CompTIA A+ Study Resources: CertMaster Learn, Perform, Practice, and More

CompTIA's official A+ lineup comes in a few forms, and because A+ is two exams — sold both as a combined Core 1 & 2 package and as separate per-core products — it's easy to buy the wrong mix. This guide explains what each official V15 resource does, who it's for, and how they fit together, so you can assemble a prep kit that matches how you learn and covers both cores.

If you haven't yet, skim the complete A+ guide for the exam facts. And make sure anything you buy is labeled V15 (220-1201/1202), not the retired 220-1101/1102. This article is purely about the materials.

Combined vs per-core products

First, a structural note. Most of these products come in two forms: a Core 1 & 2 combined version (covers both exams in one purchase) and separate Core 1 and Core 2 versions. If you're studying for the full certification, the combined products are usually the simplest choice. The per-core products are handy if you're only tackling one exam right now, or want to reinforce a single core.

The three ingredients of good preparation

Strong A+ preparation combines structured content (to cover every objective), hands-on practice (because both exams have PBQs), and adaptive question practice (to find weak spots and confirm readiness for two different passing scores).

CertMaster Learn — the structured course

CertMaster Learn is the comprehensive self-paced course and a natural backbone. It walks through every objective in order with lessons, videos, and knowledge checks, plus guided labs. If you want one thing to anchor your preparation, start here.

• Both exams: A+ Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Learn (V15)
• Single core: Core 1 (220-1201) · Core 2 (220-1202)

CertMaster Perform — learning plus labs, integrated

Perform combines the learning content and hands-on labs into a single environment, so you study a concept and immediately practice it. For a hands-on cert like A+, that tight loop is a real advantage.

• Both exams: A+ Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Perform (V15)
• Single core: Core 2 (220-1202)

CertMaster Practice — adaptive question practice

Practice is the adaptive test-prep tool. It assesses what you know and don't, then focuses your effort where it moves the needle — ideal for drilling weak topics and confirming readiness before each exam. It's not a full course; it's the sharpening stone you use alongside one.

• Both exams: A+ Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Practice (V15)
• Single core: Core 1 (220-1201)

CertMaster Study / eBook — for read-first learners

Prefer to read and take notes at your own pace? CertMaster Study covers the objectives in written form. Some candidates use it as their primary text; others keep it as a reference alongside hands-on practice.

• Both exams: A+ Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Study (V15)
• Single core: Core 1 (220-1201) · Core 2 (220-1202)

Hands-on labs

Because both exams include performance-based questions, hands-on practice matters. CertMaster Learn and Perform include guided labs, and a standalone lab is available for Core 2's OS and security tasks: A+ Core 2 CertMaster Lab (V15, 220-1202).

The all-in-one bundle

If you'd rather buy everything together, the A+ Core 1 & 2 eLearning Bundle (V15) packages the learning, practice, and hands-on pieces for both exams in one purchase.

Booking the exams

A+ is two exams, so you'll need a voucher for each of Core 1 and Core 2. When your practice scores consistently clear your target, book through Pearson VUE.

• Standard voucher: CompTIA A+ exam voucher
• Voucher with retake: A+ voucher plus retake assurance — covers a second attempt of an exam if the first doesn't go your way.

A note on voucher eligibility: Voucher eligibility depends on your exam testing location, per CompTIA policy. Testing in an emerging-market region? We don't sell those here — contact us.

Suggested combinations

You don't need every product. A few sensible kits:

• The complete path: Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Learn + CertMaster Practice, then a voucher for each exam. Structured content plus gap-closing across both cores.
• The integrated path: Core 1 & 2 CertMaster Perform + CertMaster Practice. Lessons and labs in one place, plus a readiness gauge.
• The all-in-one: the eLearning Bundle, if you'd rather have everything in a single purchase.
• The reader's path: CertMaster Study + CertMaster Practice, if you learn best from reading plus drilling.

Whichever you choose, map it onto a schedule so nothing slips — the study plan shows how the pieces fit across both cores, and the format guide explains the exams you're preparing for. As an Authorized CompTIA Partner, everything above is the official, current V15 version.

FAQ

Should I buy the combined or per-core products? For the full certification, the combined Core 1 & 2 products are usually simplest. Per-core products suit tackling one exam at a time or reinforcing a single core.

Do I need all of these resources? No. For most candidates, structured content plus a practice tool covers the bases; add labs or the bundle if you want more hands-on. Pick based on how you learn.

What's the difference between CertMaster Learn and Perform? Learn is the structured course; Perform integrates that content with hands-on labs in one environment.

How many vouchers do I need? Two — one for Core 1 and one for Core 2, since A+ requires passing both exams.

How do I avoid buying the wrong version? Check the label. You want V15 (220-1201/1202) materials, not the retired 220-1101/1102.

Why choose official materials? Official resources track the current objectives, and unauthorized "brain dumps" violate CompTIA's candidate agreement — which can lead to certification revocation. As an Authorized CompTIA Partner, we carry official versions only.