**What is the Best Way to Study For the A+?**

The CompTIA A+ is the entry-level certification [for IT professionals](https://www.comptia.org/blog/how-to-study-comptia-a-plus) and is a good place to start when you are looking to make your first move into the world of IT. The certification covers computer hardware and software, mobile devices, operating systems, networking, security and more. You can find a wide variety of courses and prep materials to help you get the certification. However, before you decide on a course, you should know what you are getting yourself into.
There are a [number of factors](https://elearningindustry.com/7-factors-prevent-studying-better) that will determine how well you prepare for the exam. One of these is how much time you devote to studying. It is best to study at least 120 hours to give yourself a fair shot. This can be done by enrolling in a comprehensive training program. Or you can opt to self-study. If you are pressed for time, you can always take an online course. Taking a class can be a good way to gain access to more than 270 practice problems and a full-timed test simulation.
You may have to make an investment, but the reward is worth it. The first week of the [Google IT Support Professional Certificate course](https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-it-support) is free. While not a substitute for hands-on training, it will help you prepare for the A+.
A+ exams can be taken back-to-back or separately. However, if you are planning on taking both tests on the same day, you need to plan ahead. In the past, the exam was a lifetime certification, but that is no longer the case. To ensure that you will get the most out of your exam, it is important to understand the structure of the exam.
The best way to learn for the A+ is to have a clear understanding of the topics. Some of these topics include the most basic hardware and software, mobile devices, networking, operating systems, security and more. Understanding all of these topics will be a key to success on the exam.
Another way to hone your skills is [to build a network](https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-to-build-a-network-from-scratch). Although this can be a daunting task, it is one of the most important steps in learning for the A+. Your network can also be a great way to demonstrate that you understand the different components of a computer.
Using a practice test to prepare for the A+ is also a good idea. Not only will a practice exam to help you hone your skills, it will also reveal your weaknesses and strengths.
The best way to study for the CompTIA A+ is to make sure you understand all of the different aspects of the exam. By doing so, you are guaranteed to perform better on the exam. For example, you will probably spend less time on the [multiple-choice questions](https://www.questionpro.com/article/multiple-choice-questions.html) and more time on the performance-based questions. These are more difficult to answer because they require you to apply what you have learned to a real-world scenario.
Besides being a [good study tool](https://www.snexplores.org/article/top-10-tips-study-smarter-not-longer-study-skills), a practice exam is also a good way to see how your brain works when confronted with real-world situations. This is especially true when you are not used to taking tests.