The A+ is the industry standard for getting started in IT. Now is a perfect time to get motivated and get certified. You can pass the A+ in about 4 to 5 months by studying with CBT Nuggets and utilizing a simple set of resources. Here’s what you need:
CBT Nuggets subscription
5-month study plan
Practice exams
Study groups and accountability
Deadlines are good motivators. Work backwards to figure out how much you’ll need to study each day and then download the study plan to track your progress.
Are you a training manager or a team admin? Learn more about accountability coaching.
Now that you have your date, download your study plans for A+ Core 1 (1101) and A+ Core 2 (1102). There may be some topics you can skip and others you’ll want to spend time learning. This study plan was designed to be used with the CBT Nuggets A+ (1101 and 1102) training courses, which includes:
62 skills
59 hours of training
A+ practice exams
One of the best ways to achieve a goal is to tell someone about it. So, tell us! Joining the Cert Class is easy. Tell us and the community you plan to earn the old A+ before it retires (or the new A+)! Importantly, tell us when you pass and you’ll get a badge next to your name and swag. Maybe even a parade.
Preparing for the test means knowing the material, as well as how to take the test. Each A+ exam is up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. You’ll need to choose fast. Here are some tips for how to use practice exams as you prep.
You’ll need some protocol flashcards. You’ll need at least one good acronym to remember the OSI Model. You’ll need to understand basic OS configuration. And you’ll need a good study guide. Here’s the official CompTIA study guides:
The A+ is an entry-level IT certification. It can open a lot of doors early in your career as you figure out how you want to specialize. Maybe you're leaning towards a networking track, or want to dive deeper into InfoSec and cybersecurity. No matter what path you choose, CBT Nuggets has training to help you crush your career goals.
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) | Beginner | 38 hrs 18 mins |
| CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) | Intermediate | 30 hrs 1 min |
| 2024 CCNA v1.1 (200-301) | Beginner | 93 hrs 48 mins |
| Check Point CCSA & CCSE R81 | Beginner | 19 hrs 44 mins |
| Juniper JNCIA-Junos (JN0-105) | Beginner | 14 hrs 33 mins |
| Cisco CCST Cybersecurity (100-160) | Beginner | 57 hrs 35 mins |
| Cisco CCST Networking (100-150) | Beginner | 19 hrs 33 mins |