CompTIA Practice Tests vs Video Courses: Which Gets Better Results?

Your choice between CompTIA practice tests and video courses might make the difference between passing and failing your certification exam. Students who score 85% or higher on quality practice tests have a 92% pass rate on the actual exam. This success rate is substantially better than the typical 70-80% rate for first-time test takers.

The CompTIA A+ certification has become one of the most valuable entry-level IT credentials since 1993. Getting certified costs nearly $500, with each exam priced at $246 in 2024. This makes choosing the right preparation method crucial. Practice tests and videos each give you different ways to learn the material. Each method has its own advantages based on your learning style and situation.

This piece compares both preparation methods by looking at everything from content coverage to budget-friendly options. You'll find which option fits your needs best, especially as you work to master 180 questions across two separate exams. By the time you finish reading, you'll know whether practice tests, video courses, or using both will boost your chances of success on exam day.

Learning Format: Passive Watching vs Active Recall

The main difference between CompTIA videos and practice tests shows up in how your brain processes information. Each method triggers different learning pathways that can change your chances of certification success.

How video courses deliver structured content

CompTIA videos work on a passive learning model. Instructors provide information while you absorb it without immediate practice. This classic approach delivers material through lectures and presentations in a one-way format.

Video courses bring several benefits to certification prep. Instructors can organize and present materials step by step, which makes complex topics easier to grasp. You can also review information at your own pace and take notes or record lessons for later.

Students often adjust playback speed based on the topic's difficulty. They use 1.5x speed for simple concepts, normal speed for tough topics like subnetting, and 2x for quick reviews. This flexibility helps them cover content quickly while still understanding it.

Video courses' structured format lets you keep learning new material without getting stuck. This setup works great for sharing lots of information with many learners at once, perfect for group study sessions.

How practice tests reinforce memory through repetition

While videos build your knowledge base, CompTIA practice tests make you pull that knowledge out through testing. This method, called active recall, changes how you learn by making your brain find information instead of just recognizing it.

Active recall works by pushing your brain to search for answers without looking at notes. This mental exercise strengthens your memory connections and makes future recall easier. The process also shows gaps in your knowledge that passive review might miss.

Good practice platforms use this science through:

• Random questions that prevent answer memorization
• Unlimited tries for repeated practice
• Detailed explanations that help you learn from mistakes
• Performance-based questions that mirror real exam scenarios

The numbers tell the story, students who score 85% or higher on quality practice tests have a 92% pass rate on actual exams. This rate beats the typical 70-80% success rate for first-time test-takers.

Which method supports long-term retention better

Research shows that active recall works better than passive learning for certification exam success. Studies show that long-term retention with active recall can be two to three times better than traditional methods like rereading.

Many students avoid active recall because it seems harder. The mental work needed to retrieve information feels uncomfortable, so they often choose easier but less effective passive review. Testing yourself feels tougher than watching videos, but this "brain workout" gets better results.

Dion Training shows how practice tests turn passive studying into active recall, one of the best ways to remember information long-term. When you combine active recall with spaced repetition (reviewing at increasing intervals), you can remember even more.

Professor Messer suggests the best approach: use video content but focus on active recall over passive watching. Then use practice exams to find and fix knowledge gaps early. This balanced method recognizes that both formats help create a detailed study plan.

The takeaway? Video courses excel at delivering structured knowledge, while practice tests boost retention through active recall. Your certification path will likely need both, videos for learning followed by lots of practice testing to lock in that knowledge for exam day.

Content Coverage: Depth of Topics in Each Method

The content coverage between CompTIA practice tests and video courses varies significantly. Each method handles certification domains differently. This knowledge helps you choose the right study tools to master exam objectives.

CompTIA A+ 1201 domains: How well each method covers them

The Core 1 (220-1201) exam has five significant domains. Their weightings show how important they are on the actual exam:

• Mobile devices (13%): Has component installation, accessory setup, and mobile troubleshooting
• Networking (23%): Focuses on protocols, ports, SOHO networks, and tools
• Hardware (25%): Has component installation, cables, peripherals, and power settings
• Virtualization and cloud computing (11%): Has virtual machines, hypervisors, and cloud models
• Hardware and network troubleshooting (28%): Addresses finding and fixing issues with proper tools

Video courses shine at presenting these domains in a well-laid-out, sequential format. They walk through each objective step-by-step and follow CompTIA's official exam outline. This helps beginners learn foundational concepts through visual demonstrations of hardware components, network configurations, and troubleshooting procedures.

