Table of Contents
The best CompTIA A+ courses in 2026 are Professor Messer (free, English), VMSOIT (free, Urdu and Hindi), and Mike Meyers on Udemy (paid). Whether your budget is zero or you can invest in a structured program, this guide compares every major Free, Paid, and Hybrid resource so you can choose the right path and pass Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) on your first attempt.
What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification and Who Is It For?
CompTIA A+ is the world's most widely recognised entry-level IT certification. It is vendor-neutral, globally accepted, and validated by the US Department of Defense. Passing both exams proves you have the foundational skills to work as an IT Support Technician, Help Desk Analyst, Desktop Support Specialist, or Field Service Technician.
The certification covers hardware, operating systems, networking, virtualisation, cloud computing, security, and troubleshooting across two separate exams. You must pass both to earn the credential. Neither exam has a prerequisite, so you can take them in any order.
v15 Exam Facts!
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) requires a passing score of 675 out of 900. Core 2 (220-1202) requires 700 out of 900. Both exams have a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. The exam fee is approximately USD 246 per voucher (PKR 68,500+ in Pakistan as of 2026). You can register through Pearson VUE online or at a local test centre.
For a complete breakdown of every domain, domain weightage, question types, and the full v15 exam structure, read our flagship guide: CompTIA A+: A Complete Beginners Guide. It covers everything from registration to renewal in full detail.
Why Does Choosing the Right Study Resource Matter?
Not all CompTIA A+ courses are equal in quality, language, pace, or exam alignment. Choosing the wrong resource wastes time and money. Some courses are still based on the old 1100 series (220-1101/220-1102). Some are too theoretical. Some are filmed in a dry lecture format that puts even motivated students to sleep. The right resource matches your budget, your language preference, and the time you can commit each day.
The difference between passing and failing CompTIA A+ on the first attempt is usually not how many hours you studied — it is whether you chose a resource aligned to the actual exam objectives and stuck with it consistently.
VMSOIT
All available resources are grouped below into three categories: Free, Paid, and Hybrid. Each category has specific strengths depending on your situation. Read the comparison first, then pick one resource and commit to it fully.
How Do Free, Paid, and Hybrid CompTIA A+ Courses Compare?
| Resource Type | Cost | Best For | Top Examples | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | PKR 0 / USD 0 | Self-motivated learners on a tight budget | Professor Messer, VMSOIT, HowToNetwork, Cybrary | English, Urdu, Hindi |
| Paid | USD 10 to USD 50+ per month | Learners wanting structured, high-production content with practice exams bundled | Mike Meyers on Udemy, Jason Dion on Udemy, CBT Nuggets, Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning | English |
| Hybrid | Free to audit, paid for certificate (financial aid available) | Learners wanting an IBM-backed specialisation with a Coursera certificate | IBM CompTIA A+ Specialisation on Coursera | 22 languages |
Important!
Many older CompTIA A+ courses on YouTube and Udemy are still based on the 1100 series (exams 220-1101 and 220-1102). Before enrolling in any course, confirm it covers the v15 series (220-1201 and 220-1202). Using an outdated course for the current exam will leave critical gaps in your preparation.
What Are the Best Free CompTIA A+ Courses in 2026?
Free resources are powerful when you are disciplined. The platforms below cover every single exam objective for both 220-1201 and 220-1202 at zero cost. You only need a stable internet connection and the consistency to study every day.
1. Professor Messer — CompTIA A+ (YouTube, English)
Professor Messer's CompTIA A+ training is the gold standard of free IT certification prep. Available entirely on YouTube, his courses cover every exam objective for both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) with precise, objective-by-objective instruction backed by over 20 years of real-world IT experience. His videos are short, dense, and exam-focused — no filler.
✅ Advantages of Professor Messer
- Complete exam coverage — every v15 objective for Core 1 and Core 2 is covered in dedicated videos.
- Up to 20 hours of in-depth video lectures across both exams.
