Professor Messer Comptia A+

If you're researching "Professor Messer Comptia A+" to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification, you've landed in the right place. Professor Messer is one of the most trusted and widely used free online resources for IT beginners aiming to pass the CompTIA A+ exams (220-1101 and 220-1102). His comprehensive, easy-to-follow video tutorials have helped hundreds of thousands of students worldwide gain foundational IT knowledge without spending a dime. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Professor Messer’s CompTIA A+ training, including course structure, certification details, pricing, career ROI, and how it compares to paid alternatives. Whether you're a career switcher, recent graduate, or self-taught tech enthusiast, this resource could be your first step toward a successful IT support role.

Who Is Professor Messer and Why Is He So Popular?

Professor Messer, whose real name is Jason Messer, is an IT instructor and certified professional with decades of experience in networking, security, and systems administration. He’s best known for his free, high-quality video training content on YouTube and his website, professor-messer.com, which covers a wide range of CompTIA certifications—including A+, Network+, Security+, and more. What sets Professor Messer apart is his ability to break down complex technical concepts into digestible, engaging lessons. His CompTIA A+ training videos are structured to follow the official exam objectives precisely, making them an ideal study companion. With over 2 million subscribers on YouTube and millions of views per year, his content has become a gold standard in the IT certification community. Students appreciate his calm, clear delivery and the fact that he offers all core content for free. While he does sell practice exams and study guides, the video lectures themselves are 100% free. This accessibility has made him especially popular among self-learners, career changers, and those on tight budgets.

What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry-standard entry-level credential for IT support professionals. It validates foundational knowledge in hardware, software, networking, security, and operational best practices. Offered by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), the A+ is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers a broad range of technologies rather than focusing on one brand or platform. The current version (as of 2023–2024) is CompTIA A+ Core Series: 220-1101 and 220-1102. Each exam covers different domains: - 220-1101: Mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization/cloud, and troubleshooting. - 220-1102: Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Candidates must pass both exams to earn the full certification. Each exam consists of up to 90 questions, including multiple choice and performance-based simulations, and lasts 90 minutes. The passing score is 675 (on a scale of 100–900) for 220-1101 and 705 for 220-1102. The A+ certification is accredited by ANSI and recognized globally, making it a solid first step for anyone pursuing a career in IT. It’s often a prerequisite for roles such as help desk technician, desktop support analyst, and IT support specialist.

How Professor Messer’s A+ Course Works

Professor Messer’s CompTIA A+ training is delivered entirely through free video lectures hosted on his website and YouTube channel. The course is structured around the official CompTIA A+ exam objectives, ensuring full coverage of both 220-1101 and 220-1102. Each video is approximately 10–20 minutes long and focuses on a specific subdomain, such as “RAM types,” “TCP/IP ports,” or “malware types.” The entire A+ curriculum is broken down into over 70 individual videos, totaling more than 30 hours of free instruction. Key features of the course include: - Free access to all video content - Timestamped playlists for easy navigation - Downloadable study notes (PDFs) - Practice test bundles (paid) - Study schedules and progress trackers (available via his website) While the videos are free, Professor Messer offers supplemental resources for a fee, including: - A+ Practice Exams: $49.99 (one-time purchase) - Study Guides: $29.99 - CompTIA A+ Certification Bundle: $99.99 (includes videos, notes, and practice exams) Despite these paid options, the core video content remains free, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to prepare for the A+ exams.

Course Duration and Difficulty

The time required to complete Professor Messer’s A+ training depends on your background and study pace. On average, beginners should expect to spend 80–120 hours preparing for both exams. If you're studying part-time (e.g., 1–2 hours per day), you can complete the course in 2–3 months. The difficulty level of the CompTIA A+ certification is considered beginner to intermediate. It’s designed for individuals with little to no prior IT experience, but it does require consistent study and hands-on practice. The performance-based questions (PBQs) on the exam can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with real-world troubleshooting scenarios. Professor Messer’s course is well-structured for self-paced learning. His videos are concise and logically ordered, making it easy to follow along. However, because the content is entirely video-based, learners must supplement with hands-on labs or virtual environments (e.g., using VirtualBox or ITProTV) to fully grasp concepts like disk partitioning, command-line tools, and network configuration. For best results, pair Professor Messer’s videos with: - CompTIA A+ Study Guide by Mike Meyers (recommended textbook) - Hands-on lab practice (e.g., building a PC, configuring a router) - Practice exams (from Messer or third parties like Dion Training)

How to Pass the CompTIA A+ Exams Using Professor Messer

Passing the CompTIA A+ exams using Professor Messer’s resources is entirely achievable—and thousands do it every year. Here’s a proven strategy: 1. Follow the Playlist Order: Start with the 220-1101 playlist and work through each video in sequence. Don’t skip ahead. Take notes and pause to try out concepts in a lab environment when possible. 2. Use the Free Study Notes: Download the PDF study notes from professor-messer.com. These summarize key points and are excellent for last-minute review. 3. Supplement with Practice Exams: While the videos teach the “what,” practice exams teach the “how” of test-taking. Invest in Professor Messer’s $49.99 practice exam bundle or use free alternatives like ExamCompass. 4. Build a Lab Environment: Use old hardware or virtual machines to practice tasks like installing Windows, configuring BIOS settings, or troubleshooting network issues. This hands-on experience is critical for PBQs. 5. Take Practice Tests Regularly: Aim to score consistently above 85% on practice exams before scheduling your real test. 6. Schedule the Exams: The A+ exams cost $246 each (or $492 total if taking both separately). You can take them at Pearson VUE testing centers or online via remote proctoring. With disciplined study and the right resources, most learners pass on their first or second attempt. Professor Messer’s content covers nearly all exam objectives, but success depends on active learning—not passive watching.

