When people search for "Messer Comptia," they're typically looking for resources created by Professor Messer, the renowned educator behind one of the most popular free CompTIA certification training platforms on the internet. Professor Messer doesn’t offer a course called “Messer CompTIA” per se, but rather an extensive library of free, high-quality video training covering nearly every major CompTIA certification, including A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, and CASP+. His content—available at ProfessorMesser.com and on YouTube—has helped hundreds of thousands of IT professionals pass their exams, often serving as a primary or supplemental study resource. While not a formal course provider with certifications of its own, Professor Messer’s materials are widely recognized in the IT community as among the most effective and accessible paths to CompTIA certification success. This article explores how to leverage Professor Messer’s free training, paired with official CompTIA certifications, to build a strong, cost-effective IT career pathway.
Who Is Professor Messer and Why Is He Trusted for CompTIA Training?
Top Courses Related to This Guide
Professor Messer, whose real name is Jason Messer, is a veteran IT instructor with over two decades of experience in networking, security, and certification training. He gained widespread recognition for creating free, comprehensive video courses that align precisely with CompTIA’s official exam objectives. His YouTube channel, Professor Messer, has amassed millions of views and hundreds of thousands of subscribers, making it one of the most trusted unofficial resources for CompTIA exam preparation.
What sets Professor Messer apart is his clear, concise teaching style and deep understanding of how CompTIA structures its exams. His videos break down complex technical topics—like subnetting, cryptography, or threat analysis—into digestible, easy-to-understand segments. He avoids unnecessary jargon and focuses on practical knowledge that appears on the exams. Importantly, he updates his content regularly to reflect changes in CompTIA’s certification blueprints, ensuring students aren’t studying outdated material.
While Professor Messer doesn’t sell certifications or issue credentials, his role in the CompTIA learning ecosystem is pivotal. Many students use his content as their primary study method, especially when budget constraints make paid courses prohibitive. His resources are particularly popular among self-learners, career changers, and military veterans using GI Bill benefits to enter IT.
CompTIA Certifications Covered by Professor Messer’s Free Training
Professor Messer offers complete video training for nearly every major CompTIA certification. These free courses mirror the structure of official exam objectives and are updated as CompTIA revises its exams. Below is a breakdown of the key certifications supported by his training:
- CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2, 220-1101 and 220-1102): Ideal for entry-level IT support roles. Messer’s A+ training covers hardware, software troubleshooting, operating systems, security, and networking fundamentals. The course includes over 100 videos and is approximately 20 hours long.
- CompTIA Network+ (N10-008): Focuses on networking concepts like IP addressing, routing, VLANs, and network troubleshooting. Messer’s Network+ series spans about 15 hours and is widely used by those aiming for network technician or help desk roles.
- CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601 and SY0-701): One of the most in-demand IT security certifications. Messer’s Security+ content is highly detailed, covering threats, cryptography, identity management, and risk mitigation. His videos are often recommended by cybersecurity bootcamps as supplemental material.
- CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003): A mid-level certification for cybersecurity analysts. Messer’s training includes log analysis, threat detection, and security automation tools.
- CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002): Geared toward ethical hackers and penetration testers. His videos cover penetration testing methodologies, tools like Metasploit and Nmap, and reporting best practices.
- CompTIA CASP+ (CAS-004): An advanced, vendor-neutral certification for cybersecurity architects. Messer’s content is among the few free resources available for this challenging exam.
All of these courses are available at no cost on ProfessorMesser.com and YouTube. Each video series includes a playlist organized by exam objective, making it easy to follow along and track progress.
How to Use Professor Messer’s Training: A Step-by-Step Study Plan
While Professor Messer’s videos are free and high-quality, they work best when integrated into a structured study plan. Here’s a proven approach to maximize your success:
- Choose Your Certification: Start with CompTIA A+ if you’re new to IT. Move to Network+ or Security+ based on your career goals. Security+ is especially valuable for breaking into cybersecurity.
- Watch the Videos in Order: Follow Professor Messer’s playlist from beginning to end. Take notes and pause to research topics you don’t understand.
- Use Supplemental Materials: Pair videos with study guides like CompTIA’s official texts or third-party books such as Mike Meyers’ A+ or Darril Gibson’s Security+. Use practice exams from platforms like Dion Training or ExamComptia to test your knowledge.
- Hands-On Practice: Set up a home lab using free tools like VirtualBox, Wireshark, or Metasploitable. For Security+, try using a free tier of AWS or a cybersecurity sandbox like TryHackMe.
- Review and Retake: After completing the videos, go back and rewatch sections on topics you scored poorly on in practice tests.
- Schedule Your Exam: Once you’re consistently scoring above 80% on practice exams, book your test through Pearson VUE.
Most students complete a CompTIA certification using this method in 2–4 months, depending on prior experience and study time.
Pricing, Duration, and Difficulty of CompTIA Certifications
One of the biggest advantages of pursuing CompTIA certifications with Professor Messer’s free training is cost efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of key metrics for major CompTIA exams:
| Certification | Exam Cost | Study Duration | Difficulty (1–5) | Free Training Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $246 (two exams, $123 each) | 3–6 months | 2 | Yes – Full coverage |
| Network+ | $399 | 2–4 months | 3 | Yes – Full coverage |
| Security+ | $399 | 3–5 months | 3.5 | Yes – Full coverage |
| CySA+ | $399 | 4–6 months | 4 | Yes – Full coverage |
| PenTest+ | $399 | 4–6 months | 4.5 | Yes – Full coverage |
| CASP+ | $403 | 6–12 months | 5 | Yes – Full coverage |
Exam vouchers can often be discounted through programs like CompTIA’s Academic Discount or through platforms like CyberVista or CertMaster. Some employers and government programs (e.g., Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) also offer reimbursement for certification exams.
