I PASSED the CompTIA A+ | Study Tips for CompTIA A+
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- Hello everyone, welcome to my channel. In this video, I talk about how I passed the CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams. Hopefully my insight will help you in your studies - good luck!
CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO:
0:00 Introduction
1:22 My tips
3:22 My certifications
3:44 Certmaster
4:31 Professor Messer
5:13 Jason Dion Udemy
6:22 Conclusion - good luck!
This inspires me a lot, sometimes it hard to stay motivated to keep studying 📚 large volumes of data
I’m really glad to hear that!! 😁 Good luck and keep trucking!
It’s not as bad as you think, the material isn’t entirely vast it’s just some of it is hard to really memorize and you’ll likely never need it like 10Base-T specs and stuff. The worst part is almost always the stuff like that and what does 802.xx mean and like how do you translate a MAC to IPV6. Most of that stuff there are easily available resources to look up if and when you need that knowledge for anything and memorization doesn’t mean you learnt it, necessarily. Other than that, the hard part is the practical stuff because it’s hard to actually do a lot of this stuff at home although VMware and other software has made that easier and there are resources out there that have practical tests.
Veteran IT here.
Do not stay in your entry level role for more than 6m-1y. I would say start applying to higher positions around your 6m mark. Network admin, sys admin ect.
Thanks for the advice!
I can say that with certainty, still to this day the knowledge I gained from A+ continues to help me. Even many of the advanced problems I deal with ultimately fall back to the foundation/fundamentals.
Wow that's amazing Nerdy Codex! getting the A+, Network+, and Security+ back, to back, to back like that. I'm a new IT student and just passed the A+ Core 1, studying for the Core 2 now
Thank you, congrats, and good luck, you’ve got this!!
It makes me rage that there aren't more videos like this of people talking about their post game Comptia A= Interview tbh. Well made video brother!!
Thank you for the kind words and for watching!
I’m about to start my journey into IT, so seeing someone who has recently gone through is inspiring. Thanks for the tips.
My pleasure. You got this!
it’s a real long road but it’s imperative that you never give up!!
really trying to get myself back on track after some financial hardships. Needing the confidence for sure and watching videos like yours is a inspiration. I got to keep moving forward, this definitely my big goal this year. A+ Sec+ and then Net+.
Big well done to u for what uv achieved so far. On 1102 at the min.
Nice video man! I'm looking at getting into IT and I'm much older than you. Thanks for the good information!
Congrats man, just started studying for my CompTIA A+ and this gives me extra motivation to keep pushing and keep grinding!
Congrats brother!
Im looking forward on getting my certification.
Awesome video! Thank you for sharing your experience and congrats! Hope this gives you the momentum to post more 💪🏻👍🏻
Thanks a lot! The support definitely motivates me to create more videos. 🙂
So glad I found your video. I’m also starting a career change and I’m glad to see someone that’s starting their IT journey share it with us 😊
This is what I made the channel for- I love seeing others break into the field and bounce ideas and advice off of each other. It’s awesome to see people progressing where they want to go in their lives. Good luck in your future career and endeavors, would love to hear an update later on!!😄
This was actually so informative! Amazing job!!!
Thank you!!!
thanks for the video man! perfect for someone as myself looking how exactly to get started and needing more info on comptia before commiting to buying their courses.
I’m glad you found it valuable, thanks for watching and good luck!!!
thank you this really means alot!
I'm at a point in my life where I had to make a career change/choice and once I have the money ill be looking into Professor Messers program and I'll keep you updated on your channel. I'm thankful for finding your content and I appreciate it so much, I have hope for my future again and now I have a direction. I'm grateful!
I appreciate you watching and I definitely would love to hear the update! Good luck!
Great video! I’m new to IT and just taken a cybersecurity course. I’m feeling nervous about sitting the exam but after watching this video I’m feeling so motivated and optimistic that I’ll pass. Much appreciated
some good insight here, gl dude
I really need to start and this video gave me more confidence. I believe this is a good stepping stone to get by
Awesome, thanks for watching!!Good luck!
