Professor Messer A+

If you're aiming for an A+ certification and want the most trusted, effective, and straightforward training available, Professor Messer A+ is the gold standard. Widely recognized across the IT community, Professor Messer’s free A+ training videos have helped hundreds of thousands pass CompTIA A+ exams 220-1001 and 220-1002 (and now 220-1101 and 220-1102). His clear, no-nonsense teaching style, combined with comprehensive curriculum coverage, makes his content the top choice for beginners and career switchers alike. While the videos are free, supplementing them with practice exams, study guides, and hands-on labs maximizes your chances of success. This article dives deep into everything you need to know about using Professor Messer A+ resources to launch or advance your IT career, including course structure, certification details, cost, difficulty, and return on investment.

What Is Professor Messer A+ and Why Is It So Popular?

Professor Messer A+ refers to the free video training series created by Jason Messer, better known as Professor Messer, designed specifically to prepare candidates for CompTIA A+ certification. Unlike many paid courses that rely on flashy production or aggressive marketing, Professor Messer’s content stands out for its clarity, accuracy, and laser focus on exam objectives. His YouTube channel, website (professormesser.com), and companion practice exams have become essential tools for IT certification candidates. The popularity stems from several factors. First, the content is 100% free—no paywalls, no trials, no hidden fees. Second, Professor Messer covers every objective in the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams in a logical, digestible format. Each video is typically 10–20 minutes long, targeting a single sub-objective, such as "Configure DHCP settings" or "Troubleshoot wireless connectivity issues." Third, his calm, confident delivery makes complex topics like subnetting, BIOS configurations, and Windows troubleshooting accessible to beginners. What truly sets Professor Messer A+ apart is its alignment with the official CompTIA exam outline. He doesn’t add fluff or stray from the blueprint. This precision means students spend time only on what’s necessary to pass. For those on a tight budget or exploring a career in IT without commitment, Professor Messer’s A+ course is the most practical entry point.

Course Structure and Content Coverage

The Professor Messer A+ course is built around the current CompTIA A+ certification exams: 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2). These replaced the older 1001/1002 series in 2022 and reflect modern IT support roles, including cloud, mobile, security, and operating systems. The course is divided into two main playlists on YouTube: - A+ 220-1101 Video Series: Covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, and troubleshooting. - A+ 220-1102 Video Series: Focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures, and scripting. Each playlist contains approximately 60–70 videos, totaling around 25–30 hours of instruction. The content is structured to follow CompTIA’s official exam objectives, broken down into domains such as: - 1101: Hardware (30%), Networking (20%), Mobile Devices (15%), Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (20%), Virtualization & Cloud (15%) - 1102: Operating Systems (31%), Security (25%), Software Troubleshooting (22%), Operational Procedures (22%) Each video includes on-screen notes, real-world examples, and occasional whiteboard-style explanations. While there are no interactive labs or quizzes within the videos themselves, Professor Messer’s site offers companion study guides and links to third-party practice exams. It’s important to note that while the videos are comprehensive, they are not a complete standalone course. They lack hands-on labs, graded assessments, and progress tracking. To pass the A+ exam, you’ll need to supplement with lab practice (using platforms like CompTIA Labs or TryHackMe) and practice tests from ExamComptia or TestOut.

