Advice for Conquering the CompTIA A+ Exam

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Advice for Conquering the CompTIA A+ Exam #shorts

[@JoshMadakor]

🖥 Break into IT in ~3 Months with my Hands-On Practical Course! 🖥 coursecareers.com/explore/it/ref/18242/

[@JizzleDaAmplifia]

Hey say Professor Messer first, thats how you KNOW he’s not telling one single lie. He got you covered💯

[@alannabors]

I used Mike Meyers. I liked him better. Taking my core one exam in a week.

[@Ichigoat_Kurosaki15]

@@alannabors did you pass?

[@shaylaboothegoat]

Sybex Comptia A+ practice test book has 1000+ online practice questions.. No need for Anki

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks for the reference! I seriously needed a large source like this lol. Anki is useful for spaced repetition and it can be useful for rote memorization of things like port numbers 👍. Thoughts?

[@GanNing221]

@@JoshMadakor Anki is life

[@shaylaboothegoat]

@@JoshMadakor I agree Key terms and ports; Anki is essential.

[@Troyson04]

Is interesting because I just bought that book yesterday and I just downloaded the online version of it from the code in the book

[@tahntalus]

thanks because i have gone through about 9 exams but after awhile i felt like they were asking the same questions. i say this to say find 1000 questions that covers diverse material because if they are all the same then maybe you will be wasting your time...

[@bellegraves]

i just got certified last month. jason dion's A+ course on udemy is really good, especially if you feel like prof messer is a little fast. personally i watched all of jason dion's videos first because he really teaches the material, and then i utilized prof messer's videos as sort of an audio study guide. jason dion's course has a study guide, and he also has i believe 6 practice exams available (separately). my biggest piece of advice is DO NOT MEMORIZE. you really need to understand this stuff, because comptia is going to throw you every curveball they can to try and confuse you. as long as you understand the objectives and haven't just memorized terms, you'll be fine.

[@Michael-ty2uo]

Was the process of finding a job after certification easy? Ik rn in this economy barely anyone is hiring that’s why I’m considering getting certified

[@veteranmuscle]

Yes! Your method 100% worked for me to pass the 1001. Working on the 1002 now.

[@JoshMadakor]

Sheeesh get it! Thanks for letting me know

[@CTRLd_Environment]

Have you passed 1002? Working on it rn

[@bobbydavis4144]

Personal opinion, A+ is a mostly useless, bloated mess of an exam. Taken both parts and I have used maybe, at most 15% of the material covered throughout the entirety of the exam parts one and two. The parts I have used: networking, security, printers, and cabling. Personally I'd say save yourself the headache and the ridiculous amount of money for an entry level cert and just read over the material but don't take the exam. Instead, focus on a specialty certification like Net+ or Sec+, It's infinitely easier to study and learn a single aspect than trying to regurgitate over a dozen different aspects of a dozen different domains.

[@JoshMadakor]

I agree, the material in and of itself is not that great, but the credential is good for HR/ATS, especially for new people. I'm hoping the Google IT Support Professional cert will "surpass" A+ in terms of Hr popularity. It's slimmed down and delivered really well.

[@sleepii15]

I appreciate your feedback, I am currently in the process of figuring out which Cert I need to obtain. I have been in the IT industry for 5 years now and have knowledge in various areas but no Comptia Certs. Thank you for saving me time and headache.

[@bluesummers5051]

Might be easier to study but the tests are definitely harder. Some of us still don’t know what we want to specialize in and others might not even want a long term career in this. All I want right now is to get my foot inside any general IT job and for that I’m going to need a very general understanding of this field.

[@raulswart2626]

Agreed if you have a solid IT background so if you’re changing careers from something that is not IT related it is definitely a good place to start because you cannot secure what you don’t understand you cannot administer what you don’t understand so..

[@Missesfixit]

I like this advice, I keep getting stuck on trying to understand every single term and I keep going down rabbit holes. Rabbit holes so deep, I've learned about the history of computers, how electrons move in a wire, etc.

[@KevtechITSupport]

Love watching professor messer, Mike meyers, Jason Dion, Techgee. Do what works for you. Figured out your way of learning. You might good with a book. You might work better with a video or doing labs.

