Top 10 Study Tips for Acing Your CompTIA A+ Exam

Key Takeaways:

• Master Core Concepts, Don’t Just Memorize: Build a clear understanding of how hardware, operating systems, and networks function together so you can answer questions and apply your knowledge in real-world IT roles.
• Stick to a Study Plan with Strong Time Management: Break your exam prep into manageable pieces. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method and weekly goals to stay consistent and avoid burnout.
• Learn with Others and Seek Expert Support: Join study groups, engage in IT forums, and reach out to certified professionals for guidance. A strong support network can sharpen your critical thinking and boost your readiness on exam day.

Earning your CompTIA A+ certification opens the door to long-term growth in IT and cybersecurity. Many professionals use it as a foundation for landing their first tech role or leveling up into more advanced positions. Learning how to pass CompTIA A+ while balancing work and personal responsibilities takes strategy and structure. 

This guide walks through ten actionable study tips rooted in practical experience. The best way to study for CompTIA A+ is to follow a focused plan that mirrors the exam’s format and real-world IT challenges. Dion Training supports this process with expert-led courses, bite-sized lessons, and a community-driven approach, all designed to help you build lasting knowledge, improve test performance, and get certified. 

1. Learn Core Concepts Instead of Memorizing

Preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam requires more than memorizing terms or flashcard facts. Grasping the underlying logic of IT systems gives you the reasoning skills needed to tackle exam questions and on-the-job challenges. Topics like hardware components, operating system structure, networking protocols, and cybersecurity basics appear throughout the 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams.

For example, knowing how the BIOS initiates hardware, or how different file systems interact with storage devices, helps you reason through questions. Instead of focusing only on flashcards or isolated facts, aim to build a mental framework that explains how each part of an IT system connects to the rest. Furthermore, interactive resources that simulate real-world troubleshooting can also reinforce your learning. Labs, virtual environments, and visual explanations bridge the gap between theory and practical application.

2. Practice Time Management Skills

Time is one of the most valuable resources when preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam. With a steady routine, you can cover complex topics without burning out or losing momentum. Students who create structured study habits are more likely to retain information, stay focused, and pass with flying colors. 

1. Set Realistic Goals: Break your study sessions into smaller, focused tasks. For example, you might focus on hardware one day and software troubleshooting the next. Tackling one topic at a time keeps things manageable and helps with retention.
2. Stick to a Schedule: Set aside time each day just for studying, and track your progress using a planner or digital tool. Try the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) to stay sharp without burning out.
3. Focus on What Matters Most: The exam is built around specific domains, so prioritize those core areas. If you’re not sure where to begin, Dion Training’s practice exams can highlight your strengths and show you where to spend more time.
4. Use Trusted Study Tools: Don’t waste time on materials that don’t align with the actual exam. Dion Training’s top-ranked courses and practice tests are built to match CompTIA A+ objectives so you can confidently study.
5. Check In With Yourself: Every week or two, take a step back and look at what’s working. If something feels off, tweak your plan. Study habits don’t have to be perfect, but they do need to support your learning style and daily routine. 

3. Schedule Regular Practice Exams

CompTIA A+ practice exams are the most effective tools for preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification. They give you a chance to test what you’ve learned, apply core concepts in a timed setting, and build the mental endurance needed for the real exam. Taking practice tests regularly helps you in these key areas:

• Reinforce key knowledge by applying it in different question formats.
• Build familiarity with the pacing, structure, and scenarios you'll face on test day.
• Identify weak spots early, so you can adjust your study plan and focus where it matters most.
• Strengthen critical thinking skills by challenging you to integrate multiple ideas and work through problems logically.
• Boost confidence and time management by simulating test conditions.

Dion Training’s practice exams are built to reflect the latest CompTIA A+ objectives and include detailed answer explanations that help you learn from mistakes. These exams complement your course materials and help transform passive study into active recall—one of the most powerful techniques for long-term retention.