Cost, Duration, and Difficulty Level

One of the biggest advantages of Professor Messer A+ is its cost: $0. The entire video library is free on YouTube and his website. This makes it one of the most accessible IT certification prep resources available. However, while the training is free, the certification itself is not. The CompTIA A+ exam consists of two tests: - 220-1101: $246 - 220-1102: $246 Total exam cost: $492 You may also want to invest in additional resources: - CompTIA CertMaster Learn: $399 (includes digital content, labs, and assessments) - Mike Meyers’ A+ Guide to IT Tech Support (Textbook): ~$80 - Practice Exams (e.g., Dion Training, ExamComptia): $20–$50 Total estimated cost with supplemental materials: $600–$900. In terms of duration, most students complete the Professor Messer A+ videos in 4–8 weeks with consistent study (1–2 hours per day). However, actual preparation time depends on prior experience. Beginners may need 3–6 months to fully absorb the material and gain hands-on skills. Difficulty level is moderate. The A+ certification is considered entry-level, but it covers a broad range of topics. If you're new to IT, expect a learning curve, especially in networking and security. Professor Messer’s teaching style helps ease this, but self-discipline is key. You must pair the videos with hands-on practice—such as building a PC, configuring a router, or troubleshooting Windows updates—to truly internalize the concepts.

How to Use Professor Messer A+ Effectively

Watching Professor Messer’s videos alone won’t guarantee exam success. To get the most out of this resource, follow a structured study plan: 1. Follow the Official Exam Objectives: Download the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102 exam outlines from comptia.org. Use them as your checklist. After each video, verify you understand the corresponding objective. 2. Take Notes Actively: Professor Messer includes key terms and concepts on-screen. Pause and write them down. Use the Professor Messer Study Group PDFs (available for purchase on his site for ~$20) for guided note-taking. 3. Pair Videos with Hands-On Practice: Use a home lab (old laptop, Raspberry Pi, or virtual machines) to practice tasks like: - Installing RAM or replacing a hard drive - Configuring a wireless router - Setting up a dual-boot system - Running command-line tools (ipconfig, ping, netstat) 4. Use Practice Exams: After completing each domain, take domain-specific quizzes. Recommended platforms include: - Dion Training A+ Practice Exams (~$25 per exam) - TestOut A+ Practice Certs (included with some lab subscriptions) - ExamComptia (free and paid tiers) 5. Join the Study Group: Professor Messer hosts a free weekly live stream on YouTube where he reviews questions and explains answers. This community support is invaluable for staying motivated. 6. Take the Exam When Ready: Aim to consistently score 80%+ on practice exams before scheduling your test. The real exam has 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit per test.

Career Outcomes After Earning CompTIA A+

Earning CompTIA A+ with the help of Professor Messer A+ training opens the door to numerous entry-level IT roles. It’s one of the most widely recognized IT certifications globally and is often listed as a requirement or strong preference in job postings. Common job titles include: - IT Support Specialist - Help Desk Technician - Desktop Support Analyst - Technical Support Representative - Field Service Technician According to CompTIA, A+ certified professionals earn an average salary of $55,000–$65,000 in the U.S., with higher wages in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle. Government and healthcare sectors often pay premium rates for certified support staff. The certification also serves as a foundation for more advanced credentials. Many professionals use A+ as a stepping stone to: - CompTIA Network+ - CompTIA Security+ - Microsoft MD-100 (Windows Client) - Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Coursera) Employers like Dell, Intel, and the U.S. Department of Defense recognize A+ as part of their training pathways. In fact, A+ meets the baseline requirements for IAT Level I under DoD 8570/8140, making it valuable for government and defense contractors. Even if you don’t land a full-time IT role immediately, A+ demonstrates initiative and technical aptitude. Many bootcamps and degree programs accept A+ as prior learning credit, reducing time and cost.

Return on Investment (ROI) of Professor Messer A+

The ROI of using Professor Messer A+ for certification prep is exceptionally high—arguably one of the best in IT education. Let’s break it down: - Training cost: $0 (videos) - Study materials: $20–$100 (study guides, practice exams) - Exam fees: $492 - Total investment: ~$550 Compare this to: - Community College A+ Course: $1,500–$3,000 - Bootcamp (e.g., CompTIA A+ Intensive): $2,000–$5,000 - University IT Certificate Program: $5,000+ With a $550 investment, you gain a globally recognized certification that can increase your earning potential by $10,000–$15,000 annually. Even a $5,000 salary bump pays back your investment in less than a year. Additionally, the skills are transferable. Troubleshooting hardware, understanding networks, and securing endpoints are useful in any tech-adjacent role. For career changers—especially those from retail, customer service, or administrative roles—A+ provides a credible, low-cost entry into tech. Employability ROI is also strong. According to Burning Glass Labor Insights, job postings requesting A+ increased by 18% from 2021 to 2023. Over 100,000 A+ exams are administered annually, and CompTIA reports that 91% of certified individuals say the credential helped them get hired or promoted.