- Performance-Based Question (PBQ) resources and interactive exercises included free on YouTube.
- Monthly live study groups — scheduled community sessions where Professor Messer answers questions directly.
- 20 years of industry experience — real-world context woven into every explanation.
- Separate playlists for Core 1 and Core 2 — clean organisation for focused study sessions.
- Completely free — no account required, no paywall, no ads-gating.
⚠ Limitations
- Available in English only — not ideal if you need Urdu, Hindi, or another language.
- His eBooks, study notes, and practice question sets are paid add-ons (though not required to pass the exam).
- Videos are concise and dense — some beginners find the pace too fast without prior IT exposure.
Both v15 playlists are available directly on his YouTube channel at professormesser.com. Access the Core 1 and Core 2 playlists from there to ensure you are watching the correct v15 series videos.
2. VMSOIT — Mastering CompTIA A+ (YouTube, Urdu and Hindi)
Mastering CompTIA A+: The Ultimate Beginners Guide by VMSOIT is the only high-quality CompTIA A+ course available in Urdu and Hindi. Created specifically for South Asian learners — particularly Pakistani and Indian IT students — this course builds real understanding, not just memorisation. The focus is on applying actual IT skills in a professional environment, not just passing a test.
Exclusive Subscriber Benefit!
VMSOIT provides paid resources to subscribers completely free of charge. This includes MCQs, PBQs, and practice questions for every module of both Core 1 and Core 2. Subscribe to the YouTube channel to access this exclusive content alongside the main video course.
✅ Why VMSOIT Is the Top Pick for Pakistani Students
- Urdu and Hindi language — the only professional-grade CompTIA A+ course in South Asian languages.
- Completely free on YouTube — no paid subscription required.
- Beginner-friendly — built for learners with little to no prior IT background.
- Covers all v15 objectives — full Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) content.
- MCQ and PBQ training — exam-style practice questions after every module.
- Supporting blog articles — additional written guides and study materials on VMSOIT.blogspot.com.
- Pakistan-specific context — exam registration at local Pearson VUE centres, pricing in PKR, and career guidance for the Pakistani IT job market.
3. HowToNetwork — CompTIA A+ Full Course (31+ Hours, YouTube)
The HowToNetwork YouTube channel offers one of the longest single-video CompTIA A+ courses available online, running over 31 hours. The course is praised for its real-world scenario-based explanations and systematic coverage of all domains across both exams. It suits learners who prefer marathon study sessions and thorough domain-by-domain progression rather than short clips.
✅ Strengths of HowToNetwork
- 31+ hours of content covering Core 1 and Core 2 domains in full.
- Explanations use real-world IT support scenarios throughout.
- Completely free on YouTube with no account required.
- Self-paced with no schedule pressure.
- Strong foundational coverage of hardware, networking, software, and security.
⚠ Limitations
- The delivery style can feel slow-paced or monotone — not ideal if you prefer high-energy instruction.
- Available in English only.
- The optional 101Labs CompTIA A+ handbook for hands-on labs is a paid add-on.
4. Cybrary — CompTIA A+ Complete Course (Free Platform)
Cybrary is one of the most popular cybersecurity and IT professional development platforms globally. Its free CompTIA A+ course covers both 220-1201 and 220-1202 exam objectives in a structured lesson-by-lesson format within a dedicated Learning Management System rather than YouTube. This makes it feel closer to a formal course environment, which suits learners who prefer guided progression over an open playlist.
📚 Cybrary Course Structure
- Lesson-by-lesson format — mirrors the official v15 CompTIA exam objectives across hardware, networking, OS, security, and troubleshooting domains.
- Hands-on Labs — apply theoretical knowledge to real-world IT support scenarios.
- Practice Exams — exam-style questions that simulate the actual test environment.
- Community forums — connect with peers and instructors for questions and discussion.
⚠ Limitations
- Available in English only.
- A free Cybrary account is required to access courses.
- Some advanced labs and features require a premium subscription.
