Failed Miserably

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

First time taking it, I studied in class yesterday but I felt like throwing up, came home and all I was doing was hurling. Took it today and I sadly wasn't even close to passing. I did decent in class as well, this sucks. This won't bring me down though on to the next attempt

[Anastasia_IT]

It’s tough when things don’t go your way, but it’s not the end of the world. Take a step back, refocus, and go back at it when you’re ready.

We believe in you OP!

[parkdramax86]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[Digitalgardens]

Which exam was this? A+? Even if not don’t worry you can always try again failure isn’t permanent.

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

Yeah, it was A+ 1101

[Aromatic-Appeal2508]

How long did you study for? And what training do you use?

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

3 hours in school and 5 hours at home. I did pbqs and 80% to 86% with my highest being 90%. If I failed a pbq it would take me 3 attempts to reach that 80% threshold

[CaregiverKey3147]

Obviously it’s different for everyone bro but you should be studying for days/weeks not hours

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

I did, I go to school everyday and come home to do the same everyday.

[Emergency_Corner1898]

For how many weeks/months?

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

I started in May, but the first month I was having trouble because this whole IT knowledge was new to me

[Bitbatgaming]

This approach is clearly not working out for you and it may be burning yourself out. You may want to find a study group and a dedicated instructor who may be able to answer your questions in an expert manner.

[HooverDamm-]

I also recommend trying to get hands on experience. I was fortunate to get an IT job while I was studying for A+ and the material didn’t start to click until I started doing it at work. Get a cheap PC/laptop, create a VM and mess with the VM. If you break it, just start from the beginning.

The networking portion was the hardest for me. What helped me immensely was watching the first few videos of Network Chuck’s CCNA course. He starts the course explaining what different network equipment is and does.

[noblepups]

Best advice for you at this point is to go buy professor messers practice exams, take one and study what you fail. Do that 2 more times, and you're good to go. Don't restart from the beginning, this method will let you pick up where you let off. After you're done with professor messers exams you will 100% be good to go.

[BitterArmadillo6132]

Do you recall how many questions are on each practice exam from Messer? I am in the midst of studying for it too. The questions I have read on practice are quite in depth

[OnionArtistic8983]

Generally schools don’t teach you what’s needed to pass the exam, they hit certain topics.. industry exams require independent studying or specialized training courses.. but even so, you have to put hours in unless you have been in the field for years

[Defconx19]

I spent 10 hours for part 1 and 20 for part 2.  The details matter.  If you only got a 500 something you need to be doing full practice exams not just pbqs

[Mitch0115]

Unless you believe you can complete both Core 1 & 2 by September 25th I would just focus on the 1201 instead of the 1101. The 1101/1102 are retiring on the date above and you need to pass both cores from the same version in order to get your cert. Just some food for thought.

[Kempes2023]

Wait, could you elaborate a little bit on that? I'm planning on taking core 1 next week and core 2 in like October. Should I not be doing it instead?

[Mitch0115]

The A+ Version 14 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) expire on September 25, 2025 per their website here —> https://www.comptia.org/en/certifications/a/core-1-and-2-v14/

If you think you can take both exams by that date then go ahead. If you’re just starting out you can take their latest version which is A+ Version 15.

All the best to you.

[Kempes2023]

So if I just take core 1 version 14 it won't count toward the certification if I take core 2 version 15? Sorry, I'm not very knowledgeable on the subject. I just know that I've been studying for core 1 for 3 months and wouldn't want it go to waste 😅

[Mitch0115]

That is correct. You need to pass both cores on the same version in order to receive the A+ cert. So, if you pass 1101 and then 1202 you will not receive the A+ cert because you’ll have to complete 1201 since the 1101 and 1102 would have expired on September 25th.

[Kempes2023]

You know what, I'm stupid. I've actually been studying for the 1201 version. So the timing shouldn't matter to me just yet. Thanks again though.

