A+ is the most hands-on of CompTIA's entry certifications, and that's where the "is Messer enough?" question gets interesting. His free A+ playlists cover every published objective for Core 1 and Core 2 — but A+ tests practical recognition (port types, RAM types, connector shapes) more than any other CompTIA cert. In 2026, here's what Messer actually covers, where the gaps are, and how candidates pass both exams without spending much.
Messer covers all CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 objectives for free, but his content alone usually isn't enough for a first-try pass on both exams. A+ is hardware-heavy and PBQ-heavy — Messer teaches the concepts but doesn't simulate PBQs or provide enough practice question volume. Most first-try passers combine Messer with one additional practice source and 5–10 hands-on hours per core.
What Messer Covers for A+
Both A+ playlists are complete:
- Core 1 — mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization/cloud, hardware/network troubleshooting. - Core 2 — operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures.
Each domain is broken into short objective-by-objective videos. Production quality is high, the audio is clean, and there's no upsell pressure. For purely conceptual coverage, Messer's free A+ course is on par with or better than most paid alternatives.
Where Messer Specifically Falls Short for A+
Three A+-specific gaps:
1. PBQs are heavy on A+. Both cores have 5–10 performance-based questions, often simulating BIOS, command line, or troubleshooting workflows. Messer never simulates the interface. 2. Visual recognition. A+ asks you to identify ports, cables, RAM types, and connectors from images. Video learning doesn't drill this as well as flashcards or image-based quizzes. 3. Two exams = double the fatigue. Studying for both cores back-to-back from one resource leads to retention drop-off on whichever you study second.
The Minimum Stack That Passes A+
From Reddit pass reports in 2026:
| Resource | Cost | Role | |---|---|---| | Messer free A+ videos | $0 | Concept coverage for both cores | | Free adaptive practice questions | $0 | Daily reinforcement | | One PBQ-style Udemy pack | $15 | PBQ simulation exposure | | Hardware photos / flashcards | $0–10 | Visual recognition drill | | Messer's paid practice exams (optional) | $25/core | Final readiness check |
This stack consistently produces first-try passes on both cores within a 10–14 week study cycle.
How to Know You're Ready for Each Core
Core 1: You can identify every common port and connector from a photo in under 3 seconds, and you can score 85%+ on a 90-question timed practice exam.
Core 2: You can walk through the steps of malware removal from memory, you can explain the difference between Windows account types without hesitation, and you score 85%+ on a 90-question timed practice exam.
If either is below threshold, you're not ready — regardless of how many Messer videos you've watched.
The Visual Recognition Drill Messer Can't Replace
A+ Core 1 tests hardware identification under timed pressure — ports, connectors, RAM types, expansion cards, cabling. Messer explains these concepts well, but watching a video is fundamentally different from snap-recognition in 3 seconds on an exam screen. Successful A+ candidates supplement video learning with flashcard drills (Anki, Quizlet) using actual photos of components. Build a 200-card deck covering every port and connector type referenced in the objectives. Review for 10 minutes per day during weeks 4-8 of your study cycle. This is the single highest-leverage A+ supplement to Messer — and it costs nothing.
Why Most Candidates Underestimate Core 2
Core 1 (hardware-heavy) is the cert most candidates expect to be harder, but pass-rate data consistently shows Core 2 (operating systems, security, troubleshooting) trips up more first-time test-takers. Core 2 is conceptually deeper — Windows account types, malware remediation steps, social engineering taxonomy, mobile device security policy. Messer's Core 2 playlist is thorough but you'll likely need to rewatch certain sections (security and operational procedures) two or three times before they cement. Budget at least 25 hours for Core 2 prep even if Core 1 felt easy.
PBQ Exposure for A+ Specifically
A+ PBQs are usually less complex than Security+ PBQs but they still account for the early few questions on each Core exam. Messer doesn't teach a PBQ approach. Spend 2-3 hours on CompTIA's free PBQ samples (available on their site) before exam day. Common A+ PBQ formats: drag-and-drop matching of OS features to versions, scenario-based troubleshooting flow, identification of malware indicators in a screenshot. None are technically difficult — but they're time-consuming, so practice pacing.
The $0–30 A+ Study Stack
Free tier: Messer A+ Core 1 + Core 2 playlists, CompTIA's free official PBQ samples, free flashcard deck (Quizlet has good A+ photo decks), Reddit r/aplus for weak-area questions. Paid additions ($15–30 total): one Dion practice pack on Udemy sale ($15) gives you six 90-question exams calibrated harder than the real exam. Optional: Messer's paid practice bundle ($25) as a final week checkpoint. This stack consistently produces first-try passes for candidates with at least some hardware exposure. Complete beginners may want to add Mike Meyers' All-in-One book ($35) for narrative grounding.
Pro Tips
Don't schedule Core 2 until you've passed Core 1 — back-to-back booking causes fatigue failures.
Build a one-page port/connector cheat sheet by hand — the act of writing locks in visual recognition.
Use Messer videos at 1.25x speed for hardware topics and 1x for OS/security topics where details matter.
Run timed 90-question practice exams in one sitting before booking each core.
Budget about 60 hours per core — A+ rewards practical drilling more than passive watching.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Studying both cores in parallel — overlap is good, but split focus hurts retention.
Skipping hardware photo drilling because "the videos showed it."
Booking both exams the same week.
Treating A+ as easier than Network+ or Security+ — pass rates are roughly equal.
Believing Messer alone is enough because A+ is "the beginner cert."
A+ is the CompTIA cert where Messer's "video-only" gap hurts most. Hardware identification and PBQs both reward active practice, not passive watching. Pair Messer with one PBQ source and a photo-flashcard drill, and the first-try pass rate jumps noticeably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possible, but uncommon. Most first-try passers add a PBQ-focused practice source and hardware-photo drilling.
Yes — both A+ cores are fully covered in his free playlists.
About 30 hours of video across both cores. Realistic full prep is 100–120 hours including practice.
Core 1. It's the official order and the hardware foundation makes Core 2 easier.
Useful as a final check, especially if you can't consistently hit 85% on free adaptive practice.
For most candidates, no — the question pool is too small. You need varied practice from a second source.
Core 1 is the official recommendation. Most successful candidates follow it because Core 1 concepts (hardware, networking basics) underpin some Core 2 material.
Plan 60-80 hours total across both Core exams. Core 1: ~30 hours. Core 2: ~30-40 hours (it's deeper than most candidates expect).
Most candidates don't. Add Mike Meyers' All-in-One book ($35) only if you're a complete beginner or need narrative-style learning.
Related Resources
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