How To Study For Your CompTIA A+ Exam

Considering a career in IT? If so, one of the most important credentials you’ll need to earn will be your CompTIA A+. Widely recognized and sought after by employers throughout the IT industry, CompTIA A+ certification validates proficiency in a range of critical areas, including hardware, operating systems, software troubleshooting, networking, security, mobile devices, virtualization and cloud computing, operational procedures, and more.

To earn your CompTIA A+ credential, you must pass two separate exams:

• CompTIA A+ 220-1201 – This exam covers topics including mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing.
• CompTIA A+ 220-1202 – This exam covers topics including operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures.

Proper studying and exam preparation are key to becoming CompTIA A+ certified. Fortunately, there is a wide range of resources available to help you succeed. In this post, we’ve provided an overview of some of the most popular as well as some actionable exam preparation tips:

Key Takeaways

• The CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized credential for IT professionals that validates proficiency in areas including hardware, operating systems, software troubleshooting, operational procedures, and more.
• To become CompTIA A+ certified, individuals must pass two core exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202).
• Preparing for the CompTIA A+ can be done formally through CompTIA’s online training program, CertMaster, or by enrolling in a CompTIA A+ course.
• CompTIA A+ candidates may also find it helpful to join study groups, write practice exams, and create personalized study resources tailored to their needs.
• Robertson College’s Computer Support Technician Diploma Program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to earn CompTIA A+ certification.

Preparing For Comp TIA A+

Tackling the task of studying for major exams, such as the CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, can feel fundamentally overwhelming. Where to begin?

Though it may sound simple, following the three steps below can give you a clear starting point and help you to hone in on specific topics and knowledge that may require extra attention in your study process:

1. Learn what’s going to be expected of you.
2. Find any knowledge gaps between what you know and what’s expected.
3. Learn how to close those gaps.

Let’s take a closer look:

Learn What’s Going To Be Expected Of You

They say the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t, so get familiar with the CompTIA A+. You’ve got to start somewhere, so why not invest some time gaining a comprehensive understanding of each of the two exams and reduce the prospect of unexpected surprises along the way?

Knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect will help you to gain a bird’s-eye view of the CompTIA A+ and allow you to begin creating a road map (or should we say study guide) for success.

Action Plan:

• Explore the CompTIA A+ exam objectives.
• Peruse CompTIA A+ study guides (Hint: Start with the table of contents).
• Spend time on online forums or social media sites where people who have successfully written the exam have shared their experiences.
• Set up virtual or in-person meetings with one or more individuals who have successfully earned their CompTIA A+ credential.

Find Any Knowledge Gaps Between What You Know And What’s Expected

At this stage, it’s critical to be honest with yourself; this isn’t the moment to gloss over gaps in your knowledge. Make a detailed list of the exam topics and objectives that you’re unfamiliar with or feel uncertain about, and use them as a jumping-off point to guide your studies.

The knowledge, experience, and competencies of each CompTIA A+ candidate are unique. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised to discover that you already feel confident about much of the content you’re expected to know for each exam. On the other end of the spectrum, you may realize that an extensive amount of learning and studying will be required.

Either way, this is your opportunity to acknowledge and clearly identify knowledge gaps and take action accordingly.

Action Plan:

• Create a list of topics and objectives you believe you’ll need to learn or review in detail.

Learn How To Close Those Gaps

You’ve gained an understanding of what will be expected of you during the CompTIA A+ and spent some time identifying gaps in your knowledge. Now it’s time to start closing those gaps.

From formal classes to self-directed learning or hands-on practice, there are many ways to begin building up your knowledge and skills in preparation for passing the CompTIA A+. Read on to explore various study options and consider which approaches you believe will resonate best with your particular learning style.

Action Plan:

• Choose between one and three of the study approaches listed below to kickstart your preparation process for the CompTIA A+.

Formal Ways To Study For Your CompTIA A+ Exam

Prefer a formal approach to exam preparation? Consider one or both of the options below:

CompTIA CertMaster Practice

CompTIA CertMaster is a CompTIA online learning platform designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful certification exam. The platform includes comprehensive lessons and interactive learning opportunities (CertMaster Learn), applied learning in online lab environments (CompTIA Labs), and practice exams (CertMaster Practice).

Take A CompTIA A+ Course

If you prefer to be connected with a human instructor and a community of peers working toward similar goals, consider enrolling in a CompTIA A+ course. At Robertson College, our Computer Support Technician course includes 100 hours of CompTIA A+ certification preparation plus much more.

How To Self-Direct Your Studies For CompTIA A+

Some students learn best through self-directed study. Even if this doesn’t describe you, some of the resources and strategies listed below may be helpful in augmenting a more formal learning approach:

Join An Online Discord Or Study Group

Create your own informal exam prep community by joining one or more Discords (or other social apps) or online forums/study groups dedicated to CompTIA A+ preparation.

Learn The Course Materials First

Explore various CompTIA A+ preparation resources available online and take the opportunity to study each exam objective in depth. Many CompTIA A+ candidates are fans of Professor Messer’s videos.

Use Practice Tests And Exams

Test taking can be stressful. Writing practice core exams can familiarize you with what to expect, help you develop strategic habits, stick to the expected timeline, and identify areas for improvement.

Create Your Own Cheat Sheets

While there is a wealth of study resources available for the CompTIA A+, nothing beats creating your own cheat sheets. Get to the core of the concepts you need the most practice with personalized study notes tailored to your own learning needs.

Learn All Performance-Based Questions

Performance-based questions (PBQs) appear alongside multiple choice questions in both CompTIA A+ core exams and require candidates to apply knowledge and skills in a simulated real-world environment. In addition to bolstering your theoretical knowledge, it is vital to spend time practicing hands-on skills and problem-solving as you prepare to write your exams.

CompTIA A+ Timeline

The length of time it takes to prepare to take the CompTIA A+ core exams can vary significantly depending on the base knowledge and experience of the candidate. CertMaster recommends starting your studies approximately 3 to 6 months in advance of your exam date, but this timeframe could be influenced by several factors, including your prior knowledge, the amount of time you spend studying each day, and how quickly you are able to understand and apply the material you are learning.

How To Take Your CompTIA A+ Exams

You can take the CompTIA A+ core exams online or in person, depending on your preferences. Learn more about exam options here.

Preparing For CompTIA A+ With Robertson

Robertson College is one of the best colleges in Edmonton for CompTIA A+ preparation. To learn more about our School of Technology and how to study for your CompTIA Security+ Exam or other exams, contact a Student Advisor today!