Practice Tests on Cybrary!
Cybrary also offers dedicated practice exams for Core 1 and Core 2. Use these after finishing the main course content to benchmark your readiness before scheduling your real exam date.
What Are the Best Paid CompTIA A+ Courses in 2026?
Paid resources typically offer higher production quality, structured curriculum, built-in practice exams, and dedicated support. If you can make the investment, a quality paid course often reduces the total time needed to feel fully exam-ready because everything is in one place and the learning path is already designed for you.
1. Udemy — Mike Meyers (Total Seminars) CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2
Mike Meyers is the most popular CompTIA A+ instructor on the planet. His Total Seminars courses on Udemy are the most purchased IT certification courses on Udemy for good reason — Mike has an extraordinary ability to make complex hardware and software concepts feel approachable, memorable, and even entertaining. His style suits visual learners and complete beginners.
📘 Core 1 (220-1201) — Mike Meyers at a Glance
- Duration: 15.5 hours of video instruction.
- Students enrolled: Over 1 million on Udemy.
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5.
- Includes: Quizzes and practice exams after each major section.
- Covers: Mobile devices, networking, hardware components, cloud computing, virtualisation, and troubleshooting across all five Core 1 domains.
📚 Core 2 (220-1202) — Mike Meyers at a Glance
- Duration: 18 hours of video instruction.
- Students enrolled: Over 2 million on Udemy.
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5.
- Covers: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, scripting basics, security hardening, malware removal, networking security, and troubleshooting across all four Core 2 domains.
2. Udemy — Jason Dion CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2
Jason Dion's CompTIA A+ courses are the most content-dense option on Udemy. With over 1.8 million enrolments per course and 4.7-star ratings, Dion's courses are favoured by learners who want exhaustive coverage, maximum practice questions per objective, and a more methodical pace. If Mike Meyers is the fast and fun route, Jason Dion is the deep and thorough route.
📘 Core 1 (220-1201) — Jason Dion at a Glance
- Duration: 25.5 hours of video content.
- Students enrolled: Over 1.8 million on Udemy.
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5.
- Covers: All five Core 1 objectives — mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualisation, cloud computing, and troubleshooting.
📚 Core 2 (220-1202) — Jason Dion at a Glance
- Duration: 36 hours of video content — the most extensive option available on Udemy.
- Students enrolled: Over 1.8 million on Udemy.
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5.
- Covers: OS management across Windows, macOS, and Linux; security hardening; malware removal; troubleshooting; mobile device management; scripting; virtualisation; and professional IT communication.
3. Pluralsight — CompTIA A+ Exam Prep Learning Paths
Pluralsight is a premium skills platform trusted by enterprise IT teams worldwide. It provides dedicated learning paths for both Core 1 and Core 2 exams, structured with expert instructors and progressive video-based modules. Pluralsight is best suited for working professionals who want a clean, corporate-grade learning environment with measurable skill assessments.
Discount!
Use code PLURAL10 when registering on Pluralsight to receive a 10% discount on your subscription. A 10-day free trial is also available for new users.
🔗 Pluralsight Core 1 (220-1201) Path
Covers all Core 1 domains in a structured chapter-by-chapter progression with skill assessments at each stage. Recommended to pair this with hands-on lab practice for maximum benefit.
View Core 1 Path on Pluralsight🔗 Pluralsight Core 2 (220-1202) Path
Covers all Core 2 domains with practical learning components and role-based skill assessments. Strongly recommended to combine with a real or virtual lab environment for PBQ preparation.
View Core 2 Path on PluralsightCritical Note on Pluralsight!
Pluralsight excels at video instruction but you must pair it with hands-on lab work. In IT support, you cannot fully understand a concept until you physically work with the hardware or software. Lab experience is what directly prepares you for PBQ questions on exam day. Do not skip this step.