[@negan4089]

Bro I didn’t know you watch him too! Two of the goats of the industry

[@steelejames2803]

You’re the reason I’m pursuing my masters in cyber security at WGU. I can’t thank you enough for all of the amazing information!

[@Matheus545]

Same here brother. Best luck!

[@bishopmed]

How is the program going for you?

[@Jes1919]

I bought Jason dion practice tests. I finished mike meyers, and close to finishing professor messer for 1001. Will do the practice tests, and quizlet.

[@Jes1919]

I am not a note taker so prefer this method

[@zarkproductions9612]

Feels great. I just got my A+

[@Joshua89754]

Any tipes and tricks for someone whos is studying for it? (Like myself)

[@zarkproductions9612]

@Joshua89754 Honestly, I watched Professor Messer then watch Jason dion after. Then did his practice tests. My test had 3 pbq. 1 was building a pc for gaming, and no budget was the best of best. Then 1 for an office. Then something with a printer. My test had probably 8 questions on printers. And honestly, I can't remember the rest. I think a few on what cat cable to use or something.

[@Joshua89754]

Thank you so much!

[@troyhubbard50]

How long was the process to pass? To study and take the test, how long did it take you?

[@zarkproductions9612]

@troyhubbard50 I'd say core 2 took like 2 months, and core 1 took me like a month. Note I have no real world experience, but I built a pc and knew a decent amount just from constantly doing stuff on my pc. I studied Messer, then Jason dion.

[@alexkidd4144]

Amen to Anki (or Quizlet). Lifesaver!

[@panther782]

This is stellar advice. I am a skilled test taker and it is god to see that I can use these skills on these exams. I have a PMP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CSM, and working on IIBA-AAC. Also a certified teacher, I use this approach to take all my tests. Though I like to do a practice test to see what areas I need to spend the most time on. Planning to get through some Comptia exams early 2023.

[@GanNing221]

I'm gonna use this same method again for my CySa+ exam, haha.

[@JoshMadakor]

Super lol. Cysa has always been appealing to me. Best of luck with it 👍

[@noechavez4783]

This is literally how i passed mine. Both parts of it.

[@rekt3651]

You're a great instructor! The stress is big real one

[@dallysinghson5569]

Anki has saved my butt many times as I am fairly forgetful...

[@JoshMadakor]

It's actually really, really underrated. I'm going to make a video about it eventually hehe

[@tahntalus]

im skeptical about using it, how do you know if the answers are right if the cards arre made by other people learning the material?

[@98167]

thanks. and thanks for the suggestions 👍🏼

[@zachjones1716]

I have watched a lot of study videos and taken some practice questions. This makes me feel like I'm on the right track, thanks!

[@KasraKlassics]

Just found your channel here! +sub👌 Switching careersto cyber security, I’ve heard that while A+ is mostly for IT and general purposes, if someone has no related experience or degree, it’s a very helpful cert for have. And this is the first time I hear of Anki!! Thank you so much bro!!

[@itzfifson6140]

Thanks ! Doin this rn

[@redsplayhouse2105]

You're a lot of help. Thanks

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate that. I'm glad I could help :)

[@NigelRumpstead]

Cool radio voice, dude.

[@randomperson-de1rs]

This is super helpful!! Thank you.

[@Frenk33]

As a complete beginner, what's better certification to learn: the CompTIA A+ or the CompTIA Network+ ?

[@JoshMadakor]

Imo, def A+ first. Net+ tends to be kind of dry and slightly more difficulty so it’s not a great entry point ^^

[@jackneely9404]

I would second all of this. Agreed that flashcards are great for CompTIA exams. I would just say that instead of aiming at 95%, 85% consistently is a good indicator that you're likely to pass. 95% is a strong indicator that you're very unlikely to fail (overprepared). One addition is if you have access to good Practice Based Questions (you have these through WGU), be sure to do those as well.

[@JoshMadakor]

Thanks for the input, I like how you worded that. "very unlikely to fair" haha. thank you for watching and taking the time as always ^^

[@sonyajay22]

You fine!

