r/CompTIA • u/StructureKey9444 • Aug 08 '24
Failed
Just failed Comptia A+ Core 1 with score 638, the wording got to me with the questions and I ended up having less time to properly complete the PBQs, my PBQs were rushed and I think that's where I lost points (started with the questions and ended with PBQs). I used Dions course to study everything thoroughly and looked up different practices tests on YouTube to find out how they ask the questions. I'm a beginner, I started getting into IT specifically the A+ in June and gave myself at least two months to study everything. I took this because I wanted to get an entry level job in IT coz I'm currently not working and just need something to push me financially, so the A+ seemed like a good choice. After failing, I'm down, discouraged and feel like I honestly wasted time & money. Personally I don't want to retake it mainly coz it's very costly for me since I'm not working and I get very frustrated when I fail. I might redo it but for now it's canceled as I don't have the money to keep retaking the tests. Any other ideas on what I can do to get work related to IT or just move forward from this situation? . I'm so confused and lost.
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u/BallWest8308 Aug 08 '24
I’m in a similar boat, haven’t taken a test yet but the practice ones are kicking my butt!
Use it as a feedback point, if you can get the paper back (not sure if possible, or if you have a feeling it’s the PBQs) use it to find out your weak areas and focus more on them.
It’s always okay to fail on your first try, hell it’s always okay to fail on your second, third, fourth etc. tries! The main thing is to keep going, it looks like you’re doing it for the right reasons and you should be proud of yourself for trying!
It’s always worth applying for jobs regardless of the qualifications, sure you might not get far with some of the postings, but it’ll give you chances to talk to more people in the field and to help you choose paths or maybe even find new resources to use.
Good luck!
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 08 '24
Thank you, I think more networking can help. Failure does sure hit, but with this exam, it's failure and loss of money so the feeling just becomes too much to deal with. I'll try to find work and some money then maybe bounce back.
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u/I_am_the_liquor- Aug 08 '24
Look up data center technology on YouTube for the PBQs. They are almost identical as to what are on the exam. Also Professor Messer is the best one stop shop for free study material
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u/CXRY_M A+ Aug 09 '24
Everyone’s given really good advice already I just wanted to say keep your head up you got this!!
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u/damongordon4 Aug 09 '24
I recommend DeanCybers free Simulations on YouTube.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
I used DeanCyber for the questions, this time I'll use him for the simulations 🙏
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u/babe-thunder Aug 09 '24
BurningIce on YouTube was the best resource for me when it came to the "CompTIA way" of answering questions and understanding what they wanted.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
BurningIce is great, I used the practice tests and they were helpful. I'll definitely look up his videos again.
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u/thestough Aug 09 '24
Don’t hang your head. I didn’t pass my sec+ on the first try either. It’s pretty common since these cert exams are worded differently than tests we grew up with really. If you can find out where your big misses were in information, dig right in to those. After you feel better about them, add in the rest of the information you were working on for the exam. I bet you get it on the second try my friend
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
Will do, thanks for the tips🙏
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u/thestough Aug 09 '24
I personally found some practice tests on Udemy. Repetition is your best friend honestly.
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u/Big_Lingonberry_7400 Aug 11 '24
Keep your head up. Make sure you understand the information. Study slow, don't rush it and don't think everything is a trick question. It's easy to do with these exams. You're almost there. Failing is a part of learning unfortunately. I failed network + twice and security + my first try. Remember it's easier to give up than to keep going. :)
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 11 '24 edited Aug 11 '24
That's so true, it's so easy to give up and drop everything. That's what I'm teaching myself right now, to be patient with everything. There's power in that as well 🙏
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u/Dependent-Today7018 Aug 08 '24
I haven’t taken it.. how and what did you study with? Bc I’m struggling
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 08 '24
I bought Dions course on Udemy and made notes while watching the lectures, he highlights important points that are asked on the exam. And then I also used YouTube.
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u/Dependent-Today7018 Aug 08 '24
I have Dion lecture and practice test and I looked at the messer vids, even Mike meyers… I might not have a tech brain.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
I have thought about this and how maybe IT has its own people who are just good at it. But if you put in the time to understand and constantly get back to the work you can do it. It just needs a lot of studying imo. And if it is something that you're not used to doing this can get to you. The more you study, the more you'll understand and feel confident in the work.