4. LinkedIn Learning — CompTIA A+ Certification Paths
LinkedIn Learning provides an extensive library of CompTIA A+ video courses from multiple instructors including Mike Meyers himself. Unlike Udemy which sells individual courses, LinkedIn Learning works on a subscription model — making it excellent value if you plan to study for multiple certifications over the year. Many public libraries in Pakistan and internationally also provide free LinkedIn Learning access to members.
📍 Key Points for LinkedIn Learning
- Monthly or annual subscription — often free through your local public library membership.
- Multiple instructors available, including Mike Meyers (same content as his Udemy course).
- Covers both Core 1 and Core 2 v15 domains through structured learning paths.
- Completion certificates display directly on your LinkedIn profile for employer visibility.
- Supplement with hands-on lab practice for full PBQ readiness.
5. CBT Nuggets — CompTIA A+ All-in-One Training
CBT Nuggets is a premium IT training platform known for its high production value, energetic instructors, and comprehensive exam-aligned content. With over 40 hours of video, 1,000+ practice questions, virtual labs, and a dedicated mobile app, CBT Nuggets delivers one of the most complete all-in-one CompTIA A+ preparation packages available — particularly strong for learners who want everything in a single subscription.
📦 What Is Included in CBT Nuggets
- 40+ hours of engaging video lessons covering all Core 1 and Core 2 domains.
- 1,000+ realistic practice exam questions to identify and close weak areas before exam day.
- Study guides and structured workbooks for offline preparation.
- Virtual hands-on labs simulating real IT support environments for PBQ readiness.
- CBT Nuggets mobile app for on-the-go study anywhere.
- Regular content updates aligned with CompTIA's latest exam objective revisions.
🏆 Why CBT Nuggets Stands Out
- The single strongest platform for both content depth and practice volume in one subscription.
- Instructors are consistently rated as engaging and easy to follow.
- The virtual labs specifically target PBQ-style tasks — a significant advantage over video-only platforms.
- Mobile app study ensures you can use commute time and short breaks productively.
What Is the Best Hybrid Option for CompTIA A+?
A hybrid resource sits between free and paid. You can access most or all of the course content for free, but unlocking a verified completion certificate requires payment. However, financial aid programs often make the entire experience including the certificate completely free for qualifying learners.
IBM CompTIA A+ Certification Specialisation on Coursera
The IBM Preparation for CompTIA A+ Certification Specialisation on Coursera is the most prestigious low-cost or free-with-financial-aid option available. Developed by IBM — one of the most respected names in global technology — this specialisation is available in 22 languages and is structured as a formal, university-style programme rather than a casual YouTube playlist.
The specialisation contains three structured modules:
- Core 1: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (15 hours) — Rated 4.5/5 on Coursera. Covers operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), command-line tools, SOHO networking, mobile device hardware, printer configuration, motherboards, storage components, and hardware troubleshooting workflows.
- Core 2: Operating System, Software, Security, and Operational Procedures (24 hours) — Rated 4.8/5 on Coursera. Covers advanced OS features and management, security principles and hardening, IT troubleshooting methodologies, mobile device management, technical documentation, and professional operational procedures.
- Practice Exams for CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 (5 hours) — Rated 4.9/5 on Coursera. Full timed exam simulation for both exams. Covers certification structure, exam strategy, performance-based question practice, and final readiness benchmarking before booking your real exam.
Mike Meyers vs Jason Dion — Which Udemy Course Should You Choose?
Both are excellent and both have over 1.8 million combined enrolments. The difference comes down to teaching style and how much depth you want per objective.
| Factor | Mike Meyers | Jason Dion |
|---|---|---|
| Core 1 Duration | 15.5 hours | 25.5 hours |
| Core 2 Duration | 18 hours | 36 hours |
| Teaching Style | Energetic, entertaining, story-driven | Methodical, comprehensive, exam-precise |
| Best For | Beginners, visual learners, those who find long lectures boring | Learners who want maximum depth and the highest practice question volume |
| Practice Questions | Included per section | More extensive set included |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Our Recommendation | Start here if you are a complete beginner | Choose this if you want exhaustive coverage and deeper practice |
What Is the Best CompTIA A+ Resource for Pakistani Students?
