"Dion Training" is Jason Dion's direct-sales site, separate from his Udemy presence. It bundles his video courses, practice exams, and study plans. Messer is the free YouTube alternative. In 2026, here's how the comparison actually plays out.
Messer wins on cost (free) and pure video depth. Dion Training (Jason Dion's direct-sales site) wins on bundled practice exams and integrated study planning. For most candidates, the winning combination is Messer's free videos + Dion's practice exams from Udemy at sale prices — not a full Dion Training bundle.
What "Dion Training" Includes
Dion Training's direct bundles typically pair:
- Video course access - Six practice exams (90 questions each) - Downloadable study guides and flashcards - Email and forum support
Pricing is higher than buying the same content piecemeal on Udemy during sales — the trade-off is convenience and slightly newer content on the direct site.
Where Messer Wins
- Cost. Free vs $45–80 for a Dion Training bundle. - Video depth. Messer's videos are widely considered equal to or stronger than Dion's for first-time concept teaching. - No subscription friction. YouTube access vs Dion Training account login. - Update timing. Messer's playlists refresh quickly on objective changes.
Where Dion Training Genuinely Wins
- Practice exam bundle. Six 90-question practice exams is one of the best banks available. - Integrated experience. Videos + practice + study guide in one place reduces tool-juggling. - Direct support. Buyer access to Dion's forums and instructor contact. - Newer than Udemy. Direct-site content sometimes updates earlier than the Udemy versions.
The Honest Recommendation
For most candidates: Messer's free videos + Dion's six-exam practice pack bought on Udemy during a sale ($15–20).
If you want the integrated experience and don't mind paying full bundle price: Dion Training direct is a fine choice — just don't double-pay for video content you can get free from Messer.
Where Each Creator Genuinely Wins
Use fresh practice questions and explanations to find gaps. Compare the exact product and exam version. This guide does not establish a pass-rate advantage or a difficulty conversion.
Dion Training Direct vs Dion on Udemy
Dion offers training through Udemy and its direct site. Packages and access terms differ. Compare the specific video course and practice pack: the direct A+ Core 2 pack lists dynamic question sets and 12-month access. Check both listings before choosing. Direct Core 2 practice pack, checked September 8, 2026.
How to Use Messer + Dion Together
Weeks 1–6: Messer's full video course at 1.25x speed, plus free practice questions as you complete each domain. Weeks 7–8: Dion practice exams 1 and 2, with thorough review of every missed question. Weeks 8–9: Dion practice exams 3, 4, 5 with re-watch of Messer videos on weak domains between attempts. Final week: Dion practice exam 6 plus Messer's paid practice bundle as a fresh-source final check. Schedule the real exam within 7 days of consistently scoring 80%+ on Dion.
Total Cost of the Combined Stack
Messer videos: $0. Dion practice pack on Udemy sale: $15–20. Optional Messer paid practice: the current listed price. Total: $15–45 for a CompTIA cert that opens $50K+ entry IT roles. That's the cheapest end-to-end stack with high pass-rate evidence in r/CompTIA threads. Spending more rarely improves outcomes — additional courses produce diminishing returns past the Messer + Dion baseline.
When Dion Training Direct Is Worth the Premium
For Check the exact course and practice pack; direct and Udemy products can have different contents and access terms, Dion practice exams on Udemy at sale price is the right buy. The direct site earns its premium only in specific cases: when you want bundled video content alongside practice, when employer reimbursement makes itemized invoicing easier, when you specifically value forum and community access, or when you're testing within the first month of a brand-new exam version (direct site Check the exact course and practice pack; direct and Udemy products can have different contents and access terms. Outside those cases, Udemy on sale gives you the same questions for a fraction of the price. Recognize which bucket you fall into before paying.
Refund Realities by Channel
Messer's free videos carry no refund concept — they're free. Dion content on Udemy carries a 30-day no-questions-asked refund window, making first-time purchases nearly risk-free. Dion Training direct purchases follow tighter refund windows (typically 7-14 days) and bundles are often excluded entirely. If you're uncertain about Dion's teaching style fitting your brain, buy on Udemy first to leverage the safety net. If you confirm the fit and want bundled extras, then consider direct-site upgrades. Don't pay direct-site premium prices for content you haven't already validated as a fit.
Pro Tips
Buy Dion practice exams on Udemy during a sale rather than full price on Dion Training direct.
Use Messer videos as primary content even if you buy a Dion Training bundle.
Take Dion's practice exams in timed 90-minute sittings — that's how they're calibrated.
If you score below 70% on Dion, stay in study mode — his exams calibrate harder than the real test.
Don't buy multiple practice bundles from different instructors — one well-rated bank is enough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Paying for Dion Training's video course when Messer covers the same material for free.
Buying a Dion Training bundle at full price when Udemy sales drop the practice exams to $15.
Use fresh practice questions and explanations to find gaps. Compare the exact product and exam version. This guide does not establish a pass-rate advantage or a difficulty conversion.
Skipping practice variety — adding a second question source beyond Dion is still worth it.
Believing the more expensive bundle means a higher pass rate.
Dion Training's real value is the practice exam bundle, not the videos. Get the videos from Messer free and the practice exams from Dion at Udemy sale prices — that's the dollar-for-dollar best combo.
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