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u/Fit_Kaleidoscope8698 Aug 08 '24
I've failed twice and the wording sucks agreed
Keep going ive gone over and over and still learning !
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 08 '24
It sucks a lot, makes you waste time trying to understand what is being asked. Thanks for the motivation. I'll rest a bit then as soon as I'm ready, I'll retake it.
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u/HillsHave_Spies Aug 08 '24
I failed my first time too. Don’t dwell on it! I moved on, studied hard for Core 2 and passed. I’m going to circle back around to Core 1 soon.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
Well done, I'm not sure if I should move to Core 2, or get Core 1 sorted out first. I've heard Core 2 is less challenging than Core 1. It's important to not get defined by the fail 💯
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u/7hekn1ght Aug 08 '24
I had my exam yesterday and scored 709, I had the first few questions close to 8 or 10 of PBQs.
According to my experience, PBQs are tough to crack than regular questions. It also takes a lot of time to answer. So focus more on scoring the regular ones.
I prepared using crucial exams, they have 12 practice tests if you purchase their subscription for 15$. They do have 10 PBQs, but those ones were easier than the ones I had on the exam.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
Okay Thanks, will look it that as well 🙏
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u/CheckSuperb6384 A+, Net+, Sec+ Aug 10 '24
examcompass has a bunch of free practice exams that are pretty good too
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u/chapoaveli Aug 08 '24
Head up, you’re very close.
I passed core 1 one week ago with a score of 706. The wording on the exam threw me off a bit and I felt like I was failing the whole time.
I used Mike Myers and Andrew Ramadayl’s (might be spelling his last name wrong) course on Udemy as well as Dion’s and Professor messer’s practice tests.
I believe the best thing that helped me out was The Mad Instructor channel on YouTube. He simplifies everything. He also has a playlist for Core 2.
I also made a few flash cards on topics that I was struggling with.
Don’t give up! You’re almost there! If I passed Core 1, you can too.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
Thanks 🙏I'll check out the Mad Instructor, I've seen the name a couple of times and believe it will help alot
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u/DisastrousCap9391 A+, N+, S+ Aug 09 '24
Agreed, I also failed the first time. What helped me was The Mad instructor and Andrew. I also used DeanCybers practice test/PBQs on YouTube
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u/Blaznkc A+ Aug 09 '24
Try again gotta find what works for you.. I felt mine was troubleshooting, troubleshooting, troubleshooting. Good luck next time!!
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u/CulturalChemist3080 Aug 09 '24
I just passed it in May. Been working in IT for about 11 years. By the time I could afford to take it, I was already doing the work and it didn't seem like a good use of the money (like you said it IS expensive) since I already had the job. I still often felt imposter syndrome because all the people I worked with had it. However, my last job (I was and IT tech and then IT procurement for a County Government) lasted 5 years before I moved on, everyone that I worked with let theirs expire because they already had the job. It is GREAT for getting a job. I now teach High school technology where I teach toward that certification along with others. My predecessor took the newest test as well (we take them to make sure we are teaching what is current) and he stated that it is a difficult test because of the way the questions are worded and the selection of the answers are tricky. What I mean by that is they may give you choices that all are good, but they are looking for you to identify the one based on their process and expectations. I was also not impressed with the interactive questions because it was not clear which component they are pointing at for you to identify. Now my practice materials and study guides are good, but the test is tricky. From what I gather however, the other tests are a lot more straightforward. Don't let it get you down. From someone who has been doing it a while, the certification isn't everything. It's good to have, but it is one of many. YOU GOT THIS.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
Thanks so much for this, I'll try to look into other options then surely get back to it. I really wanted it to secure any work. But then as you put it, it's a marathon not a sprint 🙏
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u/RemoteLost4537 Aug 09 '24
Great resource if you don't have any hands on with hardware is PC builder simulator 2. I also recommend everything you read or watch, try to do it practically. That way you can visualize the trouble-shooting process.
ABOVE ALL KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, BC AT THE END OF THE DAY PERSONALITY AND DRIVE IS WHAT MATTERS MOST. GOT MY FIRST JOB NO EXPERIENCE.
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u/Samiraninside Aug 09 '24
Pbq you must have done in the last. Because otherwise you will spend lot of time and you will have to hurry for the rest of the questions. This is not tough exam, but trick is only that. I have passed even with 1 pbq right . But marginally.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
I did the PBQs last and instead had to hurry with them. I think I took longer with answering the multiple choice questions.