Practice tests take a different path. They mix questions from different domains to mirror the actual exam experience. You'll need to switch contexts faster - jumping from virtualization to networking scenarios in seconds. This challenging approach builds mental agility for exam day.

Core 2 (220-1202) topics: Practice test vs video walkthroughs

Core 2 exam tests your software IT skills through four domains:

• Operating Systems (28%): Windows, Linux, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, and iPadOS
• Security (28%): Physical/digital security, malware, social engineering, network protection
• Software Troubleshooting (23%): Common Windows OS, mobile OS, and application issues
• Operational Procedures (21%): Documentation, backup, safety, and remote access tools

Video walkthroughs focus more on demonstrations than complete coverage. They might show a full Windows installation or security setup, but miss smaller details that show up as test questions.

Many first-time test-takers underestimate Core 2 topics or try cramming without enough practice. A study schedule based on domain weights works better than going through materials in order. This way, you spend time based on each topic's exam importance.

Scenario-based learning: PBQs vs video demonstrations

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) are among the toughest parts of CompTIA exams. These questions appear at the start of your exam (1-10 PBQs per test) and test your problem-solving skills in simulated environments.

Video demonstrations let you watch scenarios without hands-on practice. You might see an instructor set up a firewall or fix network issues, but you won't get to work with the tools yourself.

PBQs come in several formats:

• Fill-in-the-blank questions that need specific answers
• Drag-and-drop exercises to match items to locations
• Scenario-based questions with multiple configuration windows

PBQs test practical skills in hardware/software troubleshooting, OS installation, network troubleshooting, security implementation, and mobile device configuration.

You can skip simulation PBQs and return to them later during the test. You can also reset them if you make mistakes. Videos don't offer this flexibility - you'll need to rewind entire segments.

The best way to prepare combines both methods: watch videos to grasp concepts, then strengthen that knowledge with lots of PBQ practice. This tackles both theory and practical application - exactly what CompTIA certification exams test you on.

Exam Readiness: Simulating the Real Test Environment

Your success on the CompTIA A+ exam largely depends on your ability to handle actual test conditions. Test preparation that mimics these conditions makes a significant difference in your exam day performance.

Timed practice tests vs passive video watching

The reality of CompTIA exams becomes intense once the clock starts ticking. Both A+ exams allow exactly 90 minutes to answer 90 questions, creating a lot of time pressure. Unprepared candidates often struggle with this one-minute-per-question pace.

Practice tests simulate this time constraint directly. Quality platforms provide two distinct modes that serve different purposes:

• Study Mode - Learn at your own pace with immediate feedback after each answer
• Test Mode - Face realistic exam conditions with a timer that mirrors the actual test

Video courses don't provide any time pressure. You can pause, rewind, or adjust playback speed, options you won't have during your certification exam. This key difference explains why candidates who only use videos often struggle with time management during the actual test.

An expert points out: "Watching teaches concepts but doesn't reliably build the question-style reasoning or time management needed for multiple-choice and performance-based questions". Students who skip timed practice miss developing the mental stamina needed to maintain focus throughout the 90-minute exam period.

Performance-based questions: Crucial Exams vs video labs

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) are the most challenging aspect of CompTIA exams for many candidates. Unlike standard multiple-choice questions, PBQs require task completion in simulated environments, configuring command prompts, fixing Windows OS issues, or solving network problems.

Crucial Exams excels with its PBQ simulations that mirror the actual exam. Their platform has:

• 9 interactive PBQs for the 220-1201 exam
• 7 PBQs for the 220-1202 exam that replicate ground scenarios
• Simulation exercises that let you practice tasks in virtual environments

Video demonstrations fall short in PBQ preparation because they show solutions without hands-on practice. One expert notes: "Practice gap: Security+ has scenario-based items and performance-based questions that require applying knowledge under time pressure; videos don't simulate the exam environment".

This hands-on experience gap often determines who passes and who fails. Simulation PBQs offer a reset option and let you skip and return later, features that help develop strategic approaches to these challenging questions.

Confidence building through mock exams

Mock exams' psychological impact is maybe the most overlooked benefit. Research shows that students taking multiple practice tests feel more confident on exam day, confidence that leads to better performance, especially on questions with multiple plausible answers.