[@jasondruskis4912]

Thanks for the good advice

[@martinmedrano]

Can you mention some good places for practice questions for the a+ test. I plan to take it soon so i want to practice.

[@JoshMadakor]

Shoot, check out the comment below, I think he was the a+ sybex book? It has 1k questions apparently

[@iam1591]

I just passed Core 1 and the study questions from Jason Dion on Udemy really helped , just like Josh said I probably did more like over 1500 questions. 6 test each 90 questions done a t least 3 to 4 times each....6 test x 4 times =24 x 90 questions= 2160

[@tahntalus]

@@iam1591 what score did you get on 1101?

[@iam1591]

@@tahntalus I had to look it up since it was a while back, but i got a 742. Good luck and keep it going

[@Kobe005]

Any recommendations on where to find a large bank of prep questions?

[@joejoe2452]

If we had the chance to study at WGU it would help people in poor countries get a better life.

[@Azabov]

Josh goes so hard, he films youtube content in his car. #theman

[@11davethewave]

Or you could learn the material instead of trying to memorize questions so you know pass the exam on the 1st try. Imagine that. WOW 🤯

[@JoshMadakor]

You’re misunderstanding my message which means I need to work on my delivery in the future. I appreciate the feedback

[@11davethewave]

@@JoshMadakor No problem. I still appreciate everything you do for us. 👍

[@_cipriano2282]

solid response!@@JoshMadakor

[@THHatch]

Silly question, but where can you get that 1000 practice exam thingy?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! I'm remaking a much better version of A+ now. Will be making it available soon: joshmadakor.tech/exams

[@tank8610]

Could the Google IT support professional cert prepare you for the CompTIA A plus cert?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey Ryan, there is definitely some overlap, but A+ has a bunch of other random stuff in it, so it will only partially prepare you :P

[@_cipriano2282]

I studied the google tech support fundamentals course and it does cover some stuff from the comptia a+. but this whole thing is its own world it is insane. It is not MUCH, but me trying to understand concepts just leads me to hitting a brick wall then I take time and step away from the course and then try to come back. I am still in like the first core and I really need to put a pep in my step. god I wish it was just a textbook I could study like in college. :(

[@rodneyrogers1319]

Really good advice and insight. Thanks

[@JoshMadakor]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching :)

[@CharlieKelly-ub5qw]

The real question would there be jobs for US. Since AI replace software engineer and software development.

[@eddiemattison7792]

I like your advice :-)

[@KouzyFox]

yup, this is exactly how they have nurse graduates practice for NCLEX Exams

[@acidpoptartz1232]

Can you do a youtube video on google new cyber security certification and tell us the pros and cons and if it it worth getting. Also, if it can land us a job.

[@JacksonLloyd952]

Awesome

[@Master63y]

You are so handsome! ❤ Oh, thanks for sharing 🙂

[@Stasis247]

Should you try to remember as much acronyms, 802.11 standards and cable networking speeds as possible?

[@joebeck0]

Does WGU's BS IT degree have a class/lecture on A+? I see it listed under the certifications for the degree, just curious if it is a class that leads you up to it rather than just giving you a ton of material to study lol. Hope that makes sense haha.

[@2crazybones]

They have a class, I’m taking it now. But it’s not like a lecture or anything. They give you access to comptia study material/ books and that’s what you use to learn

[@animesigma7517]

Where would I get 1000 questions 😭

[@JoshMadakor]

We are making them now! almost finished!

[@Drizzylaflair]

How do you get the practice questions?

[@youngskeamz7270]

I’m stressing out to remember everything

[@JoshMadakor]

There's no need for that :) Just use Anki and let it do the work for you :)

[@youngskeamz7270]

Where can I find Anki?

[@blackswan7568]

Udemy has courses on this as well.

