Exam Information

When you arrive for your CompTIA exam, you will be required to show two forms of identification, including one photo ID (such as a driver's license or company security ID). You will also be required to accept the terms of a non-disclosure agreement and complete a demographic survey. Most candidates are able to complete the survey in less than five minutes. The time required by the survey is not included in the time allotted for the exam.

Before you begin your exam, the test administrator at the testing center will explain testing rules and procedures, show you how to use the test computers, and answer any questions you may have. You may also take the exam tutorial, which is designed to familiarize you with computer-administered questions similar to those on the exam. Most exams include 50 to 70 items, and the duration ranges from 60 to 300 minutes. When you register for your exam, you will be told how much time you should expect to spend at the testing center. Some exams may include timed sections, which help candidates apportion their testing time appropriately. If an exam includes timed sections, candidates are not allowed to go back to previously completed sections after going on to the following sections.

A break will be allowed during testing if you request it, but the testing clock will not be stopped during the break. Candidates are not allowed to conduct activities during a break that may compromise exam security, including communicating with other examinees.

CompTIA exams are designed to validate a candidate's ability to perform a specific job function or set of tasks in the real world. Once you have completed an exam, you will be given online notification of your pass or fail status. Test scores are automatically forwarded to Microsoft within five working days after you take the test. If you do not pass a certification exam and you wish to retake it, you should review the appropriate exam preparation guide. Please note that you must pay again for each exam you retake. For exam objectives about a specific exam, click on the exam number listed in the table above. For general exam information, including exam cost, scheduling, and testing information, click here.