The numbers tell a compelling story: organizations requiring students to score 95% on practice tests before issuing exam vouchers saw much higher pass rates. This approach filters out unprepared candidates while boosting confidence in those ready to succeed.

First-hand accounts back this data. "Candidates who watched Messer + did active practice tests and labs often pass comfortably. Those who only watched videos and skipped practice exams or labs commonly report failing due to misreading scenario stems or weak time-management and application skills".

Experts recommend completing several full-length, timed practice tests (at least 3-5) from reputable vendors. Each attempt builds testing stamina and reduces anxiety through familiarity with the exam structure and timing.

The takeaway? Videos explain concepts, but only practice tests prepare you for the actual exam experience.

Learning Efficiency: Time to Master the Material

Your success rate in CompTIA certification depends on how you prepare. The way you study - whether through practice tests or video courses - makes a big difference in learning speed.

Self-paced video learning vs adaptive test prep

Approximately 60-90 hours of study time goes into the average CompTIA A+ certification. The way you use these hours matters. Video courses offer structured learning but lack flexibility. A typical video course library has 20-40 hours of content. Professor Messer's free series has less than half the classroom hours of a regular boot camp.

Let's look at how different learning methods shape your study timeline. Many students succeed with video courses by tweaking playback speeds. They use 1.5x for basic topics, normal speed for tough concepts like subnetting, and 2x for reviews. This smart approach cuts viewing time by 25-30% while keeping comprehension intact.

Practice tests work differently - they adjust to what you know. These platforms find and target your weak spots instead of moving through content in order. You won't waste time on material you already know.

Students new to IT often do best with a mixed approach. They spend 1-2 months learning core topics through videos, then dedicate a month to practice tests. This helps avoid the trap of watching endless videos without putting knowledge to use.

How Crucial Exams' custom tests speed up weak area targeting

Crucial Exams tackles the efficiency challenge with customizable testing. Their platform lets you create practice exams filtered by domain and objective. You'll focus your study time where you need it most.

The platform offers two modes. Study Mode shows questions one at a time with instant explanations. Test Mode creates a real exam environment. This setup helps you spot knowledge gaps and fix them without distractions.

These features make studying more efficient:

• Domain-specific filtering targets your weak areas
• Performance tracking shows your progress
• Detailed explanations eliminate extra research needs

Students who track and fix their mistakes cut study time by 20-25%. A "mistake journal" grouped by domain reveals thinking patterns and shows which concepts need more work.

Retention rates: Active vs passive learning

The gap between practice tests and video courses becomes clear in retention rates. Research in cognitive psychology shows that practice testing boosts final exam scores by 22% compared to passive study.

Students who use active recall outperform those using traditional methods by 28-35% on practice exams and certification attempts. This explains why just watching videos often leads to failed attempts.

Cornell University's research proves active recall improves retention by 23% compared to passive reading. Adding practical application boosts skills retention by 67% over theoretical study.

Your study plan's structure affects efficiency. Students who spend 30-40% of their time on hands-on practice score 23% better on PBQs than those focused on theory. This is a big deal as it means that PBQs - the toughest part of CompTIA exams - become more manageable.

Cost Comparison: Subscription Models and Value

You need to think about your budget when investing in study materials. The CompTIA A+ certification costs around $500 for both exams. This makes choosing between practice tests and video courses a vital financial decision.

Crucial Exams pricing vs Udemy/Dion Training video bundles

Crucial Exams keeps it simple with a $19.99 monthly subscription for their IT Package. You get access to all CompTIA Core 1 and Core 2 practice tests. Their flat-rate model lets you work with over 1,000 expert-written questions for both the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams. They sweeten the deal with discounted exam vouchers: $233 for the standard A+ voucher (saving $32) and $276 for vouchers with retake options (saving $38).

Dion Training's video courses and practice tests have different pricing models:

• Udemy prices range from $12-$90 based on promotions
• You can get value packages with video courses, labs, and practice exams directly from Dion's website
• Smart shoppers can save money during Udemy sales, with Black Friday offering the best deals

Video courses can be cheaper than subscription-based practice tests, but prices vary based on timing and platform.

Free vs paid options: What you get at each tier

Free practice tests exist but have clear limitations:

• Small question banks (30-60 questions per exam)
• Basic explanations for wrong answers
• No performance-based questions
• Missing adaptive testing features

Professor Messer's YouTube channel offers simple video coverage without interactive elements or practice components.

