The CompTIA A+is typically the first IT certification that people pursue. Myself, I chose to do things backwards. I got the highest level of the initial trio of certifications first, Security+. I initially chose to get this one in hopes that it would help me with the job hunt after graduating. I did not intend to go after A+ and Network+. I just wanted to familiarize myself with the knowledge required for those exams.
However, I have stayed at the same job for a while now and this job with the addition of some required classes taken will allow me to take many certification exams for free or at a discount. With that being said, I chose to go get A+ and Network+ since all it cost me is a little bit of time.
I used roughly the same process that I used for Security+ but not as rigorous. I once again purchased the course and practice exams from Jason Dion on Udemy. This will be a resource that I use for most certifications pursue because he does a great job at teaching the material.
Another resource I find invaluable is Professor Messer’s practice exams. I think practice exams are the best resource you can use for preparing for these exams.
The A+ certification consists of two tests, once you pass both of them, you will become A+ certified. The first exam known as Core 1, mainly consists of hardware. Most of this information, I am comfortable with. I went through the Jason Dion course, and like with Security+ I did the practice exams at the end.
Once Again, I did not look at the answers that way in the event that I did not pass I could still use those tests. I did pretty well on those and then the last few nights before the actual exam, I did the Professor Messer exams.
I did fairly well on those as well so I took the exam in October and passed. I survived that battle. I went home that night after my exam and began to prepare for the second exam, Core 2.
Core 2 is a much bigger exam. The process I used for this exam is the same as the first two but I underestimated the amount of information that is covered in Core 2. Core 2 covers everything else related to IT other than hardware.
Just for reference, the Core 1 course on Udemy, was 25 hours. The Core 2 course was 36 hours. I had the exam scheduled for the last possible Thursday before the school closed for winter break. I had to rush to complete that course and be ready for the exam date.
I did the same thing as I did for Core 1, finished the course, did Dion’s practice exams and then Messer’s exams right before the exam. I took the test in mid December, I passed this exam as well by a small margin.
I am now A+ certified. Again, I took this exam because all it cost me was the time I spent studying which was a significant amount of time actually.
This is a kind of off the wall post. I just felt like sharing my experience with this certification. It pads the resume and instead of saying I am familiar with A+ concepts, this exam proves that.
The next one I am working on is Network+ and I am currently working on this one. I have slowed way down on studying for these exams due to being burnt out on this material.
This is just my experience. I thought the Core 1 exam was relatively easy. Core 2 on the other hand was a bit more difficult and I had some confusing questions. Some other questions were poorly worded and felt like they were written by a rough ChatGPT.
Either way I passed. I am now A+ certified. If nothing else this post may help someone find resources to use and help them pass.
That is all I have for now.