What does PBQ mean on a CompTIA exam?

PBQ stands for Performance-Based Question. Instead of picking a multiple-choice answer, you complete a hands-on task: configuring a firewall, ordering incident-response steps, matching items to OSI layers, or building a network topology. PBQs appear at the start of CompTIA exams and carry 2 to 2.5 times the scoring weight of standard multiple-choice questions.

Which CompTIA exams have PBQs?

Security+ (SY0-701), Network+ (N10-009), and A+ (220-1101/1102, 220-1201/1202) all include 3 to 5 PBQs per exam. The PBQ topics differ by certification: firewall ACLs and log analysis for Security+, subnetting and topology for Network+, hardware and OS troubleshooting for A+.

PBQs use partial credit: each correct component of a simulation earns points, so a half-completed lab still scores. This is why candidates should never leave a PBQ blank. On the scaled score report, PBQ performance can move a borderline result to a pass.

Can I practice CompTIA PBQs for free?

Yes. This site offers 30+ free interactive PBQ practice labs across Security+, Network+, and A+ with drag-and-drop interfaces, partial credit scoring, and instant feedback. No account or signup is required.

COMPTIA PERFORMANCE-BASED QUESTIONS

What Is a PBQ (Performance-Based Question)?

A PBQ (Performance-Based Question) is an interactive, hands-on simulation that appears at the start of CompTIA certification exams. Instead of choosing from four multiple-choice options, you do the task: configure firewall rules, drag controls onto a network diagram, order the steps of incident response, or match protocols to OSI layers. Each PBQ is worth 2 to 2.5 times a standard multiple-choice question, which is why they are the #1 reason unprepared candidates fail.

PBQ Formats You Will See

Configuration Sims

Build a real ruleset or config: firewall ACL rows, wireless AP settings, SSH hardening parameters, PAM policies.

Drag-and-Drop

Place security controls on a network diagram, match protocols to OSI layers, classify alerts into MITRE ATT&CK stages.

Ordering / Sequencing

Arrange the 6 PICERL incident-response phases, DR recovery steps, or the order of volatility in the correct sequence.

Log Analysis

Read raw security logs, identify infected hosts, find the patient zero, and pick the right containment action.

Which CompTIA Exams Include PBQs?

Exam	Typical PBQ count	Most common PBQ topics
Security+ SY0-701	3 to 5	Firewall ACLs, network diagram placement, log analysis, incident response, PKI, wireless config
Network+ N10-009	2 to 4	Subnetting/VLSM, topology building, firewall ACL basics, cable diagnosis
A+ 220-1101/1102, 220-1201/1202	2 to 4	BIOS/UEFI config, cable matching, Windows installation, troubleshooting flows

Free PBQ Practice for Every CompTIA Exam

Security+ PBQ Library

25 interactive labs: firewall ACLs, SIEM correlation, zero trust, PKI, BCDR

Network+ PBQ Library

3 labs: subnetting, topology builder, firewall ACL configurator

A+ PBQ Library

BIOS config, cable matching, Windows install, troubleshooting flow

PBQ Exam-Day Strategy

Skip and Return

PBQs come first. Flag them, knock out all MCQs, then return with time to spare. Do not burn 20 minutes on one lab.

Partial Credit

Each correct component scores. An 80% correct firewall ruleset earns real points while 4 wrong MCQs earn zero. Never leave a PBQ blank.

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30+ free interactive labs in the exact exam format. Instant scoring. No account needed.

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