Alternatives to Professor Messer A+

While Professor Messer A+ is the most popular free resource, several alternatives exist—some better suited for certain learning styles or goals. 1. Udemy – CompTIA A+ 220-1101 & 220-1102 by Mike Meyers - Price: $12.99 (frequent sales) - Duration: 40+ hours - Pros: Interactive quizzes, downloadable resources, Mike Meyers’ engaging style - Cons: Less concise than Messer, occasional outdated content 2. CompTIA CertMaster Learn - Price: $399 - Duration: Self-paced (8–12 weeks recommended) - Pros: Official CompTIA content, adaptive learning, integrated labs - Cons: Expensive, less engaging than video lectures 3. Pluralsight – CompTIA A+ Path - Price: $29/month (subscription) - Duration: 35+ hours - Pros: High-quality production, skill assessments, career paths - Cons: Requires ongoing subscription, less exam-focused 4. Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Coursera) - Price: $39/month (7-month average completion) - Includes: A+ prep, hands-on labs, career support - Pros: Beginner-friendly, includes resume help, backed by Google - Cons: Not a direct A+ cert, requires separate exam While these options offer structure and interactivity, none match Professor Messer A+’s combination of cost efficiency, clarity, and exam alignment. For self-motivated learners, Messer remains the top choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Professor Messer A+ enough to pass the exam?

Professor Messer’s videos cover all exam objectives and are highly effective, but they’re not a complete solution. You must supplement with hands-on practice and practice exams. Watching the videos gives you knowledge; applying it builds competence. Use Messer as your lecture and add labs and quizzes for mastery.

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

Most students spend 3–6 months preparing. Beginners should allow 6 months with 10–15 hours of study per week. Those with prior IT experience may pass in 8–12 weeks. The key is consistency and active learning—not just passive video watching.

Are Professor Messer’s study guides worth buying?

Yes. The Study Group Notes (~$20) include printable outlines, diagrams, and review questions that align with each video. They help you stay organized and focused. While not mandatory, they enhance retention and save note-taking time.

Do I need a lab to pass A+?

Yes. While the exam is multiple-choice and performance-based, hands-on experience is critical. You should practice: - Building and repairing PCs - Using command-line tools - Configuring routers and firewalls - Troubleshooting Windows and macOS Use old hardware, virtual machines (VMware, VirtualBox), or platforms like CompTIA Labs or TryHackMe.

Can I get a job with just CompTIA A+?

Yes. Many entry-level IT roles, especially help desk and support positions, list A+ as a requirement or preferred qualification. Combined with soft skills and a strong resume, A+ can land you a job. However, adding experience—even through volunteering or internships—improves your chances.

Is CompTIA A+ still relevant in 2024?

Absolutely. Despite advances in cloud and AI, A+ remains one of the most in-demand entry-level IT certifications. It covers foundational skills that don’t become obsolete: hardware, operating systems, security basics, and troubleshooting. Over 1.3 million A+ certifications have been issued, and it’s a baseline for many IT career paths.

Can I take the A+ exam online?

Yes. CompTIA offers remote proctored exams through Pearson VUE. You can take 220-1101 and 220-1102 from home with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. Schedule through pearsonvue.com.

What comes after A+?

After A+, most professionals pursue: - CompTIA Network+ (for networking roles) - CompTIA Security+ (for cybersecurity) - Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator - AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner A+ is the first step in a long and rewarding IT career. Many CIOs and senior engineers started with A+.