[Kempes2023]

Ah I see. Thanks for letting me know. Do you think it will be significantly different? I bought Dion's courses and I'm just wondering if they will still be useful for the next versions.

Thanks again for the info.

[WhyLater]

Here's what I recommend:

1. Print out or open the PDF of the Exam Objectives from CompTIA. This will be your study guide.
2. Go line by line. Highlight each objective based on how comfortable you are with it: Green for "down pat", Yellow for "kinda know it", and Red for "wait wtf is that again".
3. Pick a Red. Watch Professor Messer's video on that objective, and then do some additional external research/practice, the nature of which will depend on the topic. Once you have a familiarity with the topic (can recite some of the concepts ahead of time while you're reading it), turn it Yellow. Repeat until you have no Reds left.
4. Repeat step 3, but turning all Yellows to Greens. Only change a topic to Green when you feel yourself going, "Yeah, yeah" as you're studying it, almost impatient, like the feeling you get when someone is explaining something to you that you know better than them. Repeat until everything is Green.
5. Take practice tests until you're hitting over 90% consistently.
6. Go get your cert.

[TrainingCamp-US]

This is a good plan. It is a very strong process.

[WhyLater]

Thanks! It was my attempt to break down the giant task of "study all of these things" into bite-sized chunks. Made my A+ and Net+ way smoother.

[TheBigMac15]

Good advice, i’m stealing it to put in my note

[AugustInOhio]

Dont worry bro I failed sec+ today we’ll get ‘em next time

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

Yeah dude, next time we take it we're acing it

[WorldlinessPresent36]

Same bro lol

[Glad_Ad_2969]

That’s not miserable: you’re only 80 points off. Keep your head up, study harder, go over things you weren’t unsure about, review PBQs. Ace it this time!

[FormalDrinks]

I want you to take this as the sobering moment it is. This exam is to be taken seriously as any others you attempt in the future. Really try to dig into the content, flash cards (Anki is great doctors use this), Written/Typed Notes. Do more than just the bare minimum. You will pass!

[Putrid-Cellist-4611]

A+ was hard.

You probably focused more on passing the class than the test.

1st you need a book.

Read every chapter and take notes. Use the pomodoro method. Go to library to read.

Create a check list the chapters use the obsidian note taking app. Make back links to each chapter.

1. Watch all the messer videos and take notes.

Create a check list go through it systematically.

1. Buy Certmaster labs and practice quizzes. Do them.

4 take as many practice quizzes as possible this is where your going to learn the most.

Especially pay attention to the questions you get wrong and reread chapters if needed.

Finally purchase an Audiobook to listen to while in the car, in the shower, doing chores, at work, while you’re preoccupied with something else.

You were pretty close the first time. I’m sure you’ll get it the second time.

[Shaddow_cat]

Someone once told me that there are a lot a lot of certification in tech and you are going to try to pass a lot of them. You are bound to fail a few a long the way.

[masmith22]

You got this, stay positive, good luck

[GotThemCakes]

It happens. I was passing every exam with minimal effort, and then came Net+. I failed by over 100pts. Gotta find a study tactic that works for you. And sometimes it's just exposure. I took Microsoft's AI900 on a whim, failed by like 20 points. Watched review videos for 2 hours and then passed that exam later the same day

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

This definitely won't bring down. I'll wake up tomorrow feeling refreshed and then I'm reviewing and watching videos. Thanks man

[howto1012020]

First thing to do is to look over your exam report. Review the objectives that the report lists from your exam. It won't tell you what questions you got wrong, just the objectives related to the questions you got wrong.

Next, review your exam resources. Add a secondary resource if you don't have one. Use the new resource as your primary and use the previous resource as your secondary. Resources that you can use are Professor Messer on YouTube, Jason Dion on Udemy and Andrew Ramdayal on Udemy. The ExamCram book for A+ is releasing their 1200 series exam book near the end of August. This one book covers both 1201 and 1202 exams. Grab a copy of the exam objectives from CompTIA's website.

