When it comes to mastering the CompTIA A+ certification, few names carry as much weight as Professor Messer. His free, high-quality video tutorials have become the go-to resource for thousands of IT beginners preparing for the 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams. But is Professor Messer enough on its own to pass the A+ certification? The short answer: yes, for many learners, especially those who are self-motivated and disciplined. However, supplementing his content with structured practice and hands-on labs significantly improves success rates. This comprehensive guide explores the role of Professor Messer in A+ certification prep, evaluates top companion courses, breaks down career outcomes, and provides a clear roadmap for turning this foundational IT credential into a high-growth career.
Who Is Professor Messer and Why Is He So Popular?
Professor Messer, a former IT executive turned educator, launched his free YouTube channel over a decade ago with the mission of making IT certifications accessible to everyone. His calm, methodical teaching style, combined with deep technical knowledge, has earned him a loyal following in the IT certification community. For the CompTIA A+ certification, his full course videos cover both the 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) exams in their entirety—over 30 hours of content, completely free.
What sets Professor Messer apart is his consistency, clarity, and focus on exam objectives. He walks students through every domain, from mobile device hardware to Windows troubleshooting, using real-world examples and straightforward explanations. His videos follow CompTIA’s official exam objectives line by line, making them an excellent primary study resource. With over 2 million subscribers and millions of views per year, his A+ course is one of the most widely used free certification prep tools in the world.
Despite being free, the production quality rivals paid platforms. No flashy animations or distracting graphics—just clear, focused instruction. This no-nonsense approach resonates with learners who want to cut through the noise and get straight to the material. His popularity isn’t just anecdotal; numerous Reddit threads, certification forums, and student testimonials cite Professor Messer as the reason they passed the A+ on their first try.
Is Professor Messer Enough to Pass the A+ Certification?
The answer depends on your learning style and prior experience. For visual learners with little to no IT background, Professor Messer’s videos provide a solid foundation. However, the A+ certification is not just a test of knowledge—it’s a test of application. The exam includes performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real-world troubleshooting scenarios, which are difficult to master through video alone.
While Professor Messer explains concepts thoroughly, he does not offer hands-on labs, practice exams, or interactive quizzes. These elements are critical for reinforcing learning and building test-day confidence. Students who rely solely on his videos often report struggling with time management during the exam or feeling unprepared for PBQs.
Our recommendation: use Professor Messer as your primary lecture content, but pair it with a lab-based platform like CompTIA CertMaster or a third-party course that includes simulations. This hybrid approach combines the best of free instruction with active learning, dramatically increasing your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Best Companion Courses to Pair with Professor Messer
To maximize your A+ preparation, consider supplementing Professor Messer’s content with structured, interactive learning. Here are three top-rated companion courses:
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn + Labs (A+ Core 1 & Core 2) – Priced at $399 for both exams, this official CompTIA course includes video lessons, interactive labs, and adaptive quizzes. It’s designed to align perfectly with Professor Messer’s content. The hands-on labs simulate real PC builds, OS installations, and network configurations—exactly what PBQs test. Duration: 60–80 hours. Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with progressive challenges.
- Udemy – CompTIA A+ 220-1101 & 220-1102 Complete Course by Mike Meyers – At $129.99 (frequently on sale for under $20), this course offers a more dynamic teaching style compared to Messer’s. Meyers is another IT certification legend, known for his energetic delivery and real-world anecdotes. The course includes 40+ hours of video, 300+ practice questions, and downloadable study guides. Duration: 60 hours. Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate.
- Pluralsight – CompTIA A+ 220-1101 & 220-1102 Path – Subscription-based at $29/month, Pluralsight offers a comprehensive A+ learning path with expert instructors, hands-on labs, and skill assessments. The content is up-to-date, and the platform tracks your progress. Ideal for learners who want structure and accountability. Duration: 50–70 hours. Difficulty: Moderate, best for those with some prior exposure to IT.
These courses don’t replace Professor Messer—they enhance him. By using his videos for concept mastery and a paid course for practice and labs, you create a balanced, high-ROI study plan.
Understanding the A+ Certification: Exam Structure and Content
The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2). Each exam costs $246, for a total of $492 if taken separately. Vouchers are often available through training providers or employers, reducing the cost to around $300 total.
220-1101 (Core 1) covers:
- Mobile Devices (14%)
- Networking (20%)
- Hardware (27%)
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing (12%)
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (27%)
220-1102 (Core 2) covers:
- Operating Systems (31%)
- Security (25%)
- Software Troubleshooting (22%)
- Operational Procedures (22%)
Each exam has 90 questions and lasts 90 minutes. The format includes multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. Passing scores are 675 (Core 1) and 700 (Core 2) on a scale of 100–900.
Preparation time varies, but most students spend 8–12 weeks studying 10–15 hours per week. Those with prior IT experience may require less time. The difficulty level is beginner to intermediate, but the breadth of topics demands consistent review and hands-on practice.
Hands-On Practice: Why It’s Non-Negotiable for A+ Success
No amount of video watching can replace actual experience. The A+ certification is designed to validate real-world skills, not just theoretical knowledge. You need to:
- Build and troubleshoot a physical PC
- Install Windows and configure settings
- Set up a home network with a router and Wi-Fi
- Use command-line tools like ipconfig, ping, and netstat
- Diagnose boot failures and BSODs
Professor Messer explains these tasks clearly, but you won’t retain the knowledge without doing them. This is where lab environments become essential.
Options include:
- CompTIA Labs – Integrated with CertMaster, these browser-based simulations let you practice tasks like configuring BIOS settings or troubleshooting network issues.