Paid options give you more features:

• Premium practice tests ($19.99/month): 1,000+ questions, domain-specific filtering, performance tracking
• Basic video courses ($12-$15 on sale): A structured learning path, instructor guidance, some practice questions
• Complete packages ($90-$150): Video instruction, practice exams, labs, and review materials

CompTIA's official CertMaster Practice sits at the premium end at $149 per exam ($268 bundled). It offers adaptive learning created by the actual test developers.

Are video courses worth the extra cost?

Your learning style and current knowledge determine the return on investment. Here's what to think about:

Even the priciest study materials cost less than failing an exam. At $250 per exam, one retake costs more than most premium prep materials.

Time matters too. Premium practice tests help you study faster through adaptive learning. The CompTIA CertMaster system focuses on what you need to improve rather than reviewing content you already know.

Your specific needs affect the value. Video courses work better for:

• Visual learners who learn better through demonstrations
• Beginners new to technical terms
• People who need structured guidance

Practice tests give better value to:

• Experienced pros who need certification
• People with good technical knowledge
• Those with tight schedules

Organizations report that students who score 95% on quality practice tests before taking exams pass more often. This shows that practice testing is a vital investment, no matter how you learn.

Mobile and On-the-Go Learning: Which Is More Flexible?

IT certification candidates with packed schedules need to study on the go. Mobile learning gives them flexibility that desktop-based methods just can't match.

Pocket Prep vs YouTube/Udemy mobile apps

Pocket Prep shines as a dedicated mobile app for CompTIA A+ exam prep. The app packs 1,100 practice questions crafted by industry experts to align with current exam outlines. Each question includes detailed explanations that help you grasp both right and wrong answers.

YouTube and Udemy mobile apps are nowhere near as interactive. You can download Dion Training videos on Udemy for offline viewing, but these apps don't have the testing features you'll find in specialized practice apps.

Pocket Prep stands out with these quiz formats:

• Question of the Day for quick daily review
• Quick 10 Quiz with random selections
• Missed Questions Quiz targeting previous errors
• Level Up Quiz with progressive difficulty
• Weakest Subject Quiz focusing on problem areas
• Timed Quiz simulating exam conditions
• Build Your Own customizable tests

Offline access and sync features

Professionals who move between locations need offline access. Pocket Prep lets you download question sets to study without internet. This feature is perfect for commutes or spots with poor coverage.

Udemy's mobile app lets you download videos to watch offline. All the same, it doesn't have the device syncing you'll find in dedicated test prep platforms.

Modern practice test apps really shine with their sync features. Pocket Prep users can switch between phone, tablet, and web seamlessly. Your progress, bookmarks, and stats stay up to date on all devices.

Best tools for busy professionals

Mobile-first solutions help professionals with tight schedules turn spare moments into study time. Pocket Prep's design makes it easy to study during commutes, while waiting in line, or on lunch breaks.

Apps that fit different study habits work best. Some users swear by Pocket Prep's Question of the Day for daily structure. Others prefer to focus on weak spots through custom quizzes.

Cost matters for budget-conscious learners. Pocket Prep has three subscription options:

• 1 Month: $20.99 billed monthly
• 3 Months: $49.99 billed quarterly
• 12 Months: $124.99 billed annually

You can try 30-60 free practice questions in three study modes before buying.

Level-up systems and study streaks keep users motivated - key for busy professionals. These features turn daily studying into a fun habit, exactly what on-the-go learners need to stay on track.

User Feedback and Pass Rates

Real-life results tell the story when comparing exam prep methods. Pass rates and user experiences give us a clear picture of which approach might work better for your certification experience.

Reported pass rates from Crucial Exams users

First-time test-takers achieve a 70-80% success rate on CompTIA A+ exams. Students who score 85% or higher on quality practice tests see their pass rates soar to 92%. This 12-15% improvement shows how practice testing makes a difference before taking the real exam.

Students need dedicated study time to prepare well. Most successful candidates study for two to three months before taking the exam. A+ certification typically requires 60-80 hours of total study time.

CompTIA gives a report that shows topics needing more focus if you don't pass on your first try. This feedback makes practice tests valuable tools to strengthen weak areas before retaking exams.