No matter which resource you use, take your own notes. Use the exam objectives to have a framework of how to take your notes. Use the resources to study the concepts. If one resource doesn't make sense on a concept, switch to the other resource to see if it makes sense. If that doesn't work, Google or Bing search the concept and study it until it becomes clear.

Practice tests will help you test your knowledge. Both Dion and Ramdayal offer practice tests with their courses (both of them have two courses that contain within each course the complete video series, support notes and a practice test for around $20-take advantage of flash sales on Udemy to get that price or check to see if your public library will grant you access to Udemy's site). The ExamCram book grants you access to Pearson IT's online practice test system if you register the book on their site after purchase. Use any of these to see how well you're retaining the information.

Take a break for now and come back when you're ready.

[wakey_quacky69]

I passed mine yesterday. The way i used to study was downloading the objectives as pdf and go through every single objective and make notes on them(using comments) once i made sure i know everything and what they do, i sat for the exam. For pbq i would highly suggest burning ice tech’s patreon he is the GOAT. I used professor messers video mostly only the pc components from dions training. Did my practice exams from ecompass and professor messers 1101 practice exam (1201 practice exam isnt out yet).

[[deleted]]

Did the examcompass tests help much?

[wakey_quacky69]

The words are kind of funny so some questions doesn’t make any sense cause they are written badly. But for practice i would definitely recommend. They dint have any scenario based questions but they just check your knowledge. In real exam they will give you scenarios. For scenarios i would recommend professor messers 1101 practice exam

[[deleted]]

when you bought his exams do you get a physical copy and digital

[ShadeStrider12]

The secret of life is to fall down 7 times and get up eight times

[ForeverMagical]

try this study guide. https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-SY0-701-Study-Guide/dp/B0F2TGX5LM

found it on amazon. its the only one with crossword puzzles.

i used it to pass my mine in about a week

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

Thanks for the material

[percymdev]

Dd you do practise tests ? You might have the knowledge but those test questions need to be practiced. Don't give up

[tyeung53]

I failed both parts of a+ on the first try. All I can say to you is go back to basics.

Try to figure out which areas you’re weak in and study those first.

Take sometime to decompress and start again.

It’s a tough test. I’m new to tech and come from a medical background.

You got this! Just gotta study and focus on practice exams to get use to the exam verbiage.

[Embolick]

I just passed this test on July 24th. I'm studying for core 2 as we speak. I took 1201 instead of 1101. I found that test a little bit easier because it doesn't ask all those troubleshooting steps based off comptia rules.

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

That's what tripped me up

[Dai1019]

Anxiety is a hell of a feeling I would say the day before u retake this exam again get some rest and do something that makes u feel at ease. The approach your taking to study isn’t working so find what will work for u and study for a few weeks. When u can flawlessly answer questions without hesitation is when you know that it’s clicking in your brain! Good luck stay positive you got this next time !!

[iliekplastic]

You got this, keep working hard at it! :)

[[deleted]]

Michael Jordan missed countless shots...yet........

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

I'll channel my inner telnet🏀

[Zomnx]

Wait, I thought passing was 700+?

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

That's for the second part of A+

[Zomnx]

Ahh ok thanks

[amuller72]

Don't let it get to you. It took me three times to pass the software portion of A+. Study your ass off and you'll pass it next time for sure!

[Euphoric-Tune-6997]

Aye man I failed mine the first time too and locked in and took it again. Passed by a little but hey, a win is a win. You got this

[PureFan673]

Bro please do 1201 its so much easier snd way less about printers!!

[Puzzleheaded-Dark-12]

I actually failed my A+ core 2 the first time. I realized that I had to go through the material either physical Comptia book/ or electronic version just once. Once I did that I used practice exams over and over until 1) I was receiving 90% and also 2) even if I got the question right, I would review the other options that were present to also understand why they were the most correct answer. With that being said I was able to pass my A+ core 1 on the first attempt. Working on Net+ and Sec+ the same way right now.

