CompTIA Security+ Performance-Based Questions: Number & Formats

Are CompTIA Security+ Performance-Based Questions as challenging as people seem? In this guide, Easy Prep breaks down exactly what PBQs are, how many questions are in the exam, the different types you might encounter and how to prepare effectively to master them – boosting your confidence and performance on exam day.

What are CompTIA Security+ Performance-Based Questions?

CompTIA Security+ Performance-Based Questions

CompTIA Security+ Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) are scenario-based tasks designed to test your ability to solve real-world security problems. Unlike traditional multiple-choice questions, PBQs require you to perform specific actions in a simulated environment, such as configuring a firewall, analyzing logs, or setting access control policies. These questions assess not only your knowledge but also your hands-on skills, making them a critical component of the CompTIA Security+ certification.

How many Performance-Based Questions are on the CompTIA Security+ exam?

There are typically around 4 to 6 performance-based questions on the CompTIA Security+ exam. However, this number can vary. Depending on the version of the test, the number of PBQs may range from as few as 1 to as many as 10.

Since performance-based questions are generally more difficult than multiple-choice ones, you should allocate more time to tackle them. Keep in mind that the difficulty of PBQs also varies, so it’s important to manage your time wisely.

How are CompTIA Security+ Performance-Based Questions scored?

According to CompTIA, the scoring system is confidential, meaning there is no publicly available breakdown of how each question is scored.

For performance-based questions, CompTIA allows for multiple correct solutions, meaning that different approaches can still lead to full credit. In some cases, CompTIA may even award partial credit if your solution demonstrates a reasonable and logical approach. Therefore, you don’t need to solve PBQs in one specific way — focus on using sound problem-solving skills.

Types of Comptia Security+ Performance-Based Questions

Types of Comptia Security+ Performance-Based Questions

The CompTIA Security+ exam utilizes 3 primary formats for its Performance-Based Questions (PBQs), each requiring a unique problem-solving approach.

• Fill-in-the-blank: These are straightforward questions where you simply need to type in the correct answer.
• Drag and drop: In this type, you’ll drag items such as images, terms, or text boxes into specific areas within a diagram or table to complete a larger scenario or match relationships.
• Scenario/Configuration-based: These are more complex questions where you interact with simulated environments, such as configuration windows or command-line interfaces. Your task is to configure or troubleshoot settings according to the scenario’s instructions.

You may encounter all three types of performance-based questions during the exam, so thorough preparation is essential. A solid understanding of the foundational concepts will help you respond accurately and efficiently. Rather than focusing solely on test-taking techniques, it’s crucial to master the core Security+ knowledge through consistent study and hands-on practice. This will prepare you to handle the various ways these concepts are tested in PBQs.

How to practice for CompTIA Security+ Performance-Based Questions?

Preparing for Performance-Based Questions takes more than just reading a textbook; it requires practical experience, problem-solving skills, and exposure to real-world scenarios. Here are some of the most effective ways to practice:

• Use CompTIA study resources: Start with the CompTIA Security+ Study Guide. These resources are designed to reflect the actual exam structure and include sample PBQs to help you become familiar with the format.
• Practice in virtual labs: Virtual labs offer interactive, scenario-based labs that closely mimic PBQs. They let you configure settings, analyze logs, and practice real-world tasks in a safe environment.
• Watch videos: Videos in online platforms have dozens of walkthroughs for PBQs where instructors demonstrate how to approach and solve specific scenarios. This is especially useful for visual learners.
• Apply incident response and security configurations: Regularly practice identifying threats, configuring secure systems, and responding to simulated incidents using industry best practices. The more exposure you have to different security scenarios, the more adaptable you’ll be during the exam.
• Simulate the exam environment: Practice under timed conditions. Allocate a portion of your 90 minutes to PBQs, and simulate the pressure so you’re prepared to think clearly on exam day.

Don’t try to memorize answers. Instead, focus on understanding the “why” behind each solution. That’s what will help you adapt to any PBQ scenario, no matter how it’s presented.

Conclusion

CompTIA Security+ Performance-Based Questions are a core component of the CompTIA Security+ exam, designed to test not just what you know, but how you apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. With the right preparation strategy, you can turn these challenging questions into an opportunity to demonstrate your true skills and take one step closer to CompTIA Security+ certification success.