- \n
- Comptia A+ 220-1101:<\/b> Covers hardware, networking, and mobile devices.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Core 2 (220-1102):<\/b> Focuses on operating systems, security, and troubleshooting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Understanding the exam duration is crucial because managing your time wisely can make or break your success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Many test-takers find that practicing with timed CompTIA A practice tests from <\/span>Prepsaret<\/span><\/a> helps them get comfortable with the pressure of completing questions within the allotted time. Let\u2019s break down exactly how long the CompTIA A+ exam is and how to manage your time effectively!<\/span><\/p>\n
Understanding the Duration of the CompTIA A+ Exam<\/b><\/h2>\n
Each CompTIA A+ exam (Core 1 and Core 2) is 90 minutes long. That means, if you’re taking both on the same day, you\u2019ll spend three hours total testing (plus any breaks between exams).<\/span><\/p>\n
Each exam consists of:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Up to 90 questions<\/span><\/li>\n
- Multiple-choice questions (single and multiple response)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Performance-based questions (PBQs) that test hands-on skills<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Since you won\u2019t know the exact number of questions you\u2019ll get, time management is key!<\/span><\/p>\n
Exam Time Breakdown: Multiple-Choice vs. Performance-Based Questions<\/b><\/h3>\n
There are two primary types of questions on the CompTIA A+ exam:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Multiple-choice questions<\/b> (MCQs) \u2013 These are straightforward and can often be answered quickly.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Performance-based questions (PBQs)<\/b> \u2013 These are interactive, hands-on scenarios that take more time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How Should You Manage Your Time?<\/b><\/h3>\n
- \n
- PBQs first or last?<\/b> Some test-takers prefer tackling PBQs early while fresh, while others leave them for later to avoid getting stuck.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Average time per question?<\/b> If you get 90 questions, that\u2019s about 1 minute per question. However, PBQs might take 5-10 minutes each, so budget accordingly!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pro Tip<\/b>: If you’re stuck on a PBQ, don\u2019t panic! Mark it for review and move on to save time for easier questions.<\/span><\/p>\n
How Long Is the CompTIA A+ Exam for Each Section?<\/b><\/h3>\n
There\u2019s no strict time breakdown for each section, but here\u2019s a general guideline:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- PBQs<\/b>: 15-25 minutes (usually appear early in the exam)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hardware & Networking Questions<\/b>: 20-30 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n
- Operating Systems & Security Questions<\/b>: 30-40 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Related: <\/span>CompTIA A+ Syllabus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
Time Pacing Tips<\/b><\/h3>\n
- \n
- First 30 minutes<\/b> \u2013 Get through as many MCQs as possible.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Next 20-30 minutes<\/b> \u2013 Work on PBQs carefully, but don\u2019t overthink!<\/span><\/li>\n
- Last 30 minutes<\/b> \u2013 Answer remaining MCQs, review flagged questions, and double-check work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The goal is to finish all questions with at least 5-10 minutes left for review.<\/span><\/p>\n
Common Myths About CompTIA A+ Exam Duration<\/b><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Myth #1<\/b>: The <\/span>CompTIA A+ exam<\/b> takes several hours to complete<\/span>
\n<\/span> Reality<\/b>: Each exam is 90 minutes max, not several hours. If you take both exams on the same day, plan for breaks between them.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/li>\n
- Myth #2<\/b>: You can take breaks during the test<\/span>
\n<\/span> Reality<\/b>: No breaks are allowed unless you have an approved accommodation. You\u2019ll need to power through the full 90 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/li>\n
- Myth #3<\/b>: Performance-based questions take up most of the time<\/span>
\n<\/span> Reality<\/b>: PBQs do take longer, but they make up only a small portion of the test. Multiple-choice questions still dominate the exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLearn: <\/span>CompTIA A+ Exam Format and Objectives<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
