How Hard is the CompTIA A+ Exam? | CompTIA A+ Exam Difficulties

How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam? This is a common question asked by aspiring IT professionals. CompTIA A+ Certification covers various topics, including hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting. While the difficulty level of the exam can vary depending on your prior knowledge and experience, it is generally considered a challenging exam.  

However, with proper preparation, study materials, and practice, you can pass the exam and boost your IT career. The CompTIA A+ Certification is widely recognised as the industry standard for starting a successful IT career. Further, read this blog to understand How Hard is the CompTIA A+ Certification exam.  

Table of Contents 

1) CompTIA A+ exam difficulty level 

2) Why is the CompTIA A+ exam difficult? 

3) How to tackle the CompTIA A+ exam difficulty? 

4) Conclusion 

CompTIA A+ exam difficulty level 

The CompTIA A+ Certification is highly regarded in the IT industry. The CompTIA A+ exam covers many important topics, including troubleshooting, configuration, security, networking, and repair. Therefore, thorough preparation is required to achieve a good score and obtain the certification. 

One of the reasons why the CompTIA A+ Exam is perceived as challenging is that many individuals attempting it are college students who may need more experience with standardised testing. However, passing the exam is undoubtedly attainable with enough dedication and consistent effort. It is important to approach the exam with a strong dedication and a commitment to studying for a fixed number of hours. 

To effectively pass the exam, it is recommended to utilise high-quality study resources. These resources can include textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and virtual labs. By accessing reliable and comprehensive study materials, you will be better equipped to grasp the exam's content and concepts. 

Why is the CompTIA A+ exam difficult? 

Cracking the CompTIA A+ exam comes with a lot of difficulties and challenges. Let’s discuss some of the common reasons behind the CompTIA A+ difficulty and why it is considered complicated among aspirants:  

Underestimating the difficulty of CompTIA A+ exams 

Many individuals pursuing a career in IT often underestimate the difficulty of the CompTIA A+ exams. As this is an entry-level certification, it is often the first professional certification for many people. This leads to the misconception that the exam would be easy. However, it is essential to note that the exam covers various topics requiring proper preparation to pass the exam. 

Difficulty in dealing with technical complexities 

The CompTIA A+ exam consists of complex technical details that many candidates may be unfamiliar with. It requires a solid understanding of hardware components, Network Protocols, operating system setups, and security practices. By gaining expertise in these foundational concepts, aspirants can confidently approach the exam, overcome its challenges, and qualify for the exam.  

Time limitations 

The candidates are given limited time to answer all the questions in the CompTIA A+ exam. This time constraint pressures the candidates to complete all the required questions within the timeframe. Managing time effectively while carefully reading and understanding each question can be challenging. However, by employing innovative time management techniques and staying focused, aspirants can navigate the exam efficiently and increase their chances of passing it.   

Vast exam content and objectives 

When you examine the complete list of exam objectives for the A+ exams, you'll realise the extensive amount of information you need to master. Unlike the other certification exams that cover a few topics in detail, the CompTIA A+ exams cover a broader range of knowledge.   

CompTIA recognises this vast scope by dividing the A+ certification into two comprehensive exams, such as Network+ and Security+. Although it may seem overwhelming, approaching the A+ exams with the right study resources and a systematic approach will empower you to conquer the abundant knowledge and succeed.  

Requires memorisation 

The CompTIA A+ certification requires a mix of practical knowledge and memorisation, which can be challenging for many people. While it's important to have hands-on skills for real-world IT jobs, the A+ exam also expects you to remember and recall specific facts. If you appear for the A+ exam, you must memorise certain information that may not directly apply to your everyday work. This means learning and remembering details that you may not frequently use in your job. Strong memory power is essential for succeeding in the CompTIA A+ exam.

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How to tackle the CompTIA A+ exam difficulty? 

The CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam is meant to validate foundational knowledge and skills in IT. It is designed for entry-level IT professionals with at least 12 months of hands-on experience. The exam tests candidates' understanding of PC hardware, Operating System installation, networking components, and security. To pass the exam, candidates must grasp basic computer concepts, installation and troubleshooting procedures, security principles, and networking fundamentals. Let’s help you get an overview of the CompTIA A+ Exam: 


 

a) Passing requirement: To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, you need to qualify for two exams - Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Both exams include multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions, and performance-based simulations. 

b) Core 1(220-1001): The Core 1 (220-1001) exam covers fundamental IT skills such as installing, configuring, and troubleshooting hardware, networks, mobile devices, and software. Additionally, it includes topics like mobile device hardware, networking basics, PC components, Virtualisation and cloud computing, hardware and network troubleshooting, and operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile OS). 

c) Core 2 (220-1002): This exam focuses on operating system installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, as well as software and security-related topics. It covers areas such as operating system administration, software troubleshooting, operational procedures (documentation, Change Management, professional behaviour), security practices, and malware removal. 

d) Meet the passing score: The passing score for each exam is on a scale of 100-900, and a minimum score of 675 is required to pass each exam. Once you pass both the Core 1 and Core 2 exams, you will earn the CompTIA A+ certification. 

e) Study materials: To prepare for the exams, you can use various study resources, including textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and virtual labs. CompTIA also provides official study guides and practice questions to help you prepare effectively. 

f) Preparation: The key to cracking the CompTIA A+ exam lies in dedicated and focused preparation. Combining your hard work with effective study resources can increase your knowledge and skills, ultimately leading to a successful exam experience. 

Conclusion 

We hope this blog gives you enough insights into How Hard is the CompTIA A+ exam, the reasons behind its difficulty, and how to deal with it. By successfully obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification, individuals gain a recognised credential demonstrating their IT knowledge and proficiency. This certification is a stepping stone for entry-level IT professionals, providing them a competitive edge in the job market. 

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