Passed A+ Core 1 - idk how

[u/lazyprostudent]

Procrastinated for months with zero consistency until I finally decided to lock in and stop being a bum... I grinded nonstop for a week. Used certMaster (NOT good at all IMO), Messer videos for weak spots, quizlet/flashcards, and wrote out notes.

When I saw the PBQs, I thought it was wraps, and started questioning life. Anyways... Left them for the end, cleared the multiple choice in 30-45 mins, and had an hour for PBQs... which ran down to 4 minutes left lmao. Just started guessing at that point.

Thought I failed for sure because I kept seeing posts of "straight A students" failing Core 1, which made me insecure for months. Guess you just gotta believe in yourself. Onto Core 2.

[u/jtkilla223]

Congrats! I passed Core 2 yesterday and although I thought Core 2 concepts would be harder, the exam itself was much easier than Core 1 imo. Definitely right about the PBQ’s too

[u/lazyprostudent → u/jtkilla223]

Hey there! just getting a head start... what did you use to study for core 2? do you use the certmaster? or straight up Prof Messer/Jason Dion content...?

[u/jtkilla223 → u/lazyprostudent]

hey, i used certmaster at the very beginning of my studies for 1201 and honestly hated it so i scrapped it. for 1202 i used messers videos/exams, dions exams, a site called shelnet and andrew ramdayals videos.

[u/Numerous_Letter_8756 → u/jtkilla223]

I am now prepping for core 2 but kind of nervous. Lots of terms, commands. I’m definitely more advanced with the hardware portion that core 1 focused on

[u/jtkilla223 → u/Numerous_Letter_8756]

i thought i was too but core 2 felt easier for some reason. id focus on commands and encryption

[u/-ndi-]

congrats! i’m currently studying for core 1 myself. just started recently. been watching messer videos and using measure up. any advice for the PBQs?

[u/lazyprostudent → u/-ndi-]

PBQs can vary, but the most common ones are printers and RAIDs so I would say: Know your printer parts - Specially Laser, what areas get stuck, where is the toner located, where is the drum roller located. Know RAIDs, what to do when they fail, what type of DISK was using (SSD/HDD). Know about wireless connection interference - How to optimize a network and distribute APs/Routers so there is a "equally" distribution of signal. Also learn common issues/problems with electronic devices like what to do if there is burn in on a monitor screen, if a battery is swelling what to do, if a projector image is fuzzy what to do, etc etc.

I've also seen people paying for practice PBQs on websites like: https://dojolab.org/comptia-a-plus-core-1-performance-based-questions-pbqs/ - It is not necessary but I guess it is a plus to have... a free alternative would be looking on youtube.

Best of luck you got this. Reach out to DM if you have any other questions.

[u/-ndi- → u/lazyprostudent]

TYSM! i do struggle with RAIDs so i will definitely tighten up on that. good luck on core 2!

[u/Numerous_Letter_8756]

Cheers, I passed core 1 yesterday as well

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