LEARNING RESOURCES Professor Messer Review 2026: Are Free Videos Enough to Pass?
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Current provider information

Professor Messer’s SY0-701 Security+ practice-exam listing includes written performance-based questions. Written practice is different from an interactive simulator; review the sample for your exam version. Messer’s public CompTIA course navigation lists A+, Network+ and Security+. Other certifications need dedicated resources. Check current prices, samples and access terms.

• Official provider reference 1
• Official provider reference 2

Professor Messer A+ Course: Complete Breakdown

Professor Messer's A+ course is his most comprehensive offering, covering both Core 1 and Core 2 exams required for certification.

Core 1 Video Coverage (approximately 15 hours):

• Mobile Devices: Laptop hardware, mobile device features, networking
• Networking: TCP/IP, ports, protocols, wireless networking
• Hardware: Motherboards, RAM, storage, power supplies, peripherals
• Virtualization and Cloud: Hypervisors, cloud services, client-side virtualization
• Hardware Troubleshooting: Systematic troubleshooting methodology

Core 2 Video Coverage (approximately 14 hours):

• Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS
• Security: Malware, social engineering, physical security
• Software Troubleshooting: Application issues, OS problems
• Operational Procedures: Documentation, change management, disaster recovery

Video Quality Assessment: The A+ videos are thorough and well-produced. Messer explains hardware concepts with clear visuals and real component demonstrations. Software topics include screen captures and step-by-step walkthroughs.

Gap Analysis: While comprehensive for knowledge, you'll still need hands-on practice with actual hardware and practice questions for exam readiness. Consider supplementing with free practice at PrepForCerts.

A+ Study Strategy with Professor Messer

For optimal A+ preparation using Professor Messer: 1. Watch all videos in order while taking notes 2. Complete end-of-video objectives checklists 3. Supplement with hands-on practice using virtual labs or old hardware 4. Use daily practice questions from PrepForCerts to test retention 5. Review weak areas with targeted video rewatches 6. Take full practice exams before scheduling your test

Professor Messer Security+ Course: Complete Breakdown

The Security+ course covers all domains of the current CompTIA Security+ exam objectives.

Video Coverage (approximately 14 hours total):

• Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities: Malware types, attack vectors, threat actors
• Architecture and Design: Secure network design, cloud security, embedded systems
• Implementation: Cryptography, PKI, identity management, authentication
• Operations and Incident Response: Security monitoring, incident handling, forensics
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance: Risk assessment, regulations, frameworks

Teaching Approach: Security+ content benefits from Messer's real-world IT experience. He contextualizes security concepts with practical scenarios that help candidates understand not just "what" but "why."

Strengths:

• Cryptography explanations are particularly clear
• Attack and threat coverage is comprehensive
• Current regulatory and framework coverage

Limitations:

• Performance-based question scenarios require separate practice
• No log analysis or tool demonstrations
• Limited hands-on security exercises

Professor Messer Network+ Course: Complete Breakdown

The Network+ course provides thorough coverage of networking fundamentals required for the certification.

Video Coverage (approximately 13 hours total):

• Networking Fundamentals: OSI model, topologies, cables, connectors
• Network Implementations: Routing, switching, wireless, virtualization
• Network Operations: Monitoring, optimization, configuration management
• Network Security: Authentication, access control, firewalls, VPNs
• Network Troubleshooting: Methodology, tools, common issues

Visual Learning Advantage: Networking concepts particularly benefit from Messer's visual approach. Diagrams of network topologies, packet flows, and protocol interactions make abstract concepts concrete.

Subnetting Coverage: His subnetting videos are highly praised by the community. He breaks down the calculation process methodically, helping candidates who struggle with this crucial skill.

What's Missing: While theory is excellent, you won't get hands-on experience with actual network equipment configuration. Consider packet tracer or GNS3 labs alongside video study.

Professor Messer Paid Add-Ons: Are They Worth It?

Professor Messer offers three paid products to supplement his free videos. Here's an honest assessment of each:

Course Notes ($20 per certification)

• PDF documents matching video content
• Useful for offline review and quick reference
• Contains diagrams, tables, and key points
• Verdict: Worth it if you prefer physical study materials or need portable notes

Practice Exams (the current listed price)

• 3 practice tests per certification (roughly 270+ questions for A+)
• Detailed explanations for each answer
• Performance tracking across attempts
• Verdict: Useful but limited compared to dedicated practice platforms. You can also use PrepForCerts for unlimited daily practice with 25+ certifications.

Monthly Study Groups ($7.99/month for recordings)

• Live monthly sessions reviewing exam topics
• Q&A opportunities with Professor Messer
• Access to archived study group recordings
• Verdict: Good for accountability and community, but recordings alone may not justify ongoing subscription

Total Cost if Purchasing All:

• A+ Complete Package: $75 ($20 notes + the current listed price Core 1 exams + the current listed price Core 2 exams + study groups)
• Security+ Complete Package: $52.99 ($20 + the current listed price + study groups)
• Network+ Complete Package: $52.99 ($20 + the current listed price + study groups)

Is Professor Messer Enough to Pass CompTIA Exams?

Use the following checklist to decide what to add to video study. It is practical guidance, not a measured analysis of candidate pass rates.

1. Passive vs. Active Learning: Watching videos creates familiarity, not mastery. Active recall through practice questions is essential for retention.

2. No Exam Simulation: CompTIA exams include time pressure, question randomization, and performance-based questions. Videos cannot replicate this experience.

