What Is Professor Messer?
Professor Messer (James Messer) is a veteran IT professional and educator who creates free video training courses for CompTIA certifications. His approach is simple: provide high-quality education at no cost, with optional paid resources for those who want extra study materials.
Platform Overview:
- Free YouTube Videos: Complete course coverage for A+, Security+, and Network+
- Monthly Study Groups: Live sessions reviewing exam topics ($7.99/month for recordings)
- Course Notes: Downloadable PDF study guides ($20 each)
- Practice Exams: 3 practice tests per certification ($25 each)
Unlike platforms that gate content behind paywalls, Professor Messer's core training is 100% free. The paid products are supplementary, not required to access his teaching.
Professor Messer Advantages
Completely Free Core Training
All video courses are available on YouTube at no cost, including comprehensive coverage for A+, Security+, and Network+.
High Production Quality
Videos feature clear audio, professional graphics, and well-organized presentations with real-world examples.
Current Exam Coverage
Professor Messer updates his courses when CompTIA releases new exam versions, ensuring you study relevant material.
Professor Messer Limitations
Limited Certification Coverage
Only covers 3 CompTIA certifications. For CISSP, AWS, Azure, Cisco, or other certifications, you need different resources. PrepForCerts covers 25+ certifications with free daily practice.
Passive Learning Format
Video watching is inherently passive. Without active practice through questions and labs, retention may suffer.
No Built-In Progress Tracking
YouTube doesn't track which videos you've watched or measure your understanding. You need to manually track progress.
Is Professor Messer Enough to Pass?
The Direct Answer: Professor Messer's free videos provide excellent foundational knowledge, but most successful candidates combine them with additional resources.
Why Videos Alone May Not Be Enough:
- Passive vs. Active Learning: Watching videos creates familiarity, not mastery. Active recall through practice questions is essential.
- No Exam Simulation: CompTIA exams include time pressure and performance-based questions that videos cannot replicate.
- Missing Hands-On Practice: Many exam questions test practical application that requires lab experience.
Recommended Approach: Professor Messer free videos for concepts + PrepForCerts free daily practice for 25+ certifications + hands-on labs for practical skills.
Professor Messer vs. Alternatives
| Feature | Prof Messer | PrepForCerts | Jason Dion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free + $25 | Free tier | $15-30 |
| Certifications | 3 | 25+ | 10+ |
| Video Training | Yes | No | Yes |
| Practice Questions | $25/cert | Free daily | Included |
| Progress Tracking | No | Yes | Udemy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Professor Messer really free?
Yes, all Professor Messer YouTube video courses are completely free with no registration required. His paid products (course notes at $20, practice exams at $25) are optional supplements. You can prepare entirely using his free videos plus other free resources like PrepForCerts practice questions.
How long are Professor Messer's courses?
Approximately 42 hours total: A+ Core 1 (15 hours), A+ Core 2 (14 hours), Security+ (14 hours), and Network+ (13 hours). At 1.25x speed with study breaks, expect 8-12 weeks per certification.
What certifications does Professor Messer cover?
Professor Messer covers three CompTIA certifications: A+, Security+, and Network+. For other certifications like CISSP, AWS, Azure, or Cisco, PrepForCerts offers free daily practice for 25+ IT certifications.
Complement Your Video Learning with Practice
Professor Messer teaches the concepts—now test your knowledge with free daily practice questions for 25+ IT certifications.
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