Difficulty ratings are based on technical depth, exam length, and hands-on requirements. For example, A+ is considered accessible to beginners, while CASP+ requires extensive real-world experience. Professor Messer’s videos help reduce perceived difficulty by demystifying complex topics, but hands-on practice remains essential for higher-level exams like PenTest+ and CySA+.
Career Outcomes: What Jobs Can You Get with CompTIA Certifications?
Earning CompTIA certifications—especially when supported by Professor Messer’s training—can open doors to a variety of IT roles. Here are common career paths aligned with each certification:
- A+ Certified: Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support Analyst, IT Support Specialist. Average salary: $45,000–$55,000.
- Network+ Certified: Network Administrator, Systems Support Technician. Often a prerequisite for federal IT roles under DoD 8570. Average salary: $55,000–$70,000.
- Security+ Certified: Cybersecurity Analyst, Junior Pen Tester, Security Administrator. Required for many U.S. government cybersecurity positions. Average salary: $70,000–$90,000.
- CySA+ or PenTest+ Certified: Threat Analyst, Vulnerability Assessor, Ethical Hacker. These mid-tier certs enhance job competitiveness. Average salary: $80,000–$100,000.
- CASP+ Certified: Senior Security Engineer, IT Security Architect. A stepping stone to roles at defense contractors or large enterprises. Average salary: $100,000+.
CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral, making them highly transferable across industries. They’re also stackable—meaning you can build from A+ to Security+ to CySA+—to advance your career without returning to college. Many employers, including Microsoft, Cisco, and Amazon Web Services, recognize CompTIA certs as valid proof of foundational knowledge.
Return on Investment (ROI): Is CompTIA Worth the Time and Money?
For many aspiring IT professionals, the biggest question is whether CompTIA certifications offer a strong return on investment. The answer is a resounding yes—especially when using free resources like Professor Messer’s training.
Consider this: The total cost of earning CompTIA A+ using Messer’s videos is roughly $250 (exam fees only). Add a $50 study guide and $20 for practice exams, and you’re still under $350. Compare that to a two-year associate degree, which can cost $10,000–$20,000 or more. A+ alone can qualify you for entry-level IT jobs that pay $45,000+—meaning you can recoup your investment in under a year.
Security+ offers even greater ROI. At $399, it’s often the minimum requirement for cybersecurity roles in government and private sector. With an average starting salary of $70,000, the certification pays for itself many times over. According to CompTIA’s 2023 IT Industry Outlook, certified professionals earn 10–15% more than non-certified peers in similar roles.
Additionally, certifications like Security+ and CySA+ are eligible for federal funding under programs like GI Bill and TechVets, further improving ROI. For self-learners, Professor Messer’s free content dramatically lowers the barrier to entry, making IT careers accessible to people from all economic backgrounds.
How Professor Messer Compares to Paid CompTIA Courses
While Professor Messer’s training is free, several paid alternatives exist, including:
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn ($299–$399): Official adaptive learning platform with videos, quizzes, and labs.
- Udemy CompTIA Courses (e.g., by Jason Dion, $15–$200 on sale): High-quality video content with practice exams.
- Cybrary or ITProTV ($50–$90/month): Subscription-based platforms with live instruction and labs.
So how does Professor Messer compare?
For content quality and exam alignment, Messer is on par with or better than many paid courses. His videos are clearer and more focused than some commercial offerings. However, paid platforms offer features Messer doesn’t: interactive labs, graded quizzes, progress tracking, and official certificates of completion.
The smart approach? Use Professor Messer’s videos as your primary learning tool, then supplement with a single paid resource—like Dion’s Udemy practice exams ($20) or CertMaster Practice ($99)—to test readiness. This hybrid model keeps costs under $500 while maximizing learning outcomes.
FAQ: Common Questions About Professor Messer and CompTIA
Is Professor Messer’s training enough to pass CompTIA exams?
Yes—for many students, especially those with some IT experience. Professor Messer covers all exam objectives in depth. However, you should supplement with practice exams and hands-on labs to reinforce learning and build test-taking stamina.
Does Professor Messer offer practice tests or study guides?
No, he does not sell practice tests or study guides. His website and YouTube channel are strictly free video training. For practice questions, consider Dion Training on Udemy or CompTIA’s official CertMaster Practice.
Are CompTIA certifications still valuable in 2024?
Absolutely. CompTIA certifications remain among the most respected entry- and mid-level IT credentials. Security+ is required for many U.S. government cybersecurity roles, and A+ is widely accepted by employers as proof of foundational IT knowledge.
How long should I study for Security+ using Professor Messer’s videos?
Most students spend 80–120 hours preparing. If you study 1–2 hours per day, that’s about 2–3 months. Prior experience with networking or IT support can shorten this timeline.
Can I get a job with just CompTIA certifications and no degree?
Yes. Many IT support and cybersecurity roles prioritize certifications over degrees. A+ and Security+ together can qualify you for help desk, network support, or junior analyst roles—especially in government, healthcare, and tech sectors.
Is Professor Messer affiliated with CompTIA?
No. Professor Messer is an independent educator. His content is unofficial but highly accurate and regularly updated to match CompTIA’s exam objectives. He does not receive funding or endorsement from CompTIA.
What’s the best order to take CompTIA exams?
Recommended path: A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CySA+ or PenTest+. This builds foundational knowledge progressively. However, experienced professionals may skip A+ and start with Network+ or Security+.
Does Professor Messer cover the new SY0-701 Security+ exam?
Yes. Professor Messer has updated his video series to cover the SY0-701 exam objectives, including expanded content on zero trust, cloud security, and automation. His playlist is clearly labeled for the new version.