3. Missing Hands-On Practice: Many exam questions test practical application. Without lab experience, you may struggle with scenario-based questions.

4. Knowledge Gaps: Video pacing means some topics get less coverage than their exam weight. You may have blind spots.

Recommended Multi-Resource Approach:

• Primary Learning: Professor Messer free videos for conceptual understanding
• Active Practice: Daily practice questions from PrepForCerts (free for 25+ certifications)
• Hands-On Labs: Virtual labs or home lab environment
• Comprehensive Testing: Multiple full-length practice exams before scheduling

Success Rate Insight: Community feedback suggests candidates using Professor Messer videos plus 2-3 additional resources (practice tests, labs, study guides) pass at significantly higher rates than those using videos alone.

Professor Messer vs. Alternatives: Feature Comparison

How does Professor Messer compare to other certification training options?

| Feature | Professor Messer | PrepForCerts | Jason Dion | CompTIA CertMaster | |---------|-----------------|--------------|------------|-------------------| | Cost | Free (videos) | Free tier + Premium | $15-30 (Udemy) | $159+ | | Certifications | 3 | 25+ | 10+ | CompTIA only | | Video Training | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | | Practice Questions | the current listed price/cert | Free daily | Included | Included | | Explanations | Video only | Detailed per question | Detailed | Detailed | | Progress Tracking | No | Yes | Udemy limited | Yes | | Mobile App | YouTube | iOS App | Udemy app | Yes | | PBQ Practice | No | Limited | PBQ simulator | Yes | | Adaptive Learning | No | Yes | No | Yes |

When to Choose Professor Messer:

• You're a visual learner who retains information well from videos
• Budget is extremely limited
• You're studying A+, Security+, or Network+ specifically
• You'll supplement with other practice resources

When to Choose Alternatives:

• You need practice questions with detailed explanations
• You're pursuing certifications beyond the three Messer covers
• You want progress tracking and performance analytics
• You prefer adaptive, interactive learning

How to Maximize Professor Messer Resources

To get the most from Professor Messer's free content, follow this strategic approach:

Phase 1: Initial Watch-Through (Weeks 1-3) Watch all videos at 1.25x speed to get an overview. Don't try to memorize everything—focus on understanding concepts and identifying topics that need extra attention.

Phase 2: Deep Study (Weeks 4-6) Re-watch videos for topics you found challenging. Take detailed notes and pause to research anything unclear. This is where real learning happens.

Phase 3: Active Practice (Weeks 7-10) Stop watching and start doing. Use PrepForCerts for daily practice questions across your certification. Focus on understanding why answers are correct or incorrect.

Phase 4: Gap Filling (Weeks 11-12) Identify remaining weak areas through practice test performance. Return to specific Professor Messer videos only for topics where you're still struggling.

Phase 5: Final Review (Week 13) Light video review of key topics. Heavy focus on practice exams and timing. Build confidence through consistent high scores.

Critical Success Factors:

• Don't just watch—take notes and create your own summaries
• Test yourself constantly with practice questions
• Join the study group community for accountability
• Set a realistic exam date to create urgency

Create a Study Schedule Around Professor Messer Videos

Map out how many videos you need to watch and when. Allocate time for note-taking and review. Most candidates spend 8-12 weeks preparing for their first CompTIA certification.

Watch at 1.25x or 1.5x speed for initial passes, then normal speed for deep study of complex topics.

Supplement Videos with Daily Practice Questions

Videos teach concepts, but practice questions test understanding. Use PrepForCerts free daily practice to actively recall what you learn from Professor Messer videos. We offer practice for 25+ certifications.

Answer practice questions before watching related videos to identify what you already know vs. need to learn.

Get Hands-On Experience

Set up a home lab or use virtual environments to practice what you learn. For A+, work with actual hardware. For Network+ and Security+, use packet tracers and virtual machines.

You can build a functional home lab with used equipment from eBay or local recyclers for under $100.

Join the Community

Participate in Professor Messer study groups, Reddit certification communities, or Discord servers. Learning with others increases accountability and provides support when you hit obstacles.

Teaching concepts to others is one of the most effective ways to solidify your own understanding.

Validate Readiness with Full Practice Exams

Before scheduling your real exam, take multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions. Use unfamiliar practice questions to identify weak topics, explain your reasoning, and practise within the exam time limit. No practice percentage guarantees a pass.

Take your final practice exam 2-3 days before the real test, then do light review only—cramming the night before hurts more than it helps.

Expert Tips

• Create Anki flashcards from Professor Messer videos to leverage spaced repetition for long-term retention.
• Use the official CompTIA exam objectives as a checklist while watching videos to ensure complete coverage.
• Take notes in your own words rather than transcribing—paraphrasing improves understanding and memory.
• Watch difficult topics multiple times, but use different review methods (notes, teaching others, practice questions) between viewings.
• The monthly study groups are worth it if you lack accountability—the live format creates commitment.
• Don't skip the "boring" topics. Exam questions often test areas candidates assume they know well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Watching all videos without taking notes or actively engaging with the material.
• Assuming video completion means exam readiness—videos are just one component of preparation.
• Neglecting practice questions until the last minute before the exam.
• Skipping hands-on labs because "I understand the concept from watching."
• Not setting an exam date, leading to indefinite study that never feels "ready enough."
• Using only Professor Messer without any supplementary resources for practice or reinforcement.

Ready to Start Your Certification Journey?

Practice with real exam-style questions and track your progress.

Additional details from the guide

• Last updated: September 9, 2026
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• This guide was last updated on September 8, 2026