The Best Free and Paid Study Resources for A+

Preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam can feel overwhelming, but with the right study resources, you can pass with confidence. Whether you're looking for free materials or premium courses, this guide will help you find the best options to suit your learning style and budget.

Best Free Resources

1. Professor Messer’s Free Video Course

Professor Messer is one of the most well-known names in IT certification training. His entire CompTIA A+ course is available for free on YouTube, covering all exam objectives in a clear, easy-to-follow format. I have personally used these and contribute my exam success to his materials.

✔ Pros: Completely free, high-quality, and well-structured
✔ Best For: Video learners who prefer structured content with no cost

2. CompTIA Exam Objectives & Study Guides

CompTIA provides official exam objectives that outline exactly what you need to know. You can download them directly from the top of this page, or at comptia.org, where the latest objectives are always available. Many free community-created study guides are also available online.

✔ Pros: Directly from CompTIA, great for making a study plan
✔ Best For: Anyone who wants to ensure full exam coverage

3. Free Practice Questions & Quizzes

Websites like ExamCompass(Has a ton of ADS) and CertBlaster offer free A+ practice quizzes to test your knowledge. While these don’t replace full-length practice exams, they are great for quick assessments.

✔ Pros: Free way to reinforce concepts
✔ Best For: Quick knowledge checks

4. Reddit & Online Study Groups

The r/CompTIA subreddit and Discord communities are great places to ask questions, get study advice, and learn from those who have already passed the exam.

✔ Pros: Real-world insights, peer support
✔ Best For: Getting motivation and study tips from other students

Best Paid Resources

1. Professor Messer’s Course Notes & Study Materials

While his videos are free, Professor Messer also sells high-quality study notes, practice exams, and study groups that reinforce key concepts. As stated above, I have personally used these and contribute my exam success to his materials.

💰 Cost: Around $20–$40 per section
✔ Best For: People who want additional reinforcement alongside free videos

2. Jason Dion’s Practice Exams

Jason Dion is well-known for his realistic A+ practice exams that closely match the style and difficulty of the actual test. His courses are available on Udemy and are often on sale for under $20.

💰 Cost: $15–$30 (often discounted on Udemy)
✔ Best For: Those who want to experience realistic exam questions before test day

3. Mike Meyers’ A+ All-in-One Guide

Mike Meyers' A+ book is a comprehensive resource covering every exam topic in-depth. If you like to read, this is one of the best study books available.

💰 Cost: $30–$50
✔ Best For: Those who prefer a detailed, textbook-style resource

4. CompTIA CertMaster Learn & Labs

CompTIA’s official CertMaster Learn and Labs provide interactive lessons and hands-on simulations. It’s on the pricier side but offers an official, structured study plan. Honestly, I do not like CertMaster, but a lot of people do so I thought it should be on here. I feel like I got a lot more out of individual trainers than I did from doing CertMaster.

💰 Cost: $150–$300
✔ Best For: Those who prefer interactive learning and official materials

Which Resource is Best for You?

If you prefer free content, start with Professor Messer’s YouTube videos and supplement with free quizzes and study guides. If you want paid resources, investing in Professor Messer’s notes, Jason Dion’s practice exams, and Mike Meyers’ book gives you a solid foundation without breaking the bank.

By using a mix of these resources, you can create a personalized study plan that fits your learning style and budget. Good luck on your CompTIA A+ certification journey!

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