There are so many A+ reference books that you’ve lost count and are unsure who or where to turn to. Many voices tell you which CompTIA A+ study guides are the best and which ones you should avoid. With all this noise, whose advice are you going to take?
Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered, and we’ll make sure you get the best bang for your buck. We’ll discuss the most popular CompTIA A+ books by third-party sellers for your A+ self-study and compare their pros and cons. The links to the following titles apply to A+ certification exam codes 220-1201 and 220-1202.
When you’re ready, let’s review the following A+ study guides. The official CompTIA A+ study guide isn’t available on Amazon. Due to Amazon’s dynamic pricing policy, the book prices given are only accurate as of writing and may not reflect the most recent price changes.
- CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 Study Guide: The All-in-One Manual to Pass Core 1 & 2 with Confidence – Includes Labs, Practical Exercises, and the Exam AI Trainer Pro (CompTIA Certification Series)
- CompTIA A+ CERTIFICATION EXAM PREP 2025-2027: Complete Guide to Mastering with Confidence CORE 1 (220-1201) and CORE 2 (220-1202) V15
- CompTIA A+ Exam Prep 2025–2026, 220-1201 & 220-1202 Certification Guide: The All-in-One Study Manual with Labs, Practice Tests, and Expert Strategies to Pass Core 1 & Core 2 on Your First Try
- CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) Exam Cram
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 Study Guide: The All-in-One Manual to Pass Core 1 & 2 with Confidence – Includes Labs, Practical Exercises, and the Exam AI Trainer Pro (CompTIA Certification Series)
Author
Shawn Walker, a cyber security specialist and author, has over 15 years of experience in tech and security. He creates clear, affordable certification guides to make IT accessible for everyone, aiming to empower learners of all backgrounds to build their skills and confidence in the field.
Overview
This all-in-one manual aims to help individuals master essential IT skills for certification. Blending theory with hands-on exercises, this guide supports readers through exam-focused strategies powered by Exam AI Trainer Pro, an AI coach that offers mock exams and instant feedback.
This test preparation guide covers a range of topics, including hardware, software troubleshooting, networking, and security. Readers appreciate its streamlined lessons, which make the content accessible and practical for users, especially benefiting those preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive; users highlight the guide’s clarity, useful review questions, and helpful resources that reinforce concepts such as network troubleshooting, and cloud computing. However, mixed feedback includes a mention of minor errors in quiz answers and the need for supplementary materials to enhance the learning experience.
Despite these concerns, the guide has been well-received for its ability to equip readers with practical applications and foundational knowledge required to excel in the IT support field. It is a valuable resource for aspiring IT professionals looking to advance their careers.
Price
Kindle: $20.99 USD (free on Kindle Unlimited)
Paperback: $29.97 USD
Amazon Link
CompTIA A+ CERTIFICATION EXAM PREP 2025-2027: Complete Guide to Mastering with Confidence CORE 1 (220-1201) and CORE 2 (220-1202) V15
Author
Fermin O. Goetz is a cyber security expert, professional engineer (P.E.), and technical educator in engineering and cyber security. He simplifies complex concepts through engaging writing and innovative study methods, empowering professionals to master IT at any level.
Overview
Another comprehensive guide designed to prepare readers for the CompTIA A+ certification exams, this book offers strategies for mastering both Core 1 and Core 2, with a strong emphasis on performance-based questions that simulate real-world scenarios. Highlighting the importance of cyber security, the book aligns with the latest exam objectives for A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202.
Readers appreciate its structured approach, making complex topics accessible through clear explanations and practical exercises. However, some reviewers mention that certain sections may feel dense, and the pacing could be challenging, particularly regarding security content. Additionally, one of the mixed reviews points out a missing QR code for online mock questions.
Overall, this guide is seen as an invaluable resource for those serious about passing the CompTIA A+ certification, offering a blend of technical knowledge and real-world application, despite a few critiques about transitions and the depth of content.
Price
Kindle: $9.87 USD (free on Kindle Unlimited)
Paperback: $33.77 USD
Amazon Link
CompTIA A+ Exam Prep 2025–2026, 220-1201 & 220-1202 Certification Guide: The All-in-One Study Manual with Labs, Practice Tests, and Expert Strategies to Pass Core 1 & Core 2 on Your First Try
Author
Drayden Voss is a renowned author known for his comprehensive study guides and exam prep resources. His publications clarify complex topics, offering strategic techniques and practical exercises for standardized tests.
