Preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification exams can feel daunting. With over 1200 pages of exam objectives to study across two exams, how do you know if you’re really ready to pass? This is where using CompTIA A+ practice test can provide invaluable help for your exam prep strategy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of practice questions and tests when getting ready for your A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exams. You’ll learn about:
- The format, content and question types found on the real CompTIA A+ exams
- Why practice exams are so useful for A+ exam preparation
- How to effectively use practice questions to hone your test taking skills
- Where to access the best quality CompTIA A+ practice test
- Expert tips for getting the most out of your practice test experience
Let’s start by examining what you can expect when sitting for the current A+ certification exams.
What to Expect with the CompTIA A+ Exams
Earning your CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two 90 minute exams focused on proving your competency supporting and troubleshooting desktops, laptops, mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing and operating systems.
Exam 220-1101 (Core 1)
The CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam tests your knowledge across four key domains:
- Computing Support (24% of exam) – Areas like hardware, networking, mobile devices and troubleshooting
- Operating Systems (29% of exam) – Supporting operating systems like Windows, Linux, OS X and mobile OSes
- Security (22% of exam) – Securing devices, data and wireless networks
- Software Troubleshooting (25% of exam) – Installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting
You’ll need to correctly answer 75 questions in 90 minutes to pass the 220-1101 exam.
Exam 220-1102 (Core 2)
Meanwhile, the CompTIA A+ Core 2 test focuses on these subject areas:
- Operating Systems (22% of exam) – Supporting operating systems like Windows, Linux, OS X and mobile OSes
- Security (24% of exam) – Compliance and operational security and vulnerabilities
- Software Troubleshooting (29% of exam) – Installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting
- Operational Procedures (25% of exam) – Areas like disaster recovery, scripting, documentation and backups
This exam also requires answering 75 questions correctly in 90 minutes.
Both exams feature a mix of multiple choice questions and performance-based questions testing hands-on skills.
Now that you understand the content and format of the exams, let’s discuss why practice test provide such an excellent CompTIA A+ exam prep tool.
The Benefits of Using CompTIA A+ Practice Exams
Practice exams provide many advantages for those preparing for their CompTIA A+ certification tests:
Test Your Current Knowledge
Firstly, A+ practice quizzes and tests can help evaluate your current knowledge level in an objective way. They show you which exam domains and concepts you have already mastered, versus areas needing more attention.
Uncover Weak Spots
Secondly, practice questions efficiently uncover your weak spots you may not have realized you had. Getting questions wrong in a practice test allows you to laser focus your remaining study time on those problematic domains and objectives.
Experience Real Exam Conditions
Additionally, mock exams mimic the actual testing experience. This exposes you to CompTIA’s unique question formats and makes you comfortable with the types of questions you’ll face in the real exams. Practicing under timed conditions also helps improve your test taking speed and confidence.
Aid Retention of Facts
Furthermore, research shows testing yourself strengthens retention by forcing you to actively recall information. This causes your brain to consolidate memories more efficiently than just passive studying alone. Practice tests give your retention a big boost.
Reduce Test Anxiety
Finally, successfully answering practice questions reduces stress and anxiety on exam day. You’ll feel much more confident and comfortable sitting for the exams after extensive practice under simulated conditions.
Now that you appreciate the many benefits of practice testing for CompTIA A+ certification prep, let’s explore best practices for making the most of practice exams.
Using CompTIA A+ Practice Test Effectively
Simply taking practice tests without a plan won’t automatically lead to a passing score. Follow these expert tips to ensure your practice testing efforts pay dividends on exam day:
Choose Realistic Practice Tests
First, select practice exams and questions that closely mirror what you’ll face on the real CompTIA exams. They should cover accurate content, feature the right question formats and use CompTIA’s troubleshooting terminology. Practice tests that don’t resemble the real exams give you false confidence.
Take Tests in Timed Mode
Secondly, always take practice tests in timed mode matching the 90 minute duration of the real exams. This pressures you to improve your question answering speed and develop your time management skills. Untimed tests don’t prepare you for exam day conditions.
Carefully Review Missed Questions
Additionally, meticulously review the explanations for any incorrectly answered practice questions. Identify exactly why you chose the wrong response to cement the correct knowledge. Don’t gloss over explanations of missed questions or you won’t learn.
