The strategies that actually work (and the mistakes that almost derailed me)
I still remember that moment of panic when I first opened the CompTIA A+ objectives document. 1,100+ bullet points of technical knowledge staring back at me. Port numbers, hardware specifications, troubleshooting procedures, Windows commands, mobile device management, network protocols... the list felt endless.
Like most people starting their IT journey, I thought I needed to memorize everything. I was wrong. After 9 weeks of focused study, I passed both Core 1 and Core 2 exams on my first attempts with scores of 812 and 789 respectively. Here's exactly how I did it—and more importantly, the critical mistakes I almost made that could have derailed everything.
Promise: This isn't another "just study hard" guide. I'll share the specific strategies, tools, and mindset shifts that made the difference between passing and failing.
I started by trying to memorize every single detail. RAM speeds, exact CPU specifications, every Windows command and its parameters. I was making flashcards for everything, thinking that more information meant better preparation.
Reality check: A+ tests your understanding of concepts and troubleshooting methodology, not your ability to recite technical specifications.
For weeks, I was reading about troubleshooting procedures without actually troubleshooting anything. I knew the 6-step methodology by heart but had never applied it to a real problem.
Wake-up call: When I took my first practice exam, I failed miserably on questions that required practical application of concepts I "knew."
I was so focused on multiple-choice questions that I barely prepared for PBQs. I thought they'd be straightforward "click and drag" exercises.
Harsh reality: PBQs can make or break your exam score. They're worth more points and require hands-on knowledge, not just theoretical understanding.
My initial "study plan" was basically "study A+ stuff when I have time." No schedule, no milestones, no way to track progress. I was just grinding through material without direction.
The problem: Without structure, I was reviewing the same easy topics repeatedly while avoiding the challenging areas that actually needed work.
After those early mistakes nearly derailed me, I completely restructured my approach. Here's the 3-phase system that actually worked:
Don't jump around randomly. Core 1 hardware topics provide the foundation for everything else. You can't understand troubleshooting if you don't know how components work together.
My Week 1-3 Daily Schedule:
This shows up everywhere in A+. Don't just memorize the steps—practice applying them to real scenarios.
Instead of rote memorization, I used the "memory palace" technique. I created mental associations between ports and their services.
My Port Number Memory Tricks:
This phase saved my exam scores. I dedicated 50% of my study time to PBQ practice and simulations.
Free, comprehensive video series on Youtube. Perfect for building foundational understanding.
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Comprehensive textbook with great explanations and practice questions.
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Targeted practice questions for both Core 1 and Core 2 with detailed explanations and performance tracking.
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High-quality practice tests with detailed explanations. Essential for exam prep.
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Focus on understanding concepts, minimal practice tests
One practice test per week, review weak areas daily
Practice test every other day, intensive PBQ practice
The exam environment was more stressful than I expected. Having a clear strategy for exam day made all the difference between panic and confidence.
When I saw "Congratulations! You passed!" on the screen, all the early morning study sessions and weekend practice labs felt worth it. But the real validation came three weeks later when I landed my first IT job—the certification opened doors that my previous experience never could.
During week 6, I panicked about my practice test scores and tried to cram 12 hours of study into a weekend. I burned out completely and couldn't focus for the next three days.
Lesson learned: Consistency always beats intensity. Trust your daily study routine, even when anxiety tells you to do more.
I kept telling myself "just one more chapter" and "I need to understand this better" instead of scheduling my exam. Perfectionism was just fear in disguise.
Breakthrough moment: When I finally scheduled both exams for specific dates, my studying became focused and purposeful instead of aimless.
I kept avoiding networking topics because they felt overwhelming. I'd review hardware components for the tenth time instead of tackling subnetting and protocols.
Solution: I forced myself to spend 30 minutes daily on my weakest topic until it became manageable. Avoiding problems doesn't make them disappear.
The difference between passing and failing A+ isn't intelligence or background—it's having a system and sticking to it. The students who succeed treat certification study like a part-time job: scheduled, consistent, and professional.
Nine weeks after starting my A+ journey, I had two certifications and a clear path into IT. Six months later, I was working as a desktop support technician. Two years later, I'm a systems administrator with a 40% salary increase from my previous career.
A+ didn't just give me technical knowledge—it gave me confidence. The confidence to apply for IT jobs, to speak up in technical meetings, and to tackle problems I'd never seen before using systematic troubleshooting approaches.
The path is clear, the resources are available, and thousands of people have succeeded before you. The only variable left is your commitment to the process.
Week 1 action step: Choose your primary study resource and create a daily study schedule
Week 2 action step: Set up your hands-on practice environment
Week 8 action step: Schedule both of your exams
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Your IT career starts with the first chapter of your A+ study plan.