CompTIA A+ Study Resources

A+ Resources

While studying for CompTIA certification exams, I listened to countless others give recommendations for the “best” study material. The biggest complaint was always that information wasn’t all in one place. Hopefully, this list can help, by consolidating some of the most-used “best” resources in one place.

The recommendations below come from students studying for the exams, people who have already passed the exams, professional educators, and an array of current IT professionals. Materials I personally used are highlighted in blue. This page is a work in progress and will continue to grow. If you have suggestions for additions or corrections, please list those in the comment section.

*The resources listed here are suggestions only, and have no implied guarantee of their future availability or suitability to your individual circumstances.

For questions not answered here, please see my CompTIA A+ FAQ page

Objectives

If you haven’t downloaded the objectives for the CompTIA 220-801 and 220-802 yet, stop. Download those now. There is no sense in going through coursework, books, apps, etc., and wondering what will be on the test. That is the purpose of the objectives. Download them now: CompTIA A+ Objectives

Video Courses

For video courses, I can only recommend one:

http://www.professormesser.com/

Study Guides

Professor Messer’s CompTIA A+ 220-801 PDF Study Guide“The CompTIA 220-801 A+ exam is a comprehensive test, with content that include hardware interfaces, drive arrays, network technologies, and much more. In my videos, I’ve included pictures, tables, documentation, and other details that are important study details for the exam. I’ve taken all of those charts, pictures, and tables and added them to this comprehensive 9-page PDF guide.”

Professor Messer’s CompTIA A+ 220-802 PDF Study Guide“The CompTIA 220-802 A+ exam focuses on the Windows operating systems, security issues, and troubleshooting procedures. The 220-802 exam requires a detailed knowledge of OS requirements, command line options, and printer operations. I’ve included all of this information in my comprehensive 12-page 220-802 PDF study guide.”

Books

Whatever other resources you use, most people recommend a good book. Those below are often recommended.

Description	Paperback	Kindle / eBook
Unique to gtslearning, this title is fully integrated with Professor Messer’s video training, linked from the content through QR codes and shortlinks. Complete with supporting web site resources and approved as CompTIA CAQC Official, this book from gtslearning is the only A+ book you will need!		IT Career Fast Track with CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 by GTS Learning
David L. Prowse is an author, computer network specialist, and technical trainer, who has authored several titles for Pearson Education. He has taught CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certification courses in the classroom and via the Internet and runs www.davidlprowse.com, where he answers questions from students and readers.
CompTIA A+ 220-801 & 220-802 Authorized Practice Questions complements any A+ study plan with 700 practice test questions in the book and on the CD – all supported by complete explanations of every answer.
Mike Meyers is one of the industry’s leading authorities on CompTIA A+ certification and the bestselling author of seven editions of CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide. He is the president of founder of Total Seminars, LLC, a major provider of PC and network repair seminars for thousands of organizations throughout the world, and a member of CompTIA.	Hardback, only

Thoroughly revised and updated for Exams 220-801 & 220-802, this CompTIA-Authorized prep guide covers all exam objectives. Packed with real-world examples and written by an expert author team, this book prepares any A+ candidate for the challenging exams.
Revised and updated, this new book offers all the value of the regular study guide, but also includes a CD with eight practice exams, twice as many electronic flashcards, over an hour of author-led instructional videos on key topics, and the entire book in three different e-book formats.	Hardback, only
Unlike other providers who rush to produce a single course on a subject, Safari draws from the best training courses, ebooks, and conferences to bring together the richest collection available.	Get instant access to thousands of books & videos for technology, creative, & business professionals from the world’s most trusted experts.

The choice of book is really up to you and your individual learning style. If you enjoy a more laid-back, chit-chatty style, Mike Meyers might be the one for you. For those who like for things to get right to the point, the Exam Cram book might be a great choice. For those who are near the end of their studies and just want to see where they stand with some practice questions, the Exam Cram Practice Questions book might be exactly what you are looking for.

Most of these can be previewed at Amazon.com. Use that preview to consider which writing style will work best for you.

Apps

Title	Their Description	Our Notes	Cost*	iPhone	Android
CompTIA SuperBundle by Upward Mobility	“…Study Mode, for the user to work at his/her own pace,as well as a Test Mode, where the user can set number of questions and/or time constraints. Each question/answer includes a Key Takeaway, to reinforce core concepts.”	This App also requires a note of caution:Many of us found several incorrect answers. However, most felt that the material was so superior to other apps, that these could be overlooked.	$9.99	√	√
CompTIA A+ 801 Exam Prep by Upward Mobility		Includes a free “test drive” through Amazon	$6.99		√
CompTIA A+ 801/802 Exam Prep Bundle by Upward Mobility	“…with 544 questions and explanations… written by a CompTIA-certified trainer.”	Includes a free “test drive” through Amazon	$9.99		√
*In the table above, “Cost” is an approximation, only, and shall not be a guarantee.

Flash Cards

	“Try it in 60 seconds. Sample study sets created by people like you.”
	“Friendly, intelligent flash cards. Remembering things just became much easier.”