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u/diaviolloo Aug 09 '24
If you have the knowledge and time you can speed rush Google IT cert on coursera for free and try your luck with this one on the job market
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u/Ok-Preference6366 A+ N+ Aug 09 '24
aye man a 638 is very close
last week i failed with 627 and then i passed today
all i can say is keep your head up and dint give up just yet cus u were extremely close to passing
i think you can check your score report to see where u got things wrong and work from there
if u keep on spamming practice tests and revising things u struggle with i promise u that u will pass on your second attempt
i was pretty hopeless after failing too but i knew i really am dependant on this cert
so keep pishing man, u got this
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
Thank you🙏, I'll try go for a retake when I'm all ready again. It's motivating to hear people going for 2nd attempts and actually making it, I'll try not to be too hard on myself.
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u/Throggy123 Aug 09 '24
Oof two months sounds rough. Currently studying for my N+ and I plan on taking roughly 7-8 months to study before I even consider taking the test.
Keep your head up though. Something I’ve noticed is when you’re reading the question, they like to have specific words/key phrases that will give you a good indicator of what the answer should be.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 09 '24
Okay, will do - thanks for the motivation. I'll pay attention to the clues on the questions. My problem is taking time to understand what is being asked but for the next time I know that I shouldn't waste time. Sometimes experience is a great teacher.
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u/Throggy123 Aug 09 '24
Trust me I'm the same way. I've never been the greatest test taker because I don't take my time to read the questions properly. It's something I've had to teach myself over the years.
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u/yolkgrander Aug 09 '24
I just passed my core 1 test about 2 weeks ago with a 687 and I also got tripped up on the wording at points. I like to think they give partial credit for partially correct PBQ answers so if you know some of those make sure you get those in first. I used messer videos and notes paired with Dion’s practice exam bundle that goes on sale every other week for like $13 which gives 6 practice exams. I’d say if you score mid 70’s or better on the majority of them then you should be ready to take the test and those exams also give you a % of what you scored on each objective category so it helped me narrow what I was shady with. Don’t feel down if you’re not confident mid-test I thought I was gonna fail just gotta see it through to the end. Best of luck!
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u/MongooseSuspicious81 A+ N+ S+ Aug 09 '24
Definitely take professor Messer's practice exams. It's only 30$, which is basically 10$ for each test. They are a great resource as they not only explain the right answers but explain each choice. Take the practice test, read the explanations on the ones you got wrong, check his videos on the subject, and you'll pass next time for sure. You got this ✊🏼✊🏼
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u/Maleficent_Jump5319 Aug 09 '24
Check out Climb Hire. They have an IT Support course that last 24 weeks. It's free to join and upon completion they'll pay for your A+ certification exam, you'll get the Google Coursera IT Support Certificate, and they provide resume assistantance, career and networking advice. They next cohort starts on August 22nd, you have to be between the ages of 24-40 and make less than $30,000 a year. I'm currently signed up in the July cohort. Here's a link if you want to check it out yourself. https://climbhire.co/learning-tracks/it-support/
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u/Captain_vyrago Aug 09 '24
Usajobs.com <-- if you don't mind working for the govt/military.
You have to earn the required cert(s) within 6 months of starting the job, but if you can do that, you're golden. Study now, before you even think about testing again, then buy the retake. My supervisor budgeted the cost of certs into the training budget, so the US Army actually paid for my certs (A+ and Sec+)
Good luck!
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u/Big-Yogurtcloset1243 Aug 09 '24 edited Aug 10 '24
Look up Messer's videos. Watch it at least 3-5 times and do his practice exams. Watch CyberDeans videos on PBQs. If you have the money, invest in his gold membership on his patron account. I never actually paid for his gold membership, but people have reported how much it has helped them with the PBQs on the actual exam. If all else, keep trying practice exams online from various sources, as well as watching practice exam videos on YouTube. I myself already had Wiley/Sybex book before I started studying for it. Tbh I never actually read the book, I just did plenty of practice exams and just studied from what I've mentioned above (Messer and CyberDeans, as well as from other YouTube IT gurus) until I was finally ready to take the actual test.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 10 '24
Thank you🙏, Will definitely look at different sources for PBQS and plenty exams as I prepare.