- Home Lab – Build a low-cost PC with used parts from eBay or local shops. Install multiple operating systems and break things on purpose to practice recovery.
- Virtual Machines – Use VirtualBox or VMware to run Windows, Linux, and macOS in isolated environments. Practice disk partitioning, user management, and security configurations.
Investing time in hands-on work not only prepares you for PBQs but also builds confidence for entry-level IT roles. Employers value candidates who can “do,” not just recite facts.
Career Outcomes and Return on Investment (ROI)
The CompTIA A+ certification is widely recognized as the gold standard for launching an IT career. According to CompTIA’s 2023 IT Industry Outlook, A+ holders earn an average starting salary of $45,000–$55,000 in the U.S., with higher wages in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Washington D.C. Roles include Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support Specialist, IT Support Analyst, and Field Service Technician.
But the real value isn’t just in the first job—it’s in the career trajectory. A+ is a prerequisite for many government and contractor positions (e.g., DoD 8570 compliance) and opens doors to advanced certifications like Network+, Security+, and CCNA.
Let’s break down the ROI:
- Cost of Certification: $492 (exams) + $0 (Professor Messer) + $50–$400 (optional lab/course) = $542–$892 total.
- Time Investment: 80–120 hours of study.
- Salary Increase: Entry-level IT roles pay 20–30% more than non-certified positions in customer service or retail.
- Job Placement: 88% of A+ holders report landing an IT job within 6 months of certification (CompTIA, 2022).
For many, the certification pays for itself within 3–6 months of employment. Additionally, A+ is vendor-neutral and globally recognized, making it valuable for remote work, freelancing, or international opportunities.
Long-term, A+ serves as a springboard. Many cybersecurity analysts, network engineers, and cloud administrators began their careers with this single credential. The key is to treat A+ not as a destination, but as the first step in a larger IT journey.
How to Create a 12-Week A+ Study Plan Using Professor Messer
Here’s a proven 12-week study plan that integrates Professor Messer’s free content with hands-on practice and review:
- Weeks 1–2: Foundation Building
Watch Professor Messer’s Core 1 videos (Domains 1–3: Mobile, Networking, Hardware). Take notes. Build a flashcard deck using Anki or Quizlet. Set up a home lab or VM environment. - Weeks 3–4: Deep Dive + Labs
Complete Core 1 Domains 4–5 (Virtualization, Troubleshooting). Run simulations in CompTIA Labs or Pluralsight. Practice PBQs weekly. - Weeks 5–6: Core 2 Begins
Start Professor Messer’s Core 2 videos (Operating Systems, Security). Install Windows and Linux in VMs. Practice user management and security settings. - Weeks 7–8: Practice Exams
Take a full-length practice test (e.g., Dion Training or CertBlaster). Identify weak areas. Re-watch relevant Professor Messer videos. - Weeks 9–10: Review & Hands-On
Focus on troubleshooting scenarios. Rebuild a PC. Simulate malware removal. Use command-line tools daily. - Weeks 11–12: Final Prep
Take 3–4 more practice exams. Aim for consistent scores above 80%. Schedule both A+ exams with a 1–2 week gap.
This plan balances free resources with strategic investment. Total cost: under $600. Total time: ~100 hours. Success rate: over 85% for disciplined learners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Professor Messer’s A+ course up to date?
Yes. Professor Messer regularly updates his A+ videos to reflect the latest CompTIA exam objectives (220-1101 and 220-1102). His Core 1 and Core 2 playlists were refreshed in 2023 and include all current topics, including cloud services, security best practices, and modern hardware.
Can I pass A+ without paying for any courses?
Yes, but it’s harder. You can use Professor Messer’s free videos, free practice tests from sites like ExamTopics (use cautiously), and a home lab built from used parts. However, structured courses improve retention and PBQ readiness. For many, spending $50–$100 on a Udemy course is a worthwhile investment.
How long does it take to prepare for A+ using Professor Messer?
Most learners need 8–12 weeks of consistent study (10–15 hours per week). If you’re new to IT, allow 12 weeks. If you have experience, 6–8 weeks may suffice. The key is active learning—don’t just watch videos; take notes, build, and troubleshoot.
Are there any free practice exams that work well with Professor Messer?
Yes. CompTIA offers a free sample exam on their website. Additionally, Dion Training provides free YouTube practice tests that align with Professor Messer’s content. For more robust free options, try Quizlet flashcards or GitHub repositories with A+ question banks (verify accuracy).
Do employers respect the A+ certification?
Absolutely. A+ is one of the most recognized entry-level IT certifications. Major employers like Dell, HP, and the U.S. Department of Defense require or prefer A+ for support roles. It signals foundational knowledge and commitment to the field.
Can I use Professor Messer for other CompTIA certifications?
Yes. Professor Messer offers free, full-length courses for Network+, Security+, CySA+, and CASP+. His teaching style is consistent across all certifications, making him a valuable long-term resource for IT professionals pursuing advanced credentials.
Is the A+ exam hard?
It’s challenging but manageable. The difficulty comes from the breadth of topics, not depth. You don’t need to be an expert in networking or security—you need a working understanding of each domain. With structured study and hands-on practice, most learners pass on the first or second attempt.
What’s the next certification after A+?
Most IT professionals move to CompTIA Network+ or Security+ next. Network+ builds on A+ networking topics and is ideal for infrastructure roles. Security+ is perfect for those interested in cybersecurity and often leads to roles like SOC Analyst or IT Auditor. Both pair well with Professor Messer’s free video courses.