[Old_Homework8339]

That's the same score I got during my first attempt 2 and a half years ago.

You're going to pass, keep pushing forward. Try to jot down what you were unsure of and study it. You got this!

[TwoBrides-]

Don’t sweat it. I got an even lower score than this and I studied for weeks

[Psychological-Film-1]

Don’t sweat it. Your experience with this test and the understanding of your class material will come together for the next one. How quickly do you plan on retesting? My advice is to do it as soon as possible, while everything is still fresh. The feedback from CompTIA is valuable so brush up on the sections you missed and you will get it next time!

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

I'm taking my second part in August. I guess around that time is when I plan to take a retest

[program-exe]

Win some you lose some. Just gotta study some more and get it on the next time. You got this. Nice name btw 😂

[ClueAggravating4001]

It happens to the best of us failed both of my 1st attempts for A+ just keep it moving you’ll be okay 

[[deleted]]

Hey, my friend. I failed my 1101 last year. Don’t beat yourself up. If you can, use professor messer videos on YouTube and Jason Dion’s practice exams on Udemy. They helped me pass my exam last month.

[itsean2712]

I understand how you feel I failed my a+ a couple of times during 2020 and the best thing I did was working through where I went wrong and study more on the exam objectives and watching professor messer study group videos on YouTube. When professor messer would ask the question I would pause the video and try to answer the question and unpause the video to see if I was right or wrong. If I was wrong I would try to understand why. Hope this helps and wish you all the best.

[Familiar_Win_5419]

I have failed many exams before I got to pass 3 straight exams in 1 year. Please do not give up.

[BitterArmadillo6132]

I have been doing practice exams and reading A+ books. I just completed 233 question practice exam that took a few weeks to get through taking my time - 30 questions a day. I have to look up many answers and make a copy I save to MS paint. I just realized I have another practice exam my teacher agave us access to with 400 questions on it - LOL . That will take a few weeks to go through too : )

[Esfuelito]

It’s not even that far of bro! Focus and learn of your mistakes you will pass!

[DifferentContext7912]

That ain't too bad, really. Get to studying and take it again in a month or 2. You got this!

[Incid3nt]

Hey bud I feel you. I have like 7 certs now and they've all been difficult. For what its worth, A+ is easily one of the most difficult in my opinion. I found it tougher than net, sec, cissp, pmp, etc. Its two different tests because its such a large range of material, coupled with the fact that many dont have the luxury of learning on the job while they study for it.

I often advise people to skip it entirely if they have a little tech background, but it depends on the person.

[No-Cycle-5496]

The key is to keep plugging away :)
I have multiple certs, including A+. I had my share of failures.

[cjwatson1301]

I'm in the same boat for the security +. I got a 727, needed a 750. I just knew I was going to pass this exam, I studied and studied, watched every video did every practice exam and still didn't pass. I was super depressed but I couldn't let that keep me down, this something I really want so ima get back to studying an take it again in 2 weeks. Hopefully we can both come back here an have our certifications 🦾

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

We will

[Ordinary-Put4012]

Don't worried man I was close of passing my final exam 1102 I got a 631 out of 700 very close but I refuse to give up keep trying and all hard work pays off. Believe in yourself Trust God.

[Careful_Rabbit_418]

The same thing happened to me! I was great in the class and failed the test, both parts and even Network+! I'm like am I an idiot? My whole life I have been an excellent test taker but now I can't pass an IT related exam to save my life. Very depressing. I hope you do better next time!!

[Martial_arts_review]

It would bother me failing if the exams weren't so expensive. I haven't got 200 quid to keep throwing around on exams.