Thank you for the great tips!
Thank you for this!!
I love your video, this video definitely inspired me and helps me see my goal a bit more clear. I am currently taking Google IT Certificate and after I complete all 5 courses I plan on jumping on to A+. Im looking for a career change. So thank you for making this video.
Glad I could help you out! You’ve got this!!
I'm in the same place, about halfway through the Google IT cert now!
good job man, i've been a top copier tech for over 20 years with electrical work in between. Nowhere to grow into from copier tech though other than boss.
So I can make far more money and have lots of growth in IT and I got tons of connections especialy through out all the school districts I already work at.
Just started studying the A+
Thanks for sharing your experience- I love hearing everyone’s beginnings because people from all walks of life can do IT. Having that 20 years of experience and connections will definitely be a great asset for sure when breaking into IT. As it did for me, A+ is a great step to open up more opportunities. Would love to hear from you down the road when you’ve passed and broken in! Good luck!!
Nice work dude!
Thanks!!🙂
Thanks for your recommendations regarding studying. I’m just studying now for the ITF + to begin. But I will be using your recommendations when I do my A+ exam prep
Good luck! Thanks for watching.
Thank you for your videos.
Congrats on the pass!
Thanks!
Don't stop studying buddy. It's a lifetime study. My mistake was when the time i start making a lot of money i just stop studying. I figured i could've made more 2-3x more money by getting the best cert(CISSP)
What's stopping you? Study up and get that cert.
@@joshua-sd5or Thats what im doing right now. I just discovered comptia cert path 3months ago and i already finished a+ and net+. working on sec+ now. then maybe a year from now i can do CISSP.
Making the effort to start my journey now..started, aimlessly and lost hope..realized I needed the career change and to just take a leap of faith, with a plan..so starting with A+..using material from Messer/a total Seminars/Jason Dion..your video was very encouraging to this journey l that I’m planning to to mark on..
Love to hear this. Good luck and I'd love to hear an update soon!
I don’t know if you’ve heard it enough but congratulations, it takes a lot of dedication. And to whoever hasn’t passed yet we got this 🥳
Really helpful video. Thank you
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
very informative great job!!!!!!
Thanks!
Great video and thanks for sharing inspiration that's what you are😊
Thanks for the kind words and thank your for watching!
I’m a Veteran and 41 years old. I find it challenging studying for the A+. Particularly because in the practice quiets after each lesson in CertMaster, they pull certain details that are not so surface level. I’ve been using Jason Dion, and CertMaster. I think CertMaster is not that good of a source but it is my understanding that they pull questions from so I am trying to use the videos as a base and zero in with the CertMaster but I am going to try your method. I have not worked in IT. I work security and have worked surveillance where they let me do so me IT stuff but I’m definitely going to stretch the resume and add things to help me land a job that are entry level related. Once I pass the A+ I hop to start applying to jobs.
Thank you for this info
Great video 👍
Thanks for sharing!
Take care everyone!
Thank you for watching!
Thanks , currently trying to get my A+ and Network+ as well
He's one of the boys now 🍻
Thank you 🙏🏾
Congrats on the certificate!
Thank you!!
Thank you for the video! Is this a good first certification? Or would you suggest getting the CCNA first?
I've fully studied for the core 1 and feel mostly prepared for it, I just feel a little scared over the failure of it. I'm going for it on the 9th of February, I've had enough time to study I just gotta go for it now!
That’s a natural feeling and in my case I always feel that way no matter how prepared I think I am. Go for it and good luck!!
@@TheNerdyCodex I just came back to this post to let everyone know I passed! Now onto studying for the 1102 👍🏾
@@EricSamaNYC Congrats!!
Im in the process of take Jason Dion's Udemy Core 1.. I will be watching more of Professor Messer!
just starting to study for the a+ appreciate the video any updates with your career journey etc? would love to see some new vids bro
very motivational tips
Great video
hey man!
did you take notes while studying or did you just watch the videos? I feel like I remember stuff when I write it down and highlight it and what not. In total how much time did it take you to finish core 1? What about core 2? Jason Dion's 220-110 is 200 videos long! I am barely in video #50. Thank you again!
wow this awesome video
Thanks!