For Pakistani students specifically, the resource landscape has a clear priority order based on language accessibility, cost, and local relevance.
- Primary Course (Urdu/Hindi, Free): Start with VMSOIT on YouTube. It is the only high-quality CompTIA A+ course in Urdu and Hindi. Use it as your primary content source, watch every video, and take the provided MCQs and PBQs after each module.
- English Supplement (Free): After each VMSOIT session, watch the corresponding Professor Messer video for the same objective. This reinforces the concept in precise exam-aligned English terminology — important because the actual exam is in English.
- Practice Exams: Use Cybrary's free practice tests or Jason Dion's Udemy course specifically for the bundled practice questions. Aim for 80%+ consistently before booking your exam through Pearson VUE.
- Exam Registration: Register at your nearest Pearson VUE authorised test centre in Pakistan (available in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other major cities) or choose the OnVUE online proctored option from home if you have a stable internet connection and a quiet room.
Pakistan Exam Tip!
CompTIA exam vouchers can be purchased from authorised resellers in Pakistan in PKR, which avoids the international bank transaction fees when paying in USD directly. Check with your nearest Pearson VUE test centre or authorised CompTIA reseller for current PKR pricing before purchasing your voucher.
For a complete breakdown of how to register for the exam in Pakistan, what to expect at the test centre, and how to choose between online and in-person testing, see our guide: CompTIA A+ beginners guide.
What Is the Best CompTIA A+ Study Plan to Pass on the First Attempt?
Having the right resource is only half the equation. A consistent study strategy is what actually gets you across the finish line. The following six-step plan works regardless of which resource you choose.
- Choose ONE primary resource and commit to it fully. Jumping between multiple courses creates confusion and gaps. Pick one from this guide based on your budget and language, and complete it from start to finish before adding any supplements.
- Set a fixed daily study block. Even 60 minutes per day studied consistently will get you through a full course in 6 to 8 weeks. Irregular marathon sessions are far less effective than daily shorter sessions for long-term retention.
- Take handwritten or typed notes in your own words. Writing forces active recall and deepens understanding far more than passive watching. Summarise each video in 3 to 5 bullet points immediately after watching it.
- Practice with real or virtual hardware wherever possible. Build or disassemble an old PC. Install VirtualBox and practise OS installations. Physical and virtual hands-on experience is irreplaceable for PBQ preparation — you cannot simulate this by watching videos alone.
- Begin practice exams two weeks before your scheduled exam date. Start with untimed practice, then move to full timed simulations. Aim for 80%+ consistently before booking your real exam. Scoring below 80% means you need more review on specific domains.
- Book your exam with a fixed date. Once you score 80%+ on practice exams consistently, schedule your real exam at Pearson VUE. Having a date on the calendar creates productive pressure and a clear finish line.
Scoring Strategy!
The passing scores are 675/900 for Core 1 and 700/900 for Core 2. Target 800+ on practice exams before exam day to build a comfortable buffer that absorbs the natural pressure and nerves of the real testing environment.
Which CompTIA A+ Resource Is Best Overall? Final Recommendations
| Category | Top Pick | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Best Free (Urdu and Hindi) | VMSOIT on YouTube | Only professional-grade CompTIA A+ course in South Asian languages; beginner-friendly; includes free MCQs and PBQs; Pakistan-specific context throughout |
| Best Free (English) | Professor Messer | Gold standard for 20+ years; objective-aligned; monthly live study groups; completely free with no account required |
| Best Paid for Beginners | Mike Meyers on Udemy | 1 million+ students; 4.7 rating; entertaining teaching style; shorter runtime suits busy schedules; frequently on sale for USD 10 to USD 15 |
| Best Paid for Depth | Jason Dion on Udemy | 36 hours for Core 2 alone; maximum practice question volume; methodical coverage of every sub-objective |
| Best Hybrid | IBM on Coursera | Available in 22 languages; IBM-backed certificate; financial aid available; 4.9-rated practice exam module |
| Best All-in-One Platform | CBT Nuggets | 40+ hours video plus 1,000+ questions plus virtual labs plus mobile app in a single subscription |
There is no single best resource for every learner. The best resource is the one you will actually open and study every day. Choose one, commit completely, and you will pass.
