How to Stay Motivated for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam: Study Plan & Test-Day Guide

Staying motivated for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam takes structure, not luck. This article outlines a practical plan you can follow. Build a weekly schedule by domains, then study in short daily blocks using simple timers. 

Track progress with boards, spreadsheets, and calendar streaks. Join study groups and forums to get quick answers and steady accountability. Know what to expect on test day, from check-in to rules in the room. 

Use timed practice to manage the 90-minute window and learn when to flag questions. Understand retake policies and the current V15 release. The goal is steady momentum and calm execution.

Studying for the CompTIA A+ exam core 1 isn’t just about what you learn – it’s about showing up day after day. My certification trip had several roadblocks until I found that there was power in structure and support from others.

Creating A Study Schedule

The difference between passing and failing comes down to managing your time well. Students who structure their study habits remember information better and stay focused as they prepare for the exam. Breaking exam material into smaller chunks prevents burnout and keeps you motivated.

Here’s my approach to creating a schedule that works:

• Weekly focus areas: Each week should focus on specific domains. You might spend Week 1 on hardware components and Week 2 on networking.
• Daily study blocks: Set aside 1-2 hours each day instead of cramming on weekends. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) keeps your mind fresh without wearing you out.
• Consistency over intensity: Regular short sessions work better than long cram sessions. Just 30 minutes after work adds up substantially over time.

Your schedule should fit your lifestyle. Early birds might study before work, while night owls might prefer evening sessions. The key lies in sticking to whatever routine you choose.

Tracking Your Progress

You can improve what you measure. Tracking how you study motivates you and explains which areas need more attention.

Digital tools make tracking easier:

• Trello boards organize topics by status (not started, in progress, mastered)
• Google Sheets log practice test scores
• Calendar apps show how consistent your study habits are

CompTIA’s certification portal has a CE Dashboard that shows exactly where you stand. This system tracks your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and shows how many days remain in your renewal period.

Take time every two weeks to assess what’s working. If certain methods don’t click, change your approach. Your plan doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to work for you.

Regular CompTIA A+ practice test attempts show real progress. These scores boost your confidence when you see your percentages going up.

Joining Study Groups Or Forums

Studying alone can feel isolating. The good news is that active online communities exist where other test-takers share tips, resources, and support.

These online communities are a great way to get more than just moral support:

• Quick answers when you’re stuck
• Different explanations that might make more sense than textbooks
• Someone to keep you accountable
• Free resources from people who passed the exam

You can connect with other A+ candidates on these popular platforms:

Reddit’s r/CompTIA and r/ITCareerQuestions subreddits have exam insights, study plans, and success stories. The Facebook CompTIA Community lets members share insights and access free practice questions.

Discord servers host live study rooms and topic-specific chats for immediate help. Many students also follow YouTube creators who explain complex concepts simply.

These communities changed my study experience from solo work to shared learning. Seeing others overcome similar challenges helped me stay determined whenever my motivation dropped.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Butterflies filled my stomach at the time of my first CompTIA exam. My nerves would have been calmer if I had known what happened at the testing center. Let me tell you what to expect when your big day comes.

Exam Logistics And Environment

You should get to the center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This buffer helps you complete check-in without rushing. You’ll need two valid IDs that match your registration name when you arrive.

Your testing experience will have:

• A pre-exam photo (don’t worry about your hair – it’s just for security)
• A secure testing room with other candidates
• No personal items allowed inside (including phones, watches, or notes)

The testing centers usually have lockers for your belongings, but leaving valuable items at home is safer. The testing room stays quiet, and individual computer stations have dividers for privacy.

Taking a CompTIA A+ practice test core 1 before the exam helps you get familiar with the testing interface, which reduces surprises on exam day.

Time Management During The Test

The Core 1 exam gives you 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions. This includes multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions that simulate ground applications.

Here’s a time management strategy that worked for me:

1. Quickly review all questions first
2. Answer easy questions immediately
3. Mark challenging questions for later review
4. Save performance-based questions for last as they need more time

It’s worth mentioning that the clock keeps running throughout the exam. As Professor Messer puts it, “Your time management becomes very important when you’re working on these exams”.

Post-Exam Steps And Certification Path

You’ll know if you passed or failed right after submitting your final answer. The passing score for Core 1 is 675 on a scale of 900. Whatever the outcome, you’ll get a printed score report.

A passing grade deserves celebration! But Core 1 is just halfway through your trip. You need to pass the Core 2 exam to get a full A+ certification. Both exams must be taken within the same version series. The newest version (V15) launched on March 25, 2025.

Don’t get discouraged if you fall short. You can retake the exam right after your first try. After that, you’ll need to wait at least 14 days before a third or later attempt. Each unsuccessful attempt gives an explanation about areas that need more study.

Passing both exams makes you eligible for DoD 8140-approved work roles, including technical support specialist, system administrator, and cyber defense infrastructure support specialist.

TakeAway:

Success comes from consistent habits and honest review. Break topics into weekly goals. Study a little every day. Record your scores and adjust the plan when trends appear. Use active communities for explanations, tips, and free resources. Simulate the exam with timed practice, then analyze every miss. Prepare for logistics early, including IDs and arrival time. After the score, plan the next step, whether Core 2 or a targeted retake. 

Keep your notes tight, revisit difficult items, and protect rest before test day. With clear routines and measured feedback, motivation holds, focus improves, and exam day feels familiar.