I passed my A+ it was a lot of work from me only being a gamer and not really digging deep until I decide to get certified my best advice get the objective study each and every one and check them off I spent a lot of hours I’m on to CCNA and I’m afraid because I don’t have the time I had with my A
Thank you for the info man. Having trouble finding a decent job rn after getting my Bachelor's in IS. My school had a pretty poor program , but I was limited to what schools I could go to on my GI Bill. In any case, I realized alot of the jobs I'm applying for want this cert, whether it be analyst positions, IT positions, or developer positions. Figured I might use all this down time I spend searching for a job doing something that will increase my odds. Currently using IBM's prep course on Coursera. Do you have any info on how the Core exams are administered online?
Kudos to you for continuing to gain knowledge and putting in the effort for yourself! The online version of the A+ exams are done through PearsonVue’s OnVue proctoring service. As far as proctors go, not the worst experience but they can be picky about you just casually moving and accidentally going off frame. So just make sure you are following their rules and staying in the camera view and you will be fine. What you will do is just schedule the exam on CompTIA’s website as normal and then choose the online version. Then you will be able to see the scheduled exam in your account and go from there.
I currently work for a college IT department as a temp through a temp agency iv been here since October last year so for about 8 months, The college is suppose to be doing budget reviews to see IF they will hire the temps which I really doubt. I like it here a lot and since I started I graduated from the same college I work at with my associates degree in IT and now studying for my A+.. I really like the benefits they offer full time employs but if i don't get a permanent spot here well I don't get the benefits sadly. I'm thinking after I find out what they plan on doing if I don't get hired ima start looking somewhere else.
Hoping to pass this soon! I'm a personal trainer looking to change career, but I'm a little worried that people will be put off by the fact I haven't had a corporate/IT job before.
I definitely get your concern; I made a similar switch from a non-IT background. The people skills you’ve developed as a personal trainer would be a huge asset to you in IT, though. It’s not all about the technical aspects and honestly showing those communication and problem solving soft skills are really helpful to getting into the field in my experience. Getting the certs you want and demonstrating a desire to learn go a long way when you combine it with those soft skills.
i live in Washington state and just found out i have access from my state and county library to udemy and gmetrix for a+ im starting to study now but even if your not in it you might have access to paid study material its worth looking if maybe your library has a program
Hello I’m currently stuck on the lab#4 for the data+ course the instructions on this one are confusing me
What helped me was professor messers comprehensive notes and practice exams bundle he sells. It’s $50 but honestly it was so worth it. It helped me gauge how ready I was for the actual exam. I’m currently studying for core 2 and enjoy his material. What’s your opinion on Mike Meyer’s on Udemy?
I personally have not used Mike Meyers material but I’ve heard great things about it.
ive been studying/slacking off for so long to take these exams. Tried out itprotv courses which are great and has practice labs and flashcards/practice test. I think I'm just scared to move any further. I'd like to say I'm not ready for it but also want to just set up a deadline for it so I can force my self to go on and pass it already or fail.
Totally get what you mean about this. I struggled a lot with this with every single one of the certification exams that I’ve taken. No matter how methodical or organized I was I always felt as if I wasn’t ready, but what I found is that taking a chance can pay off as a lot of times the only thing that was holding me back from passing was my own doubt. you’ve got this, do your due diligence to study as much as you can but don’t overthink (I know, easier said than done but when, not if, you pass, you’ll be glad you went for it!) Good luck!!
@@TheNerdyCodex yeah I'm going to lock in the date for actually taking the exam because I know I'm well informed with the all the objectives and have had hands on with my mini home labs / virtual labs. As soon as I get some more consistent higher scores on professor Messers practice exam I should be set
I just got Dions courses 1 and 2 for 10 bucks each on sale, sales over now I think.
hello brother , happy to hear you completed the certifications. I am interested in getting my A+ and the other certifications . Where did you get them from and how long it took for you to get them. I am also working full time job .
