CompTIA A+ Passing Score: 675 (Core 1) and 700 (Core 2)

CompTIA A+ is the only entry in this cert line that makes you pass two separate exams — and each has its own passing score. Core 1 (220-1201) passes at 675 and Core 2 (220-1202) at 700, both on a scale of 100 to 900 ^[1]. They are scaled scores, not percentages. You need both exams to earn the A+ credential. Here's what those numbers mean and how to tell you're ready for each.

Why A+ Has Two Passing Scores

A+ certifies you as a well-rounded IT support technician, and CompTIA splits that across two exams: Core 1 covers hardware, networking basics, mobile devices, virtualization, and hardware/network troubleshooting; Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. They're scored independently — Core 1 needs 675, Core 2 needs 700 — and you must pass both to be certified. Passing one only banks that half until you clear the other.

How A+ Is Scored

Both cores use CompTIA's scaled scoring from 100 to 900. In CompTIA's words, an algorithm turns your performance into a scaled score "derived from what would otherwise be a percentage score," and each pass line is set through statistical analysis ^[2]. It doesn't say how performance-based questions (configuring settings, troubleshooting a scenario) are weighted against multiple choice.

Is 675 out of 900 a percentage?

No. The scale starts at 100 and CompTIA doesn't publish the conversion, so 675 or 700 divided by 900 tells you nothing about how many questions you answered right. CompTIA doesn't disclose the number of questions needed to pass either ^[2].

Core 1 (220-1201)

100900

675 to pass

Core 2 (220-1202)

100900

700 to pass

How Many Questions Can You Miss?

CompTIA doesn't disclose it for either core ^[2]. The miss counts quoted online treat 675 and 700 out of 900 as percentages, which they aren't, and each core can have fewer than 90 questions. What you can control is breadth: A+ questions range from RAM types to the Windows command line to ticketing etiquette, and a whole topic area left as a blind spot costs you more than scattered misses. Use the readiness checklist below instead of a miss budget.

A+ Domains (Core 1 and Core 2)

Core 1 (220-1201) covers: Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization & Cloud Computing, and Hardware & Network Troubleshooting. Core 2 (220-1202) covers: Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures. Weights shift slightly between versions, so check the current objectives on CompTIA's site for exact percentages, then practice by area on the A+ practice test and review the A+ acronyms glossary.

How to Know You're Ready for Both

1. Treat them as two exams — study, practice, and get comfortable with each core separately.
2. Score 85%+ on full-length practice exams for each core — don't book Core 2 off Core 1 confidence.
3. No topic area below 75% — A+ punishes blind spots more than weak-but-even coverage.
4. PBQ comfort — you've practiced configuration and troubleshooting scenarios.
5. Timed conditions — you've completed a 90-question run inside 90 minutes for each core.

SecuSpark has 1,252 A+ practice questions (3 full exams free to start). The bank covers the retired 220-1101 Core 1 objectives, and Core 2 is not in it, so check each topic against the 220-1201 objectives and get your Core 2 drilling somewhere else. For total cost across both exams, see the CompTIA exam cost breakdown.

Two things are worth doing before you book either core. First, try the format cold in the free PBQ simulator — the scenarios are Security+ ones, but both A+ cores include performance-based questions, and the first one you see should not be on exam day. Second, budget for both exams at once with the A+ certification cost breakdown — at $274 per core, A+ is $548 before a single retake.

A+ Passing Score vs Other CompTIA Exams

A+ Core 1 has the lowest pass line on this list (675) ^[3], though scaled scores from different exams don't rank difficulty on their own. A+ is where most IT careers start. Deciding what comes next? See A+ vs Network+: which first?

References

1. CompTIA. "A+ Core 1 (V15)" and "A+ Core 2 (V15)" exam details. Core 1 (220-1201): passing score 675; Core 2 (220-1202): passing score 700; maximum of 90 questions and 90 minutes per exam; launched March 25, 2025. Accessed September 25, 2026.
2. CompTIA Help Center. "How Are CompTIA Exams Scored?" help.comptia.org. Scaled scoring on a 100-900 scale; passing scores set through statistical analysis; the number of questions required to pass is not disclosed. Accessed September 25, 2026.
3. CompTIA exam pages for Network+, Security+, CySA+ and PenTest+. Passing scores 720, 750, 750 and 750. Accessed September 25, 2026.