CompTIA A+ performance-based questions: Complete preparation guide

Performance-based testing changed the game when CompTIA introduced it across its certification lineup. Unlike traditional multiple-choice questions, where you can sometimes logic your way through, performance-based questions (PBQs) demand real skills. You're not just identifying the correct answer from a list. You're actually doing the work.

The current CompTIA A+ exams (220-1201 and 220-1202), launched in March 2025, continue this hands-on approach. If you're preparing for the A+ certification, understanding how to tackle these simulation questions could make the difference between passing and falling short.

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What are performance-based questions?

Think of CompTIA A+ performance-based questions as the practical portion of your exam. While multiple-choice questions test whether you know something, CompTIA PBQ questions test whether you can actually do it.

These are exam items designed to assess your ability to solve problems in simulated environments. You might configure a router, troubleshoot a network connection or work through a security scenario. The simulation provides tools and interfaces that mirror real IT work.

PBQs prevent test-takers from simply memorizing facts. You can't guess through a simulation requiring DHCP configuration or SOHO network setup. Each A+ exam includes up to 90 questions total, which may include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based questions. CompTIA does not publish a fixed number of PBQs for each exam form. PBQs count toward your final scaled score, but CompTIA does not disclose exact item weighting.

Types of PBQ questions on A+

The A+ exams use simulation-based CompTIA A+ hands-on questions rather than full virtual environments. This means you can skip questions and return later.

• Drag and Drop Configurations: Arrange components, settings or steps in the correct order. You might drag network cables to the appropriate ports or arrange troubleshooting steps sequentially. Tests your understanding of the relationships between components and the logical ordering of processes.
• Clickable Simulations: Interact with interfaces that simulate real systems, such as the Windows Control Panel, network configuration screens, or mobile device settings. Tests your familiarity with interface navigation and configuration changes.
• Command Line Scenarios: Type actual commands in terminal windows to release DHCP leases, check IP configurations, or troubleshoot connectivity. Tests working knowledge of Windows, Linux or macOS command-line tools.
• Network Diagramming: Create network topologies, identify components or troubleshoot connectivity using visual maps. Tests understanding of network architectures and device roles.
• Troubleshooting Sequences: Work through a systematic approach, with scenarios that reveal new information as you progress. Tests your ability to apply troubleshooting methodology and adapt approaches.
• Virtual Environments: While A+ lacks full VM environments, simulations closely replicate interfaces. You might configure VM settings or adjust resource allocation, testing practical experience with virtualization concepts.

Common A+ PBT scenarios by domain

Understanding where CompTIA A+ simulations might appear helps focus hands-on practice.

• Mobile Devices (Core 1): Mobile device synchronization, wireless/Bluetooth configuration, MDM policies, SIM/eSIM settings, USB/NFC connections and business application synchronization.
• Networking (Core 1): Prime territory for performance-based testing. SOHO wireless router configuration, network setup, connectivity troubleshooting, IP configurations, subnet masks and DNS settings.
• Hardware (Core 1): Component identification, cable connections, installation sequences. Select the correct cable types and arrange installation steps properly.
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing (Core 1): VM configuration, resource allocation (CPU/RAM), virtual networking and hypervisor types.
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (Core 1): Systematic diagnosis using command-line tools, interpretation of error messages, and determination of failure causes.
• Operating Systems (Core 2): Windows features, user accounts, file permissions, Task Manager, Command Prompt, Disk Management and Linux/macOS command-line tools.
• Security (Core 2): Windows Defender settings, user authentication, encryption, firewall rules and malware removal steps.
• Software Troubleshooting (Core 2): Application diagnostics, compatibility problems and performance bottlenecks using system tools.
• Operational Procedures (Core 2): Documentation creation, change management and safety protocols.

For deeper preparation, check the detailed domain objectives guide.

How to approach PBT questions

Strategy matters to prepare for CompTIA PBQ success.

Time management strategy

PBQs typically appear at the start of the exam. Quickly assess each one. If it looks straightforward, complete it. If complex, mark it and return later after building momentum with multiple-choice questions.

Allocate roughly 2-3 minutes per multiple-choice question and 5-10 minutes per PBQ. With 90 questions and 90 minutes, margins are tight.

Reading instructions carefully

PBQ instructions contain critical details. Missing one requirement means missing the entire question. Read the full scenario before touching the simulation. Look for keywords defining exact requirements. If it asks for "maximum security," security requirements must be addressed.

Testing your solution

Most CompTIA practical exam questions let you verify your work. If configuring network settings, try pinging a device. If setting up user accounts, try logging in. Test your configuration before submitting.

Common mistakes

Don't rush through PBQs. Don't skim instructions. Don't overthink simple tasks. Don't forget to apply changes by clicking "Apply" or "OK." Don't leave questions incomplete — partial credit is possible.

Partial credit possibilities

CompTIA acknowledges that some lab simulation questions may award partial credit. Always attempt PBQs rather than leaving blank. Complete what you can, even if you can't finish entirely.

Practice strategies

Success requires hands-on experience, not memorization. You need muscle memory for everyday tasks and familiarity with interfaces.

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Hands-on lab recommendations

Build or access practice environments where you repeatedly configure settings, break things and fix them.

• Home lab: Physical equipment provides realistic experience but requires investment and space.
• Platform-based labs: Infosec Skills provides hundreds of hands-on labs in cloud-hosted environments. Launch labs with one click and work through realistic scenarios directly relevant to exam content.
• Boot camps: Authorized A+ boot camps combine instruction with extensive practical skills training.