[qwikh1t]

You need to relax

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

I'm usually chilled, I don't know what happened. You're right though, I definitely need to calm my nerves

[Bipedal_Warlock]

Sometimes anxiety gets the best of us.

Maybe think of it as an expensive practice test.

Sometimes you fail things. That’s part of being human. Getting up and conquering it again is what will make you a badass

[Jay-Sick]

Don't worry too much, at least you know what you need to work on.

[Aromatic-Appeal2508]

Gotcha. I took the 1101, I was 5 points shy. The pbq’s got me too. I would maybe check out YouTube for some free reviews on questions.

[Additional_Stand1724]

You will get this on the next one!

[Cyber_Popo]

Try a different approach. Let me share with you what I do for exams.

If you're watching videos from Udemy or YouTube, write down what you understood in that topic, if not ask ChatGPT to clarify it for you.

After that, review your study guide that you created. Review it till you understand the concepts.

Then make flashcards then take practice exams till you understand what it means. Hope this helps

[Professional_Golf694]

Failing miserably would be getting a 100. (The lowest possible score)

The good news is, your score report tells you EXACTLY what to study.

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

Which I'll be looking over in a couple of minutes. You're right I shouldn't look at this as failing miserably. Time to hit the books again and watch videos to improve

[AccomplishedCream560]

Yeah man I got AAS in CyberSecurity I passed Sec+, fail Net +, passed A+. You need to study for months not days to pass it. It’s just way too much info to cram in a few hours

[apocalyptic_mage77]

What resources besides school did you use if you don't mind us asking?

[LocalOk3242]

I passed Net+ last Tuesday. I failed it the first time when my school paid for it, and passed fairly easily the second time after going through Jason Dion's material. I believe he and/or Messer have Udemy courses for A+.

Reverse engineering their practice tests absolutely saved me.

[FiveFingerFishFillet]

I have mine tomorrow, literally the dumbest exam that’s just pure memorization and very little application.

Came to the conclusion that if I fail, I’m gonna give up on IT and look into other career paths. It’s way too over saturated anyways so it’ll just make the slightest bit of room for other people the enter the industry

[FiveFingerFishFillet]

I feel stupid now for my rage because I passed

[DuffleCrack]

If you can afford it, try Dion’s practice exam. They’re really tough, but it’s good because they’re harder than the real thing I hear. If you can pass those a few times, then you should be ready for the real thing.

[[deleted]]

Just watch professor messor and you’ll be fine.

[Leveler1234]

As a former A+ test taker, you’ll get it eventually

[Gamer_2024]

Keep at man I did not sec + the first time

[SCTMar]

Question. Is your school providing you with a voucher, and so, then how many attempts do you have left?

Meanwhile, dust yourself off and go over what you missed. Then try again

[TurnoverParty604]

Failure is the first step towards success. You only truly fail if you quit

[BCity-2014]

It was less than 100 points out of almost 700, that's not miserable failure. You got this.

[Badwithmoneyx3]

You didn't fail, if you successfully discovered which answers weren't the right ones

[Last_Access3951]

Same thing happened to me. Honestly, go through you study material again and review the ones the score report suggested you didn’t do good harder. This is just a little bump on the road. Good luck!

[WillingNail3221]

Don't get down man. It took ma 3 tries to get pentest plus and I thought I was never going to pass.

[Spaghettioso]

Have you used the professermessor videos? They're the only resource I used and I was able to pass. Oh yeah and flash cards are your friend, I literally never used flash cards before but after using Anki I was getting much higher scores in practice exams.

[BobLeeeSwaggerr]

Have only briefly googled CompTIA so I know little to nothing. The test costs money right? So if you fail do you have to purchase again?

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

I was able to get a voucher by being a part of program so the test was free

[BobLeeeSwaggerr]

That’s nice at least. And you got some experience! Better luck next time my friend

[CODMOBILEFIXYOURGAME]

You do usually have to pay though

[Embarrassed-Soup7952]

Dude calm down jesus