CompTIA A+ is the entry-level IT certification that verifies hardware troubleshooting, operating system, and networking fundamentals. The right training course makes the difference between spending six months preparing and passing in two. The five options below are selected for content depth, practice test quality, and how well they cover the current 220-1101 and 220-1102 exam objectives.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Professor Messer A+ Course | Budget self-study | 4.7/5 |
| Mike Meyers A+ Udemy Course | Video learners on a budget | 4.8/5 |
| CompTIA CertMaster Learn | Official adaptive learning | 4.5/5 |
| Jason Dion Udemy Course | Practice test depth | 4.6/5 |
| Total Seminars Mike Meyers Book | Print study companion | 4.7/5 |
Professor Messer A+ Training Course - Best Free CompTIA A+ Resource
Professor Messer’s CompTIA A+ course covers every exam objective with concise video segments averaging 5 to 10 minutes each. The free version on his website covers both Core 1 and Core 2 in full. Paid study groups unlock practice exams and note sheets, which significantly raise the value for a modest cost. The explanations are clear and exam-focused without excessive filler. For candidates on a tight budget who are disciplined enough to study independently, this is the strongest free A+ resource available and competes directly with paid alternatives on content quality.
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Mike Meyers CompTIA A+ Core Study Course - Best Udemy Video Course
Mike Meyers has been writing CompTIA A+ training material since the certification’s early years and his Udemy courses reflect that depth. The video series includes hundreds of hours of content with physical hardware demonstrations, lab simulations, and exam tip segments built in throughout. The pacing suits complete beginners with no prior PC experience while still being efficient enough that IT professionals refreshing their certification do not feel patronized. Udemy sales bring the price well regularly. Combine with his All-in-One A+ book for a comprehensive print and video study combination.
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CompTIA CertMaster Learn - Best Official A+ Training Platform
CertMaster Learn is CompTIA’s first-party adaptive learning platform, which means it is built directly around the official exam objectives and adjusts content based on assessment performance. Lessons include reading material, embedded questions, and performance-based activities that mirror the hands on question types in the actual exam. The dashboard shows objective-by-objective progress, which is useful for targeting weak areas in the weeks before the exam. It is substantially more expensive than third-party Udemy courses but is the closest available training to the actual exam format. Worth considering if you want an officially sanctioned study path.
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Jason Dion CompTIA A+ Practice Tests - Best Practice Exam Focus
Jason Dion’s Udemy A+ courses emphasize practice test volume and explanation quality, with hundreds of domain-specific and full-length practice questions covering both 220-1101 and 220-1102 objectives. Each wrong answer includes a detailed explanation of why it is wrong and why the correct answer is right. This is one of the more effective ways to identify knowledge gaps in the final weeks before the exam. For candidates who have already watched a video course and want to shift focus to test-taking practice, Dion’s material is a focused supplement that pairs well with any primary video resource.
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Mike Meyers CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide - Best Print Study Book
The Mike Meyers All-in-One Certification Exam Guide for CompTIA A+ covers both Core 1 and Core 2 objectives in a single volume with detailed chapters, chapter-end review questions, and a practice exam engine. The writing style prioritizes practical understanding over memorization, explaining how components work before covering what to remember for the exam. It is the most widely recommended print resource for A+ candidates and works well as a standalone study guide or as a companion to a video course. Updated editions track current exam objective versions, so confirm the edition matches the current 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams before purchasing.
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How to Choose a CompTIA A+ Training Course
Start by identifying how you learn most effectively. Video learners do well with Udemy-based courses from Meyers or Dion. Readers who prefer structured text benefit from the All-in-One book. Candidates who want adaptive feedback should consider CertMaster. Budget is a real factor: the free Professor Messer content is genuinely sufficient if you add paid practice exams. Prioritize any course that includes practice tests as a component, since the A+ exam includes performance-based questions that require applying knowledge, not just recognizing answers. Check that the course explicitly covers the current exam version numbers before purchasing.
For related reading, see best CompTIA Network+ study guides and best CompTIA certifications for beginners. Review our evaluation criteria at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam?+
Most candidates with little prior IT experience spend 60 to 120 hours of study before attempting the exam. Someone with hands on hardware and troubleshooting experience can cut that down to 30 to 50 hours. A structured course with practice exams is more efficient than unguided reading. Spreading study over 8 to 12 weeks at roughly one hour per day is a practical pace for working adults who are studying part-time.
Do I need to pass both CompTIA A+ exams to get certified?+
Yes. CompTIA A+ certification requires passing both the Core 1 exam (220-1101) covering hardware and networking, and the Core 2 exam (220-1102) covering operating systems and security. They can be taken in any order. Most candidates take Core 1 first since it covers more foundational hardware topics. Both vouchers are purchased separately. Passing only one exam does not result in certification.