4. Join Online Study Groups and Forums

Studying with others can completely change how you prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. Online communities offer a space to ask questions, bounce ideas around, and see how others tackle the same challenges. Interacting with peers keeps your study sessions active and gives you access to explanations that might not show up in a textbook or video. Popular platforms for A+ discussion include:

• Reddit: Subreddits like r/CompTIA and r/ITCareerQuestions feature exam insights, study plans, and peer advice.
• YouTube: Many creators break down tough concepts and share study techniques that feel more approachable than reading guides.
• Discord servers: Some IT-focused communities host live study rooms and topic-specific chats.
• Facebook groups: These often include a mix of beginners and experienced pros offering encouragement and feedback.

5. Follow Video Tutorials, Online Courses, and Labs

Visual learning makes technical content easier to absorb, especially when you're juggling multiple topics like hardware, software, and networking. High-quality video tutorials, structured online courses, and hands-on labs reinforce what you study and help you retain it over time. Courses that follow exam objectives and explain concepts in short, focused segments are helpful when time is limited.

That’s why many students rely on Dion Training’s bite-sized video lessons and CompTIA A+ labs experience to walk you through key scenarios with real-world setups. These interactive tools help you connect theory with practical skills so the material sticks. With an industry-leading pass rate, our CompTIA A+ course reflects what works—clear instruction, structured pacing, and tutorials designed to make even the most technical topics easier to understand.

6. Review Common Real-Life Scenarios

Memorizing terms and reviewing flashcards only goes so far. To truly prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam, you need to think like a technician. Real-life scenarios train you to troubleshoot under pressure, connect symptoms to root causes, and apply solutions that reflect how IT issues unfold. These types of examples sharpen your critical thinking by moving beyond one-dimensional studying. Here’s how you can get the most out of your study sessions:

1. Explore Real-World Issues: Dive into real-world problems IT professionals face daily. Our courses integrate these scenarios, offering you a richer understanding of how to tackle them effectively.
2. Practice in a Virtual Lab: Set up simulations or use lab environments to recreate common issues like network outages, login failures, or hardware misconfigurations. Working through these hands-on builds muscle memory and reinforces what you’ve studied far more effectively than re-reading a textbook.
3. Use Our Industry-Leading Practice Exams: We've developed exams that closely mirror what you’ll encounter in the actual test. Each question challenges your ability to troubleshoot under pressure, recognize what’s being asked, and choose the best solution.
4. Participate in Our Community Forums: Online forums like Reddit, TechExams, and IT-focused Discord servers are full of troubleshooting discussions. Scroll through past posts, ask questions, or share your insights. 

7. Create a Personalized Study Plan

A well-structured study plan gives your prep direction and momentum. By setting clear goals and organizing your resources ahead of time, you can make steady progress while staying focused on the topics that matter most.

• Start with a Skills Check: Before locking in your study schedule, take a diagnostic or practice exam to see which sections you already know and which need more work. This snapshot helps you spend your time where it counts.
• Map Out Weekly Goals: Divide the exam objectives into weekly sections and track your progress as you go. Include time for review, quizzes, and practice exams to reinforce each topic.
• Use Focused Study Tools: Our courses are built with bite-sized lessons that help you tackle one concept at a time. 
• Stick to a Routine: Choose study times that match your energy and schedule. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, keeping a consistent rhythm builds strong habits and helps you stay organized.
• Build in Recharge Time: Breaks are part of the process. Short pauses between sessions or small rewards after reaching a goal can keep your energy up and help you stay engaged.

8. Use Flashcards for Key Terms and Concepts

Flashcards can help you build stronger recall of core terms and concepts covered on the CompTIA A+ exam. They're best used as a follow-up to deeper study sessions—not as the first or only step. When used intentionally, flashcards reinforce key definitions and give you a quick way to quiz yourself during breaks or before a practice test. To use them effectively:

• Focus on exam-heavy topics like hardware, operating systems, networking commands, and troubleshooting steps.
• Keep each card simple. Use one side for the term or question and the other for a clear, direct explanation or process.
• Say the answer out loud. Repeat missed cards until you can explain them without pausing. Rewriting the explanation in your own words can also help you remember it.
  

Flashcards work well during review phases or when you're short on time and want to stay sharp. They're especially helpful in the week leading up to the exam to refresh memory on key terms. Earlier in your study plan, consider other methods like virtual labs, practice exams, or video tutorials to build a more complete understanding of each topic. 

9. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam can be challenging, and while mastering technical skills is crucial, you shouldn't overlook the importance of your physical and mental well-being. Taking care of your health can significantly enhance your study efficiency and exam readiness. Here are some tips to maintain your wellness during your study journey:

1. Set a Routine: Establish a study schedule that includes regular breaks to rest your eyes and mind. Short, strategically-timed breaks can improve focus and information retention.
2. Stay Active: Physical activity helps reduce stress and boosts cognitive performance. Whether it's a brisk walk, a jog, or a quick workout, find an exercise routine that fits into your day.
3. Nutrition and Hydration: Fuel your brain with nutritious foods. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein supports cognitive function. Oh, and don’t forget to stay hydrated, and drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after study sessions! 
4. Sleep Well: Quality sleep is non-negotiable. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to ensure your brain is well-rested and functioning at its best. A well-rested mind is more effective at processing and storing information.
5. Stress Management: Developing techniques such as mindfulness or meditation can help you manage exam-related stress. 

10. Seek Guidance from Certified Professionals

You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Studying with certified instructors can help you stay focused, avoid common mistakes, and get clearer on the concepts that matter most on the CompTIA A+ exam. 

At Dion Training, we’ve built our courses around real-world experience. Our instructors break things down into short, focused lessons that follow the exact objectives covered on the exam. With pass rates for some certifications as high as 94% and a step-by-step approach, we’re here to help you move from study mode to certification with less stress and more clarity. If you ever hit a wall or just have a question, email us at support@diontraining.com. Our team is always ready to help you stay on track and keep making progress.

Final Thoughts

Earning your CompTIA A+ certification is a smart investment in your future and the path to getting there starts with how you study. A thoughtful plan, the right tools, and a clear understanding of the exam’s expectations can set you up for success. We’ve helped thousands of students build the confidence and skills needed to pass. Our courses are built by certified professionals who know what the exam looks like and what your first job in IT will demand. Everything we teach connects back to the real world, so what you learn sticks and why practice makes perfect. 

Read more:

• What Is CompTIA Network+? Certification Overview and Benefits
• Navigating the CompTIA Network+ Certification: N10-008 vs N10-009
• Embracing the Future with ITIL 4: A Key to Digital Transformation

Frequently Asked Questions for Acing Your CompTIA A+ Exam

What topics are covered in the CompTIA A+ exam?

The CompTIA A+ exam covers a wide range of topics that include hardware, networking, operating systems, mobile devices, troubleshooting, and security. These areas are vital for anyone pursuing a career in IT support and service, and at Dion Training, we integrate these topics into our courses to ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for what’s on the exam.

Is hands-on experience necessary for CompTIA A+ success?

Yes, hands-on experience is great for those preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam. Practical experience allows you to apply the concepts you learn and understand real-world applications. At Dion Training, we emphasize practical applications in our courses to give you the experience needed to excel.

How long should I study for the CompTIA A+ exam?

Study duration varies for each individual, but a general guideline is to allocate consistent study hours over several weeks. Focus on comprehensive coverage of the topics and take advantage of Dion Training's high-quality resources and support. Reach out to support@diontraining.com for personalized study plans.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when studying for the CompTIA A+?

Avoid cramming and neglecting areas you find challenging. Instead, approach your study with a balanced schedule and utilize practice exams to pinpoint weaknesses. Avoid studying in isolation by engaging with the Dion Training community and accessing expert guidance when needed.

What is the passing score for the CompTIA A+ exam?

The passing score accommodates two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). You need a score of at least 675 out of 900 for Core 1 and 700 out of 900 for Core 2. Dion Training's comprehensive exam prep materials and supportive community are designed to help you meet and exceed these scores.

What memory techniques can aid in studying for the CompTIA A+?

Techniques like mnemonic devices, flashcards, and spaced repetition help reinforce key terms and improve recall over time. Pairing those tools with hands-on learning through CompTIA labs can further lock in the material by giving you practical context. This combination trains your memory and your troubleshooting instincts, which are essential for exam day.