleshooting questions confidently. This topic pairs well with CompTIA A+ Difficulty: Is It Actually Entry Level?.
Another key point: CompTIA exams include performance-based questions (PBQs) that are often worth more than multiple-choice questions. These are scenarios where you interact with simulated environments. PBQs can be more challenging, but they also offer a chance to earn more points. Practice PBQs thoroughly to maximize your score.
Before you focus solely on PBQs, use a free CompTIA A+ Core 1 readiness check to uncover any weak topics across the exam.
Common Misconceptions
- Myth: You need 70% to pass. The scaled score of 675 is not a percentage. It's a scaled value, so don't aim for a percentage.
- Myth: The passing score is the same for all CompTIA exams. It varies. For example, Network+ requires 720 on a scale of 100-900, while Security+ requires 750. A+ is 675.
- Myth: You can't miss many questions. As we've shown, you can miss around 20-25% of questions and still pass, depending on the exam's difficulty.
Final Tips for Success
To pass the CompTIA A+ exams, aim for a raw score of at least 80% to be safe. Use practice exams to gauge your readiness. When you take a practice test, calculate your raw percentage and see if it translates to a scaled score above 675. Many practice platforms, including PractiseExam, provide scaled score estimates.
Stay calm, manage your time, and answer every question—there's no penalty for guessing.
Treat timed CompTIA A+ Core 1 practice exams as a dress rehearsal — same format, same pressure, zero risk.