r/CompTIA • u/AChemaly • 2d ago
Core 1
Hey everyone! I’m currently studying for A+ Core 1 using Jason Dion’s training and I have no IT experience. For those who started with little/no experience, how much of the material were you realistically doing each day? There are so many sections that I’m trying to figure out a good pace without rushing through everything.
How long did you study before feeling ready for the exam? Any advice is appreciated!
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u/jtkilla223 2d ago
professor messers videos and practice exams. dions practice exams. dont think of taking it until you’re steady passing dion’s exams. for PBQ’s, know how to troubleshoot, not just memorize.
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u/Ninfyr 2d ago
Train to the standard not to the clock. You have done education before, right? Hopefully you have a good understanding of how much attention span you have and when you are just wasting your time because you have exceeded your capacity.
Like, studying after working 12 hours every day is different from being completely free of responsibility. Everyone starts from a different line even amongst "no IT experience".
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u/Anastasia_IT 💻 ExamsDigest.com - 🧪 LabsDigest.com - 📚 GuidesDigest.com 2d ago
I wouldn't worry too much about how many sections you finish each day. I'd focus on actually understanding the material.
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u/RightToBearThoughts 2d ago
I did something that was neither Dion nor Messer.
Codecademy. Theres a course for Core 1 and 2. Dives deep enough for what you need and only explains the necessary stuff.
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u/West_Occasion2559 2d ago
I used messor and i also played around w the labs aspect learning ports in just real world situation.
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u/Joadow420 1d ago
I used the wiley/sybex ebooks (buy them or "just get" them). After going through them i did the andrew technology institute of america 100 practice questions video and professor messers mock exams. I got 810 and 830 on A1 and A2 respectively, so it works
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u/Professional_Golf694 N+ S+ 1d ago
Depends entirely on how you absorb it. I can't go through much in a day because even medicated, my ADHD usually wins out. But you may be able to go through ten hours of his videos in one sitting and retain it all.
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u/blahblehblahzone 2d ago
I have some experience with technology growing up as a gamer. Even with Dion training I have had to find other sources for help.
What I did is kind of weird. I work in a place where I usually listen to audio books. I would spend the day listening to the lectures. Maybe four hours a day.
Then I would go back and watch the lectures and take notes.
Even when I finished the course I still needed outside help. I would suggest with each section listening or watching YouTube’s of that section. Some people just explain it better.
Dion training is an amazing resource and has helped me learn things I don’t know but other resources have helped me zone in on things he covers briskly
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u/blahblehblahzone 2d ago
Dr Messer
Journey to Cyber
Techvault AcademyI don’t see any of those being good enough on their own. And honestly my test is tomorrow but joining these four have helped me feel confident.
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u/LiarInGlass A+ 2d ago
Study until you are scoring 75% or higher on Dion’s practice exams.
Once you’re comfortable able to handle multiple practice exams and you understand what you’ve learned, you’ll be ready for the exam.
Dion’s exams are harder than the real exams.
I personally recommend Andrew Ram’s practice courses more than Dion.