Overview
This carefully organized written learning process by a dedicated educator is a great resource for passing your A+ exam on your first attempt. Packed with hands-on labs, detailed explanations, and real-world scenarios, it breaks down every topic into easy-to-grasp concepts that prepare you for actual IT challenges, not just the test.
What makes this book different? It covers every exam objective—from Core Hardware Components to Networking Fundamentals, Security Essentials, and Software Troubleshooting. The inclusion of ten full-length practice exams allows you to sharpen your skills with realistic scenarios, ensuring you're well-equipped for the real exam.
Readers rave about its effectiveness, with Tech Education Weekly noting that this guide is a “powerhouse for anyone serious about passing the CompTIA A+ exams,” and they appreciate the author’s blend of in-depth technical content and practical labs.
With clear explanations and hands-on exercises, this book is perfect for beginners, career changers, and anyone looking to strengthen their IT foundation. IT Career Launchpad calls it a “masterclass in IT exam prep.” At the same time, Certification Insider emphasizes that this book is a “roadmap to a successful IT career,” going beyond a typical manual.
Whether you’re studying independently or in a classroom, this book will accelerate your progress: Amazon customer reviews praise the study guide for its logical layout and practical labs, which enhance retention. In addition, its content organization makes study sessions effective and manageable.
Price
Kindle: $9.99 USD (free on Kindle Unlimited)
Paperback: $32.99 USD
Amazon Link
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) Exam Cram
Authors
- David Bayne has nearly 35 years of experience teaching IT at high schools and community colleges. Currently an IT specialist for California, he oversees training and special projects. He holds CCNA and CompTIA A+ certifications and enjoys reading mysteries and sci-fi with his family in Sacramento.
- Mark Smith has been teaching for 24 years and started his IT business in 1997. He launched a Cisco-based course offering Python programming and cyber security at a high school. With a Master’s in instructional technology, he also serves on advisory boards and enjoys traveling.
- John Pickard is an associate professor at East Carolina University with over 21 years of experience in information technology and cyber security. He serves as a subject matter expert for the Cisco Networking Academy. He holds multiple IT certifications and earned his PhD in technology management at Indiana State University.
Overview
Following the success of its predecessor, CompTIA A+ Exam Cram, this updated and expanded second edition is a comprehensive study guide tailored for success on the latest CompTIA A+ exams. This edition offers complete coverage of essential exam objectives and hundreds of realistic practice questions to help you prepare effectively for test day.
In addition to in-depth content on configuring and troubleshooting PC hardware, managing mobile devices, and working with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems, this guide emphasizes critical IT skills. You’ll cultivate a clear understanding of IT documentation and incident response strategies in network administration and security.
The book features extensive preparation tools, including quizzes, Exam Alerts, and a last-minute review CramSheet for quick revision. Newly incorporated is the Pearson Test Prep practice test software, offering real-time assessment and feedback with four complete exams, helping you evaluate your knowledge comprehensively.
With an emphasis on practical solutions and relevant skills, this guide equips you to gain top scores on both the A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams. Given the success of the first edition of Exam Cram, we’re confident that this guide will help you greatly in your A+ study preparation with its detailed, structured content.
Price
Kindle: $47.99 USD (free on Kindle Unlimited)
Paperback: $59.99 USD
Amazon Link
Conclusion
We hope our curated list of CompTIA A+ Study Guides helps your learning or career journey. As you can see, when it comes to acing your A+ certification exam, you have a glut of new information to absorb, as highlighted in our companion article on the A+ update.
You may celebrate your ability to take excellent notes, but having an appropriate study guide is invaluable. If you have a limited budget, we recommend grabbing Drayden Voss’s book owing to its comprehensiveness at a reasonable price. An alternative is Shawn Walker’s book, accompanied by a suitable video course.
You can purchase our Complete CompTIA A+ Training Bundle (Version 15), granting lifetime access to A+ Core 1 and Core 2 courses, practice tests, and flashcards.
Or join the StationX Master’s Program for access to over 30,000 courses and labs, covering everything you need for a career in IT, Network Administration, or Cyber Security.
You can also purchase your exam voucher through StationX at a discounted price. We offer savings of up to 30% on CompTIA exam vouchers. See our voucher page for more details.
Above all, we wish you success in the exam and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
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