I attend WGU and the certs are part of the program. It took me roughly 1 month to achieve A+, 4-5 months of on and off studying for Net+, and a few months for Security+, also on and off.
How many skills in cybersecurity would you recommend before learning about AI?
Im doing a course with a teacher online but im struggling with taking it all in
How long do you have to take exam & how many questions?
I'm having a hard time finding ways to study, can you drop some Quizlet studies I can use for comptia A+?
how is your first IT job going? Im trying to make a career change from healthcare to IT. I'm scared of taking a paycut for a helpdesk role. I guess I'm just wondering how you feel in terms of your potential to get promoted and move on from help desk? I don't want to fail and end up stuck in help desk forever
To get out of helpdesk you just need helpdesk experience + your Network+ and possibility ccna.
Would you recommend study mostly with professor Messer and Jason Dion? Do you think them two would be enough to pass Comptia A+?
I wouldn't only rely on Professor Messer and Dion. I would take advantage of Certmaster, if possible, to also practice PBQs. If you have a solid understanding of most concepts and technologies covered in the objectives and do reasonably well on the PBQs you will have no issues passing the A+ exams. Use logic and existing knowledge to eliminate less likely answers and make your best guess on the tougher questions.
Im using a learning platform now with a platform called learning people. And im scoring 90% on there mock tests of a total of 377 questions. Do you think that will be enough to go on and pass the exam? According to the platform they think thats enough but im not sure.
Any advice would be great.
Passing with 90% is a good indicator. If you feel pretty comfortable with most of the material under each of the objectives you should be good to take the exam. My advice is just make sure you practice PBQs and I personally always save them for the end of the exam.
certmaster learn is a little steep eh ?
Mike Meyers is the leading authority on the A+
I personally have never used his material but I’ve definitely heard a lot of great things.
jason dion or mike meyers
Ok, 10-15 hours a week. My struggle is what do I do in those study sessions? What’s the most effective way to learn this stuff?
Everyone learns differently, but what I found to be most effective personally was focusing on one major objective per study session, watching the relevant video resources and reading as well as working on flashcards, doing PBQs… it was largely based on where I felt I was at with comprehension. Sometimes my sessions were cut short due to life but that was my main strategy.
Thank you for your question, I realize I should have included this in the video!
After you finishes a+ was network and sec + that much harder?
I would say Net+ was definitely a much more dense exam, though I went into it with 0 prior experience. The difference between Net+ and Sec+ was not as drastic. There are still many networking concepts covered in the Security+ exam, so the knowledge I gained from Net+ helped a lot in getting the Sec+.
Did COMPTIA bestowed upon you the 'CompTIA Operations Specialist certification' when you passed your A+ and Network+. I heard they do that, so I just want to know if that's correct, please?
Yes that is true, I immediately received it after I passed Net and they posted my certification.
I been studying for the A+ for like 3 years now because I have a lot of distractions in my life.but took the core 1 but didn’t really study that much and I failed.one the things I couldn’t understand was the pbqs in the exam how did you cope with your pbqs and if you have a technique? And took the exam in person or home? Which one is better?
What I did was go through each one in the Certmaster material and tried to complete as much of them as possible before consulting videos or reading. I also watched other CZcams videos going through PBQs. As for how I took the exam I took core 1 at a test center and the test of my exams at home. I just found it more convenient.
I'm really nervous about this test. What is your degree in? Do you think it helped a lot to understand the material for these tests?
Bachelors in Information Technology. To be honest, I feel like I learned the most from studying for these CompTIA exams more than any of the other classes in my program. A degree is definitely not required or even really necessary but getting some certs and soaking up as much knowledge as possible in the study process is incredibly valuable.
How many weeks did you study for each exam? I passed 1101 but 1102 seems like more information.
