How to Pass the CompTIA A+ Without Burning Out

How to pass the CompTIA A+ is a question that sparks anxiety for many beginners stepping into IT. With two exams, hundreds of topics, and a mix of theory and performance-based questions, the A+ is not just about memorizing facts. It is about mastering core IT skills. This guide breaks the process into a clear, step-by-step approach so you can study smarter, not harder, and pass with confidence.

How to pass the CompTIA A+ exam?

The CompTIA A+ certification is not extremely difficult, but it does require serious preparation. You can’t expect to pass by chance, yet you also don’t need to be an expert. The key is to follow a structured approach, divided into four essential phases: planning, studying, practicing, and finally, taking the exam.

Phase 1: Make a plan

Make a plan

1. Choose the right study materials

You do not need to study everything. You need to focus on the right resources that match how you learn best. Below are commonly used and highly recommended options:

Tips: Select one or two core materials and stick with them. Using too many resources can become overwhelming and slow your progress.

2. Create your personal study schedule

A personalized study schedule helps you stay focused, track your progress, and avoid last-minute cramming. Here is a sample timeline you can adjust based on your availability:

1. Typical study duration: 8 to 12 weeks
2. Daily study time: 1 to 2 hours if you are working or studying part-time, or more if you are studying full-time
3. Suggested weekly breakdown:

• • Week 1–2: Hardware
  • Week 3–4: Networking
  • Week 5–6: Operating Systems
  • Week 7–8: Security and Troubleshooting
  • Week 9–10: Practice exams and performance-based questions (PBQs)
  • Week 11–12: Focused review of weak areas

Check out the CompTIA A+ Study Schedule to explore examples and find a structure that works best for your timeline and learning pace.

Tips:

• Allocate at least two weeks at the end of your plan for full-length practice exams and final review.
• Use a planner, spreadsheet, or digital calendar to schedule and track your sessions.
• If you miss a session, simply adjust your schedule without losing motivation.

Phase 2: Study

Study

Once you have your materials and schedule in place, it is time to dive into the content.

1. Study the core theoretical concepts

The CompTIA A+ exam covers a wide range of topics across two core exams (220-1101 and 220-1102). This phase focuses on understanding the theory behind the CompTIA A+ objectives.

2. Apply effective study techniques

Do not rely on passive reading or watching videos alone. Combine different methods to boost retention and deepen understanding:

Active note-taking

• Write notes by hand or digitally (Notion, GoodNotes, or OneNote) while watching videos or reading.
• Summarize in your own words to reinforce key ideas.
• Organize notes by exam domain for easy review.

Spaced repetition: Use flashcards (e.g., Anki or Quizlet) to regularly review key facts, especially acronyms, ports, and command-line tools.

Feynman technique: Explaining concepts out loud (even to yourself) improves clarity and highlights gaps in your understanding.

Use diagrams and charts: Create visual aids to understand systems, network layouts, port types, or OS processes. Tools like Lucidchart, draw.io, or even sketching by hand can help make abstract concepts more concrete.

Phase 3: Practice

Practice

Practice is essential for reinforcing your knowledge, identifying weak areas, and gaining the confidence needed to succeed on the exam.

1. Practice your theory knowledge

Practice by domain: Start your practice by reinforcing theory through domain-specific exercises. Work on practice questions for each of the following domains:

• Core 1:

  • Mobile devices
  • Networking
  • Hardware
  • Virtualization and Cloud Computing
  • Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

• Core 2

  • Operating Systems
  • Security
  • Software Troubleshooting
  • Operational Procedures

Take full-length exams: When you feel ready, simulate real exam conditions by completing these full tests under time pressure.

• CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) Test
• CompTIA A+ 220-1102 (Core 2) Test

This builds your stamina and helps you develop pacing strategies. Aim to consistently score at least 85% before taking the real exam.

Review your mistakes carefully: After each test, analyze incorrect answers, note which objective they fall under, and revisit those specific areas. This feedback loop is critical for improvement.

2. Prepare for performance-based questions (PBQs)

CompTIA A+ PBQs are included in the CompTIA A+ exam to assess your ability to apply knowledge in simulated IT environments. These often involve tasks like:

• Configuring system settings
• Troubleshooting network or hardware issues
• Managing user accounts and permissions
• Matching ports, cables, or protocols

Tips for PBQs:

• Spend no more than 10 minutes on each PBQ.
• If you’re unsure, flag it and move on.
• Comfort with basic hands-on tasks, such as navigating settings or using command-line tools, will significantly improve your performance on PBQs.

Phase 4: Exam Tips

Exam Tips

Proper exam-day preparation helps reduce anxiety and ensures optimal performance.

1. The day before the exam

• Avoid cramming new information. Focus on light review and flashcards.
• Confirm the exam time, location, and required identification documents.
• Prepare your testing environment if taking the exam remotely.

2. On exam day

• Eat a balanced meal to maintain energy levels.
• Arrive at the testing center early or complete the online check-in process on time.
• Read each question carefully. Eliminate wrong answers before selecting the best option.
• Use the exam review feature to revisit flagged questions.
• Start with easy questions to build momentum.
• Allocate time evenly: approximately one minute per question.
• Monitor the timer regularly and avoid spending too long on a single item.

FAQs

1. Can you pass the CompTIA A+ exam in a week?

No, it’s very rare. This is only possible if you already have solid IT experience, are familiar with the exam content, and can dedicate full-time hours (8–10 per day) to study. For most people, especially beginners, one week is not enough. A more realistic timeframe is 4 to 12 weeks, depending on your background.

2. How to pass the CompTIA A+ exam in 2 weeks?

Passing the CompTIA A+ certification in just two weeks is not realistic for most candidates, especially beginners. While there are some claims online from individuals who say they’ve done it, these are rare cases and usually come with specific conditions as mentioned above.

Remember that the CompTIA A+ exam is not just about theory; it also includes performance-based questions (PBQs) that test your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Final thoughts

How to pass the CompTIA A+ is not about rushing through content or collecting random facts; it’s about building real, applicable knowledge step by step. Stick with a clear study plan, use the right tools for your learning style, and don’t skip hands-on practice. Good things take time, and earning your CompTIA A+ is no exception.