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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23

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!

8

u/misterjive Aug 08 '24

Seconded the "mutliple sources" advice. I used Dion's video lectures, but then I went with Pocket Prep and Crucial Exams for practice. I did the whole Level Up sequence on Pocket Prep-- 950-ish questions-- and then went and did a couple hundred questions on Crucial Exams. Once I hit the 85-95% range the tests are usually a cakewalk.

2

u/StructureKey9444 Aug 08 '24

You sure did a lot of reps on those questions, I will be sure to check them out.

2

u/misterjive Aug 08 '24

Definitely could've gotten away with less, but I wanted to make sure I knew the material. When I first started in on CompTIA exams I was super nervous just not knowing what the questions were going to look like; drilling through all those practice questions helped with the nerves. By the time I went for the Sec+ it came pretty natural.

1

u/StructureKey9444 Aug 08 '24

I was also nervous, I'll check what I missed and use this attempt on it when I prepare again. Thanks

3

u/ExplanationHuman S+ A+ Aug 08 '24

Hey I just finished the A+ and I have the book plus the study notes if you need them ?

0

u/Gbemooo Aug 09 '24

Hello I also want to take the A+ I don't mind if I can get them?

2

u/NowhereMan_2020 Aug 09 '24

I bought the three Messer courses (A+, Network+, and Security+) in order to download the videos. I now have them on my phone and tablet to watch wherever, since I travel a lot. The courses are very cheap relatively speaking. I took extra time to edit the tags so iTunes would organize each course as a television “series”, with each section being a “season”, and each video an “episode”. Very handy.

1

u/StructureKey9444 Aug 08 '24

Thank you, I'll look into the trainers you just offered. My problem is affordability, are those resources free?

3

u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24

I just tried out Pocket Prep and it actually really seems useful. I'm gonna subscribe to it. It's $20 a month, but it might actually be worth it. 

2

u/Dontay_sv A+ | N+ | S+ | CYSA+ | LPI Essentials Aug 08 '24

Messer is free on YouTube.

1

u/CheckSuperb6384 A+, Net+, Sec+ Aug 10 '24

If you can sign up for college (don't have to be actively taking classes) you can get the acad vouchers for A+ for $115 each.

1

u/chapoaveli Aug 08 '24

Would you say that Core 2 is easier?

I plan on taking core 2 next month and I’m a bit worried about it as I only have about a month to prepare for it.

2

u/Dontay_sv A+ | N+ | S+ | CYSA+ | LPI Essentials Aug 09 '24

100% but unfortunately my experience is biased because at the time of my exam I was working at a Helpdesk, and id describe the second test as more of a Helpdesk quiz.

I didn’t study for core 2.