VMSOIT
Once you pass your CompTIA A+ certification, your career path branches into multiple directions. For guidance on which certification to pursue next and which IT roles pay the best in Pakistan and internationally, read our article on jobs after CompTIA A+ and salaries after CompTIA A+. You can also explore whether adding a cybersecurity credential makes sense by reviewing our complete cybersecurity roadmap 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many exams do I need to pass for the CompTIA A+ certification in 2026?
You need to pass two exams: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You can take them in either order. Both must be passed to earn the CompTIA A+ certification. Core 1 requires 675 out of 900 and Core 2 requires 700 out of 900 to pass.
Can I pass CompTIA A+ using only free resources?
Yes. Professor Messer, VMSOIT (Urdu and Hindi), HowToNetwork, and Cybrary all offer complete, high-quality CompTIA A+ training at no cost. Many thousands of students pass the exam every year using only free resources. The only requirement is consistent daily study and hands-on lab practice.
How long does it take to prepare for CompTIA A+ from scratch?
Most beginners need 8 to 12 weeks studying 1 to 2 hours per day. Learners with existing IT knowledge or hands-on experience may be ready in 4 to 6 weeks. The timeline depends on your starting point, the quality of your study resource, and how consistently you study each day.
Which is better for CompTIA A+ — Mike Meyers or Jason Dion on Udemy?
Both are excellent. Mike Meyers is ideal for beginners who want engaging, entertaining instruction in a shorter time (15 to 18 hours per exam). Jason Dion suits learners who want exhaustive depth and the maximum number of practice questions per objective (25 to 36 hours per exam). Start with Mike Meyers if you are new to IT. Choose Jason Dion if you want the deepest possible coverage.
Is the IBM CompTIA A+ course on Coursera really free?
You can audit most course content for free. Receiving the official IBM-verified Coursera certificate requires a paid subscription. However, Coursera's financial aid program allows qualifying learners to complete the full specialisation including the certificate at no cost. Apply for financial aid on the course page before enrolling.
Do I need hands-on lab practice to pass CompTIA A+?
Yes, hands-on practice is strongly recommended. Both Core 1 and Core 2 exams include Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) that require you to actually perform a task in a simulated environment rather than just answer multiple-choice questions. Use old hardware at home, a free VirtualBox virtual lab, or the virtual labs provided by CBT Nuggets or Cybrary to prepare for PBQs effectively.
Is CompTIA A+ worth it in Pakistan in 2026?
Yes, CompTIA A+ is worth it in Pakistan in 2026. It is the most widely recognised vendor-neutral IT certification globally, accepted by US Department of Defense contractors, multinational companies, and IT service providers. In Pakistan, it qualifies you for IT support roles domestically and significantly improves your profile for remote international IT positions that pay in USD or GBP.
Which CompTIA A+ exam should I take first — Core 1 or Core 2?
CompTIA recommends taking Core 1 (220-1201) before Core 2 (220-1202) because Core 1 covers hardware and networking fundamentals that provide context for the OS and security topics in Core 2. However, there is no mandatory order. You can take either exam first. Most study guides and courses follow the Core 1 then Core 2 sequence.
Sources and Further Reading:
CompTIA Official Website — comptia.org
Professor Messer — professormesser.com
VMSOIT — vmsoit.blogspot.com
Cybrary — cybrary.it
IBM on Coursera — coursera.org/specializations/preparation-comptia-certification
CBT Nuggets — cbtnuggets.com
Udemy — udemy.com