[@CYKG2023]

Hey I’m starting WGU as a single father with 2 full time jobs and to obtain my BS in Software development, I’m in the IT field right now in both jobs I’m working at I was always self-taught in IT areas especially SWE so how should I balance everything out and go from there I have my kids on the weekends but I do have a lot of support from my family to help me with them and I have about 30+ hours for rest and study time each week lol

[@youngskeamz7270]

Where can I learn the practise question

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! There is a bunch all over the internet, but Professor Messer has some, Jason Dion has some good ones, and I know CBT nuggets has some decent practice tests. I heard the Sybex book has about 1000 questions in there as well

[@marcusmcdow3]

Do you think for this alot note taking is unnecessary or should I just watch the videos and focus on doing the practice test

[@sweetliliane]

I feel like professor Messer makes things harder; Dion i better

[@natty8481]

1000 practice and one series of Video! With all due respect my man this is wast of time all I used was Hason Dion’s video and I passed the A+!

[@Mangokyaw]

Im in the military Base.. I cant seem to find any testing center that relates to comptia. Any tips?

[@JoshMadakor]

I might ask WGU’s enrollment counselor, I’m sure they have something setup for you. I know some MOS/NECs requires security+, so there must be some way to take it ^^

[@Nebulaxa]

Hi Josh, Regarding the book “Comptia A+ Certification All in One” from Mike Meyers, should I buy the last edition from 2022? or should be fine previous editions? Thanks!

[@TanksalotPeedy]

How to find those practice question 🤔🤔🤔 any particular site?!

[@alarmsquadnj]

How long should it take to finish the Comptia A+

[@takethepillingodwetrust1510]

Thoughts about an associates in comp sci? Since u went to CC.

[@JoshMadakor]

It's def better than nothing, I would probably finish it off with a BS though. Bachelor's degrees are so attainable these days with schools like WGU and TESU :>

[@snowtear5785]

Being a student with no IT background, I started with google cybersecurity course and have completed it a little less than halfway. Do you recommend I first go for A+ or should I continue doing the course and then take Sec+ exam straight away?

[@schentler]

I already graduated in IT and I do stuff as a hobby think of level1tech and stuff should I take A+?

[@girlgeek01]

Yes

[@snehilsharma7036]

I'm watching mike meyers video series, is it good and is it enough??

[@Fexertt]

1 thousand practice questions PER EXAM

[@yousifmohammed3233]

iam on the edge of getting my Google it support certificate. I don't have any prior experience but I have memorised every single thing in the Google it support certificate and all the labs included. is that enough to land an entry level job? if not what should my next move be?

[@jesseenriquez5875]

Hey Josh, I am a current cybersecurity MS student and have decided the path is like to follow is cybersecurity engineering. What are some certs I should collect before my graduation in April that will bolster my resume.

[@giannig.2991]

Hey man! I’m looking to do the same thing , which certs did you take so far? Thanks

[@prestoplay1508]

Where can i get practice questions?

[@leemcnutt9825]

Can cbtnuggets can help me study for the A+ exam?

[@kirkshammett94]

I’m about to start wgu for software development. Is it worth taking this before starting?

[@WyFyYT]

Hey Josh, what are 3 reasons to pick the Computer Science degree and what are 3 reasons to pick the Software Development degree, both of course from WGU? Thanks in advance!

[@JoshMadakor]

CS Degree: You'll have a stronger foundation for computing It "looks better" You'll gain a deeper understanding of advanced programming topics Softare Development: Finish faster and easier in general More applicable/practical (less theory) Much lower barrier to enter (no calculus required) Thanks for watching / asking :P

[@TheSentsurugi]

Great tips! I'm prepping for a similar CompTIA exam, in your opinion would this method (practice tests, video series) translate over to other exams?

[@JoshMadakor]

Hello! and yes, absolutely! Very astute of you! I made a whole video about this, check it out :) How to pass any IT exam: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn6meYKMedSNn8k

[@BurntToffee755]

The A+ is easy.

[@SolidBusiness]

W video

[@Blackstan-o1k]

Is this cert even useful

[@JoshMadakor]

Yes, lol. it will either A) Teach you something useful, or B) Help you with keyword matching on your resume. kzbin.info/www/bejne/joDbg2qQfNWEic0si=a7wrIQ2dzCruEB54

[@ahmedmustafa10]

Just do s plus

[@ahmedmustafa10]

Rubbish cert