Exam Details
In order to become CompTIA A+ certified, you must pass two exams: the Essentials Exam (number 220-701) and the Practical Application exam (number 220-702).

← Number of questions: 100 for each exam

← The exams each consist of 100 questions and are known as "linear exams". This means that you can go backward or forward within the exam, mark items, and change answers if necessary. It differs from an "adaptive exam" in that it has more questions, and the exam does not adapt to previous answers that the examinee has given.

← Type of questions: Primarily multiple-choice

← The exams consist primarily of multiple-choice questions, but you might see an occasional matching question. CompTIA reserves the right to change the bank of questions, while still adhering to the objectives. The tests are administered on a computer within a very easy-to-use program. The majority of the time, you will simply click the letter of the corresponding correct answer. The exams can be taken in many languages including English, Spanish, German, and Japanese. The new exams (220-801 and 220-802) due out in October 2012 will include Performance Based Questions where the test taker will be asked to do a task in a simulated environment, but the 701/702 exams won’t have those types of questions added to their bank of questions. Also note that the 701/702 series of exams will be retired as of August 31, 2013, but between now and then you can choose to take either series of exams.

← Passing scores: 675 for 220-701, and 700 for 220-702

← The passing scores are 675 (Essentials) and 700 (Practical Application) and are graded on a scale of 100-900. This equates roughly to 72% and 75% respectively, though it is difficult to compute exactly. Many candidates will prepare with practice exams and attempt to score 85% or higher in order to be ready for the