Knowing exactly how the exam is built lets you walk in with a plan instead of nerves. This article covers how the CompTIA Server+ SK0-005 exam is structured — the question count, the time, the performance-based questions, the scoring, and one feature (Good-for-Life validity) that sets Server+ apart from most CompTIA exams.
For the wider certification picture, start with the complete Server+ guide. This piece zooms in on format.
The core numbers
Here's the structure of the current SK0-005 exam:
- Up to 90 questions. Ninety is the maximum; your exam may have slightly fewer.
- 90 minutes. Roughly a minute per question on average, but PBQs take longer.
- Multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs are interactive tasks in a simulated environment.
- Passing score of 750 on a scale from 100 to 900.
Good for Life: a feature worth knowing
Here's what makes Server+ unusual among CompTIA certifications: it's Good for Life (GFL). Most CompTIA credentials expire after three years and require continuing education to renew. Server+ doesn't — once you pass SK0-005, you're certified for good, with no renewal fees and no recertification exam. That makes it a genuinely one-and-done investment, which is worth factoring into how you think about its value.
Performance-based questions
PBQs are what make Server+ a practical exam rather than a memory test. Instead of picking an answer, you perform a task — configuring storage or RAID, working through a server setup, interpreting output, or troubleshooting a scenario in a simulated environment. They demand hands-on familiarity, so they reward people who've actually worked with servers. Because they can appear early and take time, a good strategy is to flag any lengthy PBQ and return to it after banking the faster multiple-choice points. We cover how to prepare in the PBQ and hands-on prep guide.
How the scaled score works
The 750 passing mark sits on a 100–900 scale and is weighted by question difficulty, so it isn't a clean percentage. Don't try to reverse-engineer "how many can I miss." Aim for competence across all four domains — and since Server Administration (30%) and Troubleshooting (28%) are the two heaviest, weakness in either is hard to offset. The full weighting is in the domains breakdown. A common readiness benchmark is consistently scoring around 85% or higher on realistic practice tests before you book.
Pacing strategy for test day
A dependable approach:
- Triage the PBQs. Do the quick ones; flag the time-sinks and move on.
- Work the multiple-choice steadily. Flag anything uncertain and keep moving rather than stalling.
- Return to flagged items with your remaining time and a clearer head.
- Leave nothing blank. There's no penalty for a wrong answer, so always commit to your best guess.
Rehearse under a 90-minute timer so the pace feels routine.
Retake rules
If you don't pass, you can retake after a failure, and each attempt requires a new voucher — unless you bought a voucher with retake assurance up front, which covers a second attempt. Standard CompTIA retake spacing applies (a wait period kicks in from the third attempt onward).
Where format prep fits
Format familiarity is the finishing layer over real skill. Learn the objectives, build hands-on server reps, then rehearse full-length timed sessions. Our study plan sequences all of it.
Adaptive practice tells you honestly when you're ready.
Gauge your readiness: CompTIA Server+ CertMaster Practice (SK0-005) adapts to your weak areas and includes a timed practice test with performance-based questions. When you're consistently clearing your target, book with a Server+ exam voucher, or choose the voucher-plus-retake bundle. As an Authorized CompTIA Partner, materials are official.
A note on voucher eligibility: Voucher eligibility depends on your exam testing location, per CompTIA policy. Testing in an emerging-market region? We don't sell those here — contact us.
FAQ
Does Server+ really never expire? Correct. It's a Good-for-Life credential — no expiration, no renewal fees, no continuing education required.
Will I get exactly 90 questions? Ninety is the maximum. Your specific exam may have fewer.
How much time per question? About one minute on average. PBQs take longer, so triage them.
What's the passing score? 750 on a 100–900 scaled range — weighted by difficulty, not a raw percentage.
Is there a penalty for guessing? No. Always answer every question, even if it's a best guess.
How do I know when I'm ready? Consistently scoring around 85% or higher on realistic full-length practice tests is a common readiness signal.
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