Career Outcomes and Job Opportunities After A+

Earning your CompTIA A+ certification opens the door to entry-level IT roles. According to CompTIA, over 1 million A+ certifications have been issued worldwide, and it’s often the first credential listed in IT support job postings. Common job titles for A+ holders include: - Help Desk Technician - Desktop Support Analyst - IT Support Specialist - Field Service Technician - Technical Support Representative These roles typically offer starting salaries between $40,000 and $55,000 in the U.S., depending on location and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer support specialists is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032—faster than average. The A+ certification is also a stepping stone to more advanced roles. Many professionals use it as a foundation before pursuing Network+, Security+, or vendor-specific certifications like Microsoft MD-100 or Cisco CCNA. Employers like the U.S. Department of Defense, Dell, and Robert Half recognize CompTIA A+ as a valid credential for IT positions. It’s also compliant with DoD 8570.01-M, making it valuable for government and contractor roles.

Return on Investment (ROI): Is the A+ Worth It?

The total cost of earning your CompTIA A+ certification using Professor Messer’s resources is minimal—making the ROI exceptionally high. Here’s a cost breakdown: - Professor Messer’s videos: $0 (free) - Study guides or practice exams: $0–$100 (optional) - Exam vouchers: $246 per exam ($492 total) - Recommended textbooks or lab equipment: $20–$100 Total estimated cost: $500–$700 Compare this to the average starting salary of $45,000+ for A+ holders, and the return becomes clear. Even if you’re transitioning from a non-IT field, the certification can help you land a job within 3–6 months of dedicated study. Moreover, many community colleges and workforce programs offer free or subsidized A+ training and exam vouchers. For example, the Goodwill Industries’ Career Opportunity Program and CompTIA’s own Advancing Tech Careers initiative provide financial support to underrepresented groups. When you factor in career advancement potential—such as moving into cybersecurity, network administration, or cloud support—the long-term ROI of the A+ certification is substantial. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a proven pathway into the tech industry.

Alternatives to Professor Messer for A+ Training

While Professor Messer is the most popular free resource, several alternatives exist—some free, some paid. - ITProTV: Offers interactive A+ training with live labs. Pricing starts at $59/month. Great for visual learners who want hands-on practice. - Dion Training: Provides structured video courses and highly rated practice exams. Free A+ course available; premium content starts at $47. - Udemy – Mike Meyers’ A+ Course: Comprehensive 30+ hour course by a renowned IT author. Often on sale for $15–$20. - CompTIA CertMaster Learn: Official self-paced training from CompTIA. Costs around $399. Includes labs and quizzes. - Professor Messer vs. Paid Courses: While paid courses offer more structure and labs, Professor Messer’s free content covers the same material with clarity and depth. For budget-conscious learners, he remains the top choice. Ultimately, the best approach is often a hybrid: use Professor Messer’s videos as your primary learning tool, supplement with free practice tests, and invest in one paid resource (like a study guide or lab kit) for hands-on experience.

Is Professor Messer enough to pass the A+ exam?

Yes, many students pass the A+ exams using only Professor Messer’s free videos. However, success depends on active learning—taking notes, doing hands-on practice, and taking practice exams. Relying solely on videos without reinforcement is risky. Pair his content with labs and quizzes for best results.

How much does the CompTIA A+ exam cost?

Each A+ exam (220-1101 and 220-1102) costs $246, totaling $492 to earn the full certification. Exam vouchers can be purchased directly from Pearson VUE or through authorized resellers. Some programs offer discounts or free vouchers for students and veterans.

How long does it take to prepare for A+ with Professor Messer?

Most learners spend 80–120 hours preparing. At 2 hours per day, this translates to 6–8 weeks. Beginners may need 3–4 months. Professor Messer’s 30+ hours of video content should be supplemented with practice and lab work for full mastery.

Are Professor Messer’s practice exams worth buying?

Yes. His $49.99 practice exam bundle is one of the most realistic and affordable options available. It includes hundreds of questions that closely mimic the format and difficulty of the actual exams. For many, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Do I need a degree to get A+ certified?

No. CompTIA A+ has no formal prerequisites. Anyone can take the exam regardless of education or experience. It’s ideal for career changers, high school graduates, and military veterans entering IT.

Is CompTIA A+ still relevant in 2024?

Absolutely. Despite the rise of cloud and automation, A+ remains one of the most in-demand entry-level IT certifications. It’s updated every 2–3 years to reflect current technology, including cloud services, mobile security, and remote work tools.

Can I take the A+ exam online?

Yes. CompTIA A+ exams are available through Pearson VUE’s online proctoring service. You can take the test from home with a stable internet connection, webcam, and quiet environment. Scheduling is flexible.

What should I do after earning A+?

After A+, consider advancing to CompTIA Network+ or Security+ to deepen your expertise. Many IT professionals also pursue vendor-specific paths like Microsoft, Cisco, or AWS. A+ is a launchpad—not the final destination.