CompTIA A+ Core 1
Practice Tests
6 full mock exams + special modes.
Scaled scoring 100–900. Passing: 675. Covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization & cloud, and troubleshooting.
Full Mock Exams 90 questions · 90 min · Scaled 100–900
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
Special Practice Modes
A+ Core 1 Exam Strategy & Study Tips
Hardware (25%) — Know Your Components
The hardware domain is the heaviest single domain. Focus on motherboard form factors (ATX, mATX, ITX), RAM types (DDR4 vs DDR5, DIMM vs SODIMM), storage interfaces (SATA, NVMe, M.2 keying), and power supply connectors (24-pin ATX, 8-pin EPS, PCIe power). The PBQ section tests your ability to configure BIOS/UEFI settings and identify cables — use our interactive labs to practice.
Troubleshooting (28%) — The Highest-Weight Domain
CompTIA places the most exam weight on troubleshooting. Master the 6-step methodology: Identify the problem → Establish a theory → Test the theory → Establish a plan → Verify functionality → Document findings. Real exam questions present scenario-based issues like "no display," "no boot," or "intermittent shutdown." Practice identifying the FIRST step in each scenario.
Networking (23%) — Ports & Protocols Are Critical
Memorize the well-known ports: HTTP 80, HTTPS 443, SSH 22, DNS 53, DHCP 67/68, RDP 3389, SMB 445. Know subnetting basics (CIDR notation), wireless standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax with frequencies and speeds), and cable types (Cat 5e/6/6a with distance limits). Network troubleshooting with ipconfig, ping, and tracert frequently appears.
Real Exam Tips from Certified Techs
PBQs appear first — budget 5-7 minutes each and flag if unsure. The exam timer runs during PBQs. Scores are scaled 100-900 with 675 passing. Use the CompTIA 6-step methodology for every troubleshooting question. Common traps: choosing a solution before identifying the problem, confusing cable types (Cat 5e vs Cat 6 distances), and mixing up TCP port numbers.