Factors Affecting the Length of the CompTIA A+ Exam<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Overview](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/p>\nWhile the exam itself is strictly timed at 90 minutes, the actual amount of time you need can vary depending on several factors. Here\u2019s what can influence how long you spend on the test:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Your Experience Level: <\/b>If you’ve been working in IT for a while, you might breeze through many of the questions, reducing the time needed. On the other hand, if you’re new to IT and asking, \u201cHow long to study for CompTIA A with no experience?\u201d it might take longer to carefully read and analyze each question.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Reading and Comprehension Speed; <\/b>Some test-takers read quickly and process information efficiently, while others prefer to take their time to avoid misinterpretations. Since the exam includes performance-based questions (PBQs), which require more interaction than traditional multiple-choice questions.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Test Anxiety and Stress Levels: <\/b>Feeling nervous? Test anxiety can slow you down if you’re overthinking or second-guessing your answers. Managing your nerves with proper preparation and relaxation techniques can help you stay focused and efficient.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Difficulty of Selected Questions: <\/b>Since CompTIA A+ exams are adaptive, some test-takers may get tougher questions than others. More difficult questions require more time to solve, so your individual test may take longer or shorter than someone else\u2019s, even though you both have the same total time limit.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Preparation Resources for CompTIA A+ Exam<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nTo help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ exams and manage your time effectively, here are some useful resources:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- CompTIA A Study Guide<\/b>: A comprehensive study guide can help you understand the topics and format of the exam. It provides detailed explanations and practice questions that reflect the actual exam.<\/span><\/li>\n
- CompTIA A+ Book<\/b>: A good CompTIA A+ book can be an invaluable resource for in-depth learning. Make sure to choose one that includes practice questions and covers both the <\/span>Core 1 (220-1101)<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Core 2 (220-1102)<\/span><\/a> topics.<\/span><\/li>\n
- CompTIA A Course<\/b>: Enrolling in a <\/span>CompTIA <\/span><\/a>A course offers structured learning and the opportunity to ask questions and interact with instructors. It can help bridge any gaps in your knowledge, especially if you’re wondering How long is the CompTIA A+ exam Reddit threads or other common concerns.<\/span><\/li>\n
- CompTIA A practice test<\/b>: Taking practice tests will familiarize you with the format and timing, so you feel more confident on the actual day of the exam. It\u2019s a great way to gauge your readiness.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- CompTIA A+ Book<\/b>: A good CompTIA A+ book can be an invaluable resource for in-depth learning. Make sure to choose one that includes practice questions and covers both the <\/span>Core 1 (220-1101)<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Core 2 (220-1102)<\/span><\/a> topics.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Reading and Comprehension Speed; <\/b>Some test-takers read quickly and process information efficiently, while others prefer to take their time to avoid misinterpretations. Since the exam includes performance-based questions (PBQs), which require more interaction than traditional multiple-choice questions.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Myth #2<\/b>: You can take breaks during the test<\/span>
- Next 20-30 minutes<\/b> \u2013 Work on PBQs carefully, but don\u2019t overthink!<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hardware & Networking Questions<\/b>: 20-30 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n
- Average time per question?<\/b> If you get 90 questions, that\u2019s about 1 minute per question. However, PBQs might take 5-10 minutes each, so budget accordingly!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Performance-based questions (PBQs)<\/b> \u2013 These are interactive, hands-on scenarios that take more time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Multiple-choice questions (single and multiple response)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Core 2 (220-1102):<\/b> Focuses on operating systems, security, and troubleshooting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Overview](\"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/comptia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Factors-Affecting-the-Length-of-the-CompTIA-A-Exam-2.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Overview](\"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/comptia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Preparation-Resources-for-CompTIA-A-Exam-2.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Summary](\"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/comptia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-Prepare-for-the-CompTIA-A-Exam-Within-the-Time-Limits-2.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Overview](\"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/comptia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Tips-for-Completing-the-CompTIA-A-Exam-Within-the-Given-Time-2.png\")
<\/p>\n