Congrats on 1101!! I studied for each one for about 2 weeks. Core 1 - 14 days exactly and 15 days for the Core 2. Core 2 was definitely more of a challenge for me personally but it helps a lot to download a physical copy of the exam objectives and keep notes on areas where you notice you need to focus more on. Good luck on your Core 2!!
Thanks
I got my part one certificate from Alison and currently on part 2. Only a feeble mind will wander back.
Congrats!!
What flash cards did you use? Are they available to the public?
I used a lot of Quizlet cards and also made my own physically, based on the exam objectives.
Hey man, so you didn't do much reading? Mostly watched videos?
I primarily watched videos to get the broad overview of info and used the Certmaster reading material, along with the other materials I mentioned, to fill in the gaps. I used a lot of flashcards and wrote physical notes alongside the exam objectives to stay on track and to keep my study sessions structured. Most of my more focused study sessions were dedicated to flash cards, PBQs, and taking notes from various sources.
What do you think about cybrary? I have been doing comptia there. Got a few certs and can't find a job, but i am still continuing my certs and not quitting. Been rejected to all IT opportunities, ut thats bot going to stop me.
It can be tough because of the ATS but you will break in. I’ve never used cybrary personally. Keep up the hard work!!
Yea learned about the ATS and thank you for recommending professor Messer. I learned about resumes and howbthey are generated to pick out skills. Applied to a computer store that seems interested and get that experience there. Keep making content bro
Hi Codex, congrats on the A+ and your first video! I just began studying last week, but I am a little conerned: I am a somewhat religious CompTIA subreddit reader, and a lot of them tell horror stories on how the test gaslights you into choosing the wrong answer, and how a lot of the questions mess people up. A lot of people also complain about the PBQ's. Care to comment? How similar would you say Dion's tests are to the real thing?
Dion’s tests are pretty similar in how the questions are framed/worded. I definitely think they do a good job covering the objectives and using logical questions that will test your knowledge, but I would say the Certmaster assessments are probably the closest you can get to simulating the actual test questions. It is true that the way the questions are worded can be tricky sometimes, but having a solid knowledge of the material will help you rule out at least one or two options and from there you can make your best guess if you are still hung up between a couple of options. That’s the strategy I adopted and it seemed to work for me. As for the PBQs, I have mixed feelings about them- the A+ ones were pretty similar to the Certmaster practice PBQs. They can seem kind of esoteric sometimes and you may have to read between the lines a little so I say definitely save the PBQs for last and knock out the multiple choice first, then revisit and dedicate a bit more time with peace of mind that you have everything else done so you can apply more critical thinking for the PBQs. Study, get a good foundation of knowledge on all the objectives but try not to overthink too much. You will, like many others, pass. Good luck!
This was super helpful, thanks man!
Bloody failed it for the second time now
Don't let it get to you, I failed the Network+ twice - keep pushing yourself and studying and you will get it like many others have.
Where can i buy physical flash cards
Personally I bought a set or two from Walmart and created them myself. I had someone help me to speed up the process though. I know you can also print ANKI cards as well.
you don't have any affiliate links for udemy
Unfortunately I do not, but I plan to provide those in the future!
Thanks man. I’m hoping to get this done in 10 days. Hopefully that’s attainable with a 5 hour study session per day.
You got this! I think that is totally attainable.
Would you say someone can pass the exam solely by watching Messer’s videos? I’ve been going over the material on certmaster and find it hard to keep on reading as it’s a lot.
I totally resonate with that. It is a lot of material to read and if you are more audio-visual like me, the videos can be a lot more digestible. For me, reading to fill in the blanks and gray areas works best to solidify the material.
At the very least I would go on examtopics to see the types of questions you'll be facing on the test. The answers are identical if not the exact same questions you'll be facing on the exam. I'm not advocating for just memorizing answers, but it will at least give you an idea of what you'll face. The PBQs are also the same that you'll get on it. (Bare in mind the questions on the exam are random and you could get 3-5 pbq's.)
With no experience/background in IT or anything related (fresh out of high school) is the A+ a good place to start?