Focus Study on Weak Areas
Next, use practice test performance data to direct your remaining study time. Double down on relearning exam domains and objectives related to questions you struggled with. Address those knowledge gaps before test day.
Retake to Gauge Improvement
Also, retake the same practice tests after studying weaknesses uncovered to measure your improvement. You should see your scores steadily rise each time as the practice questions reinforce your learning.
Don’t Memorize Questions
However, make sure not to simply memorize practice test questions and answers without understanding the broader concepts. CompTIA exams feature different questions each time. Focus on learning principles, not memorizing specific questions.
Now let’s highlight some trustworthy online sources to access authentic CompTIA A+ practice exams and questions for free or at low cost.
Where to Obtain Quality CompTIA A+ Practice Test
Many online practice test providers claim to offer realistic CompTIA A+ exam simulations. But not all practice questions properly match the content and difficulty of the real tests.
Here are top rated providers of authentic practice exams:
CompTIA CertMaster Practice
CompTIA itself offers CertMaster Practice labs and tests specifically designed to mimic exam conditions while testing knowledge of all objectives. CompTIA’s practice questions most closely model what appears on real exams.
CrucialExams
CrucialExams provides free online practice exams that competently cover the latest A+ exam content. Well-explained answers help reinforce the reasoning behind correct and incorrect responses. Sign up to access their practice questions.
Udemy Video Courses
Many top rated Udemy CompTIA A+ video training courses include practice exams crafted to match the current exams. Their affordable monthly subscription plan lets you access numerous A+ practice tests.
ExamCompass
ExamCompass is a popular test preparation site that gives you immediate access to a large bank of intermediate and advanced difficulty practice questions upon signup. Their CompTIA A+ practice tests have helped many students pass.
Total Seminars
Total Seminars offers an all-in-one CompTIA A+ exam prep package that includes lab simulations, exam study guides, and realistic practice exams designed to mimic test day conditions. Try their free sample practice test.
Now that you know where to access accurate CompTIA A+ practice tests, let’s discuss some final tips to ensure your practice testing efforts effectively prepare you for exam day.
Final Tips for Practice Exam Success
Keep these additional suggestions in mind to guarantee practice tests maximize your CompTIA A+ exam readiness:
Spread Testing Across Study Plan
First, intersperse practice exams throughout your overall exam preparation, not just at the end. Periodic exposure to test questions reinforces knowledge gained from other studying. Don’t leave practice exams until the last minute.
Always Review Explanations
Next, never skip reviewing the explanations for both correctly and incorrectly answered practice questions. Understanding why responses are right or wrong leads to better retention of concepts.
Repeat Tests to Improve Weaknesses
Additionally, retake the same practice tests in the weeks leading up to your exam date. Use them to gauge progress improving your problem area knowledge. Aim for consistent scoring above 90% by test day.
Address Knowledge Gaps
Furthermore, research any unfamiliar concepts uncovered by practice questions until you fully grasp them. Practice tests find knowledge gaps, but you must address them through further self study.
Stick to Time Limits
Also, resist the temptation to take practice exams without time limits. Training under timed pressure is critical to pass the 90 minute CompTIA A+ certification tests. Develop this mental endurance.
Mimic Real Testing Environment
Finally, recreate actual exam day conditions when possible. Take practice tests in quiet spaces free of distractions. Use authorized testing center rules to experience an authentic testing mindset.
If you follow all the practice test tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well positioned to pass your CompTIA A+ exams on the first attempt!
Conclusion and Next Steps
Practice testing is clearly a cornerstone of any successful study plan for CompTIA A+ certification. Practice questions efficiently assess current knowledge levels, uncover weak domains needing work, improve factual recall and reduce test anxiety. By obtaining practice exams that closely mirror real tests and reviewing all questions carefully, you’ll continually improve weak areas right up to exam day.
For further guidance on preparing for your CompTIA A+ exam, explore more practice test resources:
- 5 Study Tips to Pass Your CompTIA A+ Exam from CompTIA
- CompTIA A+ Certification All-In-One Exam Guide by Mike Meyers
- Professor Messer’s CompTIA 220-1001 and 220-1002 A+ Training Course and Study Groups
Using the right combination of practice questions, study materials and hands-on labs will have you fully prepared to begin your IT career with the CompTIA A+ certification.
Good luck passing your exams!