Repetition is key. Configure SOHO networks five times. Set up user accounts ten times. Repeat mobile device synchronization until automatic.

Virtual machine practice

VMs let you experiment risk-free with snapshots and rollbacks.

• Download free virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player.
• Create VMs running Windows, Linux and macOS.
• Practice installing operating systems, managing accounts, using command-line tools, configuring networks, implementing security and troubleshooting issues.

Practice resources

• Infosec Skills on-demand training: Practice scenarios and labs for A+ preparation with unlimited hands-on environment access.
• CompTIA CertMaster Practice: Official materials include CompTIA A+ performance-based questions simulating exam experience.
• Online simulators: Third-party providers offer PBT practice questions to build familiarity with the format.

Creating your own scenarios

Practice common IT support tasks:

• Configure user accounts with permissions
• Set up wireless networks with WPA3 security
• Troubleshoot network connectivity
• Remove malware
• Configure backups
• Set up mobile synchronization
• Create checklists and work through them step by step

PBT questions tips & tricks

Interface navigation

Familiarize yourself with common OS interfaces before exam day. Understand logical organization: network configurations live in network settings, user management in account controls and security features in security settings. This rational approach helps you navigate even when interfaces vary.

Using tools provided

Use simulation tools such as command prompts, configuration wizards, and diagnostic utilities. If there's a troubleshooting tool, use it to gather information before making changes.

What to do if stuck

Mark the question, then return after completing the others. Make your best educated guess rather than leaving it blank. Look for clues in the simulation interface itself.

Building muscle memory

Repetition creates muscle memory. The tenth time you configure DHCP, your hands know what to do. Practice tasks multiple times until routine. This automaticity helps during exams, when stress can affect performance.

How PBTs are scored

CompTIA doesn't reveal exact scoring details. Some PBQs use all-or-nothing scoring, requiring complete task completion. Others award partial credit for multi-step scenarios. Since you can't know which applies, always complete as much as possible.

Scoring considers multiple valid approaches. Many technical tasks can be accomplished in different ways. The simulation recognizes these alternatives. PBQs factor into your scaled score (Core 1: 675/900; Core 2: 700/900).

Next steps

Success with performance-based questions comes down to hands-on practice. Reading about how to configure a router doesn't compare to actually doing it multiple times.

Start by reviewing the official exam preparation resources for the 2025 A+ updates. Understand what's changed in the new 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams compared to previous versions.

Study each domain systematically using the domain study guides. Don't just read about procedures. Practice them.

Set up a lab environment, whether physical, virtual or cloud-based. Work through common IT tasks repeatedly. Break things intentionally and fix them. This experimentation builds the practical skills that PBQs assess.

Take practice exams that include simulation questions. Time yourself. Get comfortable with the exam format and interface navigation.

Most importantly: practice, practice, practice. There's no substitute for hands-on experience. Every configuration you complete, every troubleshooting session you work through and every interface you navigate builds the skills that will carry you through performance-based questions on exam day.

The A+ certification demonstrates you can actually do IT work, not just talk about it. Performance-based questions separate those who genuinely understand technical concepts from those who've merely memorized definitions. With the right preparation focused on practical skills, you'll approach PBQs with confidence.

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Frequently asked questions

How many PBQs are on the A+ exam?

Each A+ exam (Core 1 and Core 2) includes approximately 3 to 6 performance-based questions, though the exact number varies by exam form. With up to 90 total questions per exam, PBQs represent a small but important portion.

Can I skip PBQs and come back?

Yes. A+ exams use simulation-based PBQs, not virtual environment PBQs. You can skip them, move to other questions and return later. Your work is automatically saved as you progress. This differs from advanced certifications that use virtual PBQs, which must be completed on the spot. Always follow the on-screen instructions for saving or submitting your work.

Are PBQs harder than multiple choice?

That depends on your background. If you have hands-on IT experience, PBQs might feel more natural than abstract multiple-choice questions. If your preparation focused on memorizing facts without practical application, PBQs will be significantly harder. They require different skills: application rather than recall.

Can I fail just because of PBQs?

PBQs can affect your overall score, so you should attempt them carefully. However, CompTIA does not publish the exact weighting or scoring formula, so it’s better to think of PBQs as an important part of the overall exam rather than a separate pass/fail section.

What happens if I can't figure out a PBQ?

Don't panic. Make your best attempt, complete what you can and move on. Partial credit is possible on some questions. Spending 15 minutes stuck on one PBQ while running out of time for multiple-choice questions is a worse outcome than making an educated guess on the PBQ and completing the rest of the exam.

Do PBQs appear at the beginning or end?

PBQs typically appear at the start of A+ exams, usually within the first 3 to 10 questions. This can be unsettling if you prefer to build confidence with easier questions first. Remember that you can skip them and return later if needed.

Can I practice PBQs before the exam?

Absolutely. Multiple resources offer PBQ practice, including CompTIA's CertMaster Practice, Infosec Skills training platform and various third-party practice exam providers. Hands-on labs and simulations are your best preparation tools.

Are there PBQs on both Core 1 and Core 2?

Yes. Both A+ exams include performance-based questions. Core 1 PBQs focus more on hardware, networking and mobile device scenarios. Core 2 PBQs emphasize operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.