100% in my experience it was probably the most helpful certification to break in.
Yes A+ is like the bare minimum to get into IT. almost everyone gets the A+. study up for it and get it, it's not a hard exam you just have to put some work and effort in.
Dude where do I go to take test. I live out in the middle of nowhere
Can take it remotely
You can also take it remotely through OnVue. Just schedule the exam on CompTIA's website and choose the online option.
@@TheNerdyCodex ohh nice dude ! Yeah that’s bad ass
@@TheNerdyCodex yeah dude studying today, not sure why I’m doing this lol, I’m actually a web developer, but wanna learn IT in general… because another skill set is smart to have. You never wanna stay stagnate in the tech field or you will get left behind
I hope I can pass
You will pass just as many others have and will continue to. Believe in yourself, put in the study time and you’ll be glad you did.
@@TheNerdyCodex thank you for the motivation
hello, how long did you prepare for comptia ++a exam?
Personally, it took me about a month overall. 2 weeks of studying for each Core.
How many hours per week would you be busy?@@TheNerdyCodex
you got all three in one year?! you're smart already, or had great resources, or knew the material already.
Thanks for the comment! I really appreciate it. Honestly, it wasn’t just about being smart or having prior knowledge. Network+ was particularly tough for me and required a lot more time and effort. Transitioning out of a warehouse job and into an IT career was a big goal for me and it motivated me a lot to dedicate time towards studying and gaining new skills. Of course, having the resources from WGU and family support along the way definitely helped.😊
Where do you actually take the Comptia A+ exam??
Do I search by state
Is there a website?
I search but have not found exactly where.
You can buy an exam voucher directly from CompTIA's website, but I would recommend buying one from Dion Training at a discounted price. I'm sure there are others that I'm not thinking of. I paid for mine through my college tuition as A+ is part of the program I am studying. Once you purchase a voucher, you can schedule the exam on CompTIA's website and choose an on-site option at a local testing center or online via PearsonVue's proctoring service.
@@TheNerdyCodex
Thank you for responding
How much is the test or give a range estimate?
Is the test 90 questions each?
Is the test time 1hr 30min or 2hrs?
That’s all the questions I have
@@allstardumbazz4773 The exam currently costs around $246 USD per part (a little bit less if you purchase a discounted voucher from a third party like Dion Training). Each Core has a maximum of 90 questions (you can have less but not more, and this is usually based on how many PBQs you have). You get 90 minutes for each exam.
@@TheNerdyCodex thank you very much for your helpful responses
Thanj you guys wish i seen this beforeci dropped 20,000 at My computer carrer TO BASICALLY SELF STUDY -_-
How long did it take to pass cause me I have two jobs and when I start study I start to fall asleep
It took me roughly 2 weeks to study for each exam. A month overall. But take as much time as you need that balances with your work schedule for sure
@@TheNerdyCodex it’s crazy cause I took a class in 2016 and pass the pc pro test out online certification and it almost the same as comptia and when I try to apply no one would give me a chance but other people got the chance to get a job with out any certification but let them know they are studying
so have you done 4 years in college? or just study for the A+
I started a Bachelor’s in IT at Western Governors University in February of last year. A+ was one of my first “classes”. I’m set to graduate this year but I transferred in all my general studies credits from my previous college.
Was it easy getting a job afterwards?
It took a bit of searching and refining my resume, but I did not start really applying to IT jobs until about the start of July of last year. I ended up in my first entry level contract role in August. My advice is get feedback on your resume, make sure to tailor it to the job you’re applying for, and keep sending applications.
are you attending WGU too bro?
Yep, I’m in the BSIT.
Me one quatermester off for my bachelors degree in software engineering and looking to get the A+. kekw
What a joke isn't it guys
I'm in school right now for A+ and then next semester is Security+. I started with absolutely zero knowledge of IT. Its tough.. a lot of information dumps to memorize and I'm about 6 weeks away from taking both 1 and 2 exams and REALLY nervous.