Video course reviews: Dion Training, Mike Meyers

Dion Training excels with its detailed approach to exam preparation. Their system pairs expert guidance with testing capabilities and achieves pass rates up to 94% for certain certifications. Their practice exams select questions randomly from a question bank to build genuine knowledge rather than memorized answers.

Mike Meyers takes a different path by focusing on concept understanding rather than memorization. His TotalTester platform has over 1,000 questions for both CompTIA A+ exams. Visual learners love Meyers' teaching style and video explanations.

Professor Messer has built a strong reputation among certification candidates. A user shared: "I used his videos as 99% of my studying since just watching the guy is so ridiculously easy".

What Reddit and Quora users say about each method

Community feedback suggests combining resources works better than using just one preparation method. Many successful candidates use "Messer + Dion's practice tests" as their winning combination.

Students who only watched videos without practice testing often failed due to poor time management or trouble applying concepts. A Reddit user shared, "I was scoring 75 to 85 on practice exams but the real test did not reflect the practice". This shows that practice tests aren't perfect copies of the actual exam.

Corporate training programs choose practice tests exclusively for employee certification preparation because they link to exam success. Classroom instructors often recommend free options like ExamCompass as reliable additions.

Students often question official CompTIA materials. One user noted that "the material I get in the courseware CompTIA provides is either not present in the exam or the questions in the exam are so specific". This pushes many students toward third-party resources for targeted preparation.

Best Use Cases: When to Choose Practice Tests or Video Courses

The best way to pick between CompTIA practice tests and video courses depends on your experience level and priorities.

Beginners vs experienced learners

Video courses work better for beginners. These courses break down complex topics with visual demonstrations that help new learners grasp the basics. Most newcomers find practice tests challenging without first building a solid foundation.

Experienced professionals tend to prefer practice tests once they know the core concepts. The numbers back this up - professionals who have finished textbooks or video courses get the most value from practice platforms. Practice tests quickly show knowledge gaps without covering familiar ground.

Visual learners vs test-driven learners

Your learning style makes a big difference in which method works best. Visual learners pick up information better through videos that show real-life applications. Mike Meyers' explanations really click with visual learners who want more than just facts.

Test-driven learners do better with active recall and performance tracking. These students excel with platforms that give instant feedback and adjust questions based on how well they're doing.

Combining both for maximum results

The best way to prepare uses both approaches:

• Start with courses or textbooks to learn core concepts
• Practice tests help spot areas that need more work
• Take timed practice exams in test-like conditions

This approach gets results - students who score 85% on quality practice tests have a 92% chance of passing their certification exams.

Conclusion

Our analysis shows practice tests beat video courses hands down for CompTIA certification success. The numbers paint a clear picture. Students who score 85% or higher on quality practice tests have a 92% pass rate. These results substantially outperform typical first-time test takers.

Video courses still have their place. They make great starting points for beginners who need well-laid-out knowledge delivery before tackling practice questions. New learners can build strong concept foundations through passive learning, especially when watching visual demonstrations of hardware components or network configurations.

Practice tests really stand out because they use active recall. This proven method makes your brain retrieve information instead of just recognizing it. The mental workout builds stronger neural connections that help during the actual exam. Practice tests also create a test-like environment with time pressure and performance-based questions. Videos just can't match this experience.

Budget-conscious test takers have good options either way. You can get complete question banks from Crucial Exams for $19.99 monthly. Video courses range from free ones like Professor Messer to premium packages from Dion Training. Your budget and study schedule will determine the best value for you.

Mobile learning brings a fresh perspective to studying. Apps like Pocket Prep turn spare moments into study time with features like custom quizzes, offline access, and progress tracking across devices. Traditional video platforms don't deal very well with this kind of flexibility.

Successful candidates swear by a balanced approach. They use video courses to learn core concepts first. Then they switch to practice tests to find and fix knowledge gaps. This combined method works better than using either one alone.

Your best choice depends on where you're starting from. Complete beginners get more value from structured video content at first. Experienced professionals benefit more from practice platforms that quickly spot knowledge gaps without covering familiar ground.

The real question isn't about which method works better overall. It's about finding the right sequence for your situation. The most effective strategy uses both: videos to master concepts followed by lots of practice testing to lock in that knowledge for exam day. This approach recognizes that certification success needs both solid understanding and the ability to apply it under pressure.