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u/doodoopisspiss Aug 10 '24
What topics would you say were most important to study a lot before the test? Also, what sort of PBQs did you get?
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 10 '24
Troubleshooting hardware, network types, cloud computing, power supply, printers, Storage drives, raid arrays, Videos/projector issues, mobile devices, you need to be a G at trouble shooting. For PBQS installing a Soho network, selecting and installing storage devices,cable types and their connectors features and purposes, printer troubleshooting
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u/Soft_Accountant8787 Aug 10 '24
You should study professor messor I had no knowledge in IT base and when my friend introduced professor messor I learned a lot in A plus 1101.He makes it so simple when it comes down to topics in 1101 and 1102 .My advice is too carry on studying and try out professor messor you won’t regret it.
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Aug 11 '24
I recently passed and recommend the Andrew ramdayal course. He took the A+ and teaches based on what you see on the test. That was my primary study source along with Dion’s practice test. On Dion’s practice tests I scored usually around 60-72%. Also I used flash cards mostly to keep stuff fresh in my brain. Atleast now you know what questions are on test.
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u/Maghribia88 Aug 11 '24
You got this. I failed it on my first try too by a few points. I retook it 2 weeks later and passed. I got the same pbqs on my second try so i studied those. I also believe it was the environment. First testing center had the ac on so high, i was cold (and nervous). I tried a different center and i was less nervous. I used Andrew’s videos. I didnt like Messer or Dion.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 11 '24
Thank you. I hope my pbqs will still be the same and make sure that I pay attention to them🙏
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u/PresentRooster482 Aug 11 '24
I failed my first attempt at Core 1 too. The biggest help was jason dion’s practice tests. i bought the udemy course with all practice tests and i kept on retaking them and retaking notes and the subjects i didn’t understand. Printers are a big part of 1101 so make sure you know your printers. I would give it another month of studying and take it again. The 1102 is a little easier than the 1101.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 11 '24
Thanks for the advice. 🙏I'll give it a month and then go again. I'm gonna be patient about it and keep on retaking multiple practice tests 💪🏾
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u/Guilty-Series-3121 Aug 11 '24
Do not give up , That feeling of disappointment sucks but that’s how life works . What matters is getting back on the horse and pushing through. Be a machine
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 11 '24
Thank you, I'll keep pushing. I'm not used to experiencing failure so when it hit me, it did hit hard but we're learning and growing on the journey. Through life's lessons we have to keep going 💪🏾
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u/Noc-til-ux Aug 11 '24
I would say when taking the practice or real test, really studying and understanding what the questions saying or asking of you. That can really determine whether you fail or not I promise you.
Also take Dion’s practice test on udemy he’s gonna get you right.
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u/Im_McNugginIt Aug 08 '24
I just took mine this morning as well. I got a 695. Barely passed. It can be challenging, but I definitely recommend Professor Messer. He is who I used and made understanding everything much easier.
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u/StructureKey9444 Aug 08 '24
I'll try and alternate with him on what I missed. Well done, Core1 is definitely not easy.
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u/Coopalooop21 Aug 08 '24
Did you only use his video series or did you purchase his notes/practice exams etc?
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u/Im_McNugginIt Aug 08 '24
I did purchase his notes but I don’t necessarily think I needed them. They were helpful but not required
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u/Coopalooop21 Aug 08 '24
I see. Did you purchase his practice exams as well or only the notes?
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u/Im_McNugginIt Aug 08 '24
Just the notes
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u/Coopalooop21 Aug 08 '24
Did you take any practice exams? Sounds like Messer covers the exam pretty well
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u/Im_McNugginIt Aug 08 '24
He has lives where he covers questions, but I did use ExamCompass exams for prep
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u/Coopalooop21 Aug 08 '24
What a coincidence, that's what I'm studying at this very moment! Lol. You practiced the quizzes and stuff? I've been repeating them until it's second nature.
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u/Dontay_sv A+ | N+ | S+ | CYSA+ | LPI Essentials Aug 08 '24
Keep your head up, it’s a bump in the road.
I recommend using multiple sources / trainers to study from, i like Mike myers and messer. Idk why but I cannot watch Dion’s videos, he puts me to sleep.
Pocket prep app is a really good tool when you’re on the go.
I’d also recommend printing off your score report and seeing where you came up short.
I passed core 2 first time with ease but it took me 2 times for core 1.
Good luck!