Let me start by saying that today I took the 220-701, the first of the required two tests. I passed with a score of 775, which as best I can figure correlates to between 85 and 90 on a 100 point scale. My study was entirely self-directed and consisted of using four different books, the A+ video series from K Alliance and exam prep software from [...].
I used a wide variety of resources purposely, to ensure that everything I might encounter on the test was covered. Looking back, I now realize that was unnecessary. I could have saved a great deal of both time and money simply by using this book exclusively. I probably would have gotten a higher score as well, though I'm not disappointed by any means!
I'm assuming that those who read this are interested in preparing for the test as well.. You'll get a lot of different opinions on how to go about it, but here's my two cents. First off, I URGE you to steer clear of all of the "condensed" books out there, ex. Mike Myers' Passport and the Exam Cram version. Of those two Exam Cram is by far the best, but both fall way short of giving you adequate preparation.
Second, if you're a novice as I was back in March when I seriously began to study, take your time. The A+ will eat you alive if you wait till a couple of weeks before and try to shove everything you need in your head. The questions aren't simple true-false or even the classic multiple choice. They're written in the form of real-life scenarios you will likely face as a tech, forcing you to think them through and choose the best out of what are often several good answers.
Third, and I know many may disagree, but I found the cert. prep. practice tests like [...] to be largely wasted time. There wasn't a single question on the actual exam that was identical to the ones on their software. You can't pass this thing just by memorizing answers - not that you were thinking along those lines anyway of course.
So, what do I suggest? First, GET THIS BOOK. I found it to be the best overall out of several I considered, with the Dummies version coming in a close second. I advise steering clear of Mike Myers and Scott Jernigan. I found their material to be both juvenile and confusing. This was especially true of the Passport A+ guide, which had maybe half the information needed for the test.
Secondly, check out the online videos at free a plus dot calm (misspelling intentional). Professor Messer's training series is as good as the ones I paid several hundred dollars for, better in many ways, and they are FREE.
Third, get a laptop and a desktop PC you can completely destroy (make sure they have XP or Vista, preferably both) then proceed to do so. Play with the BIOS, remove and replace the RAM, fiddle with the monitor settings, unhook and reattach the power and date cables. Alter the settings in Control Panel. Change out the CMOS battery. Get some compressed air and find out what happens when you blow it in the USB ports. Hands-on is an essential supplement to book learning.
When you feel you're ready, take the free pretest at Comptia's site. It's the best single indicator you'll find of how well you'll do on the real exam.
As for me, I'm taking 220-702 on 10/1. With everything I've learned from this excellent book I am confident I'll pass and soon have my certificate. It's just a matter of hard work and the right resources. Good luck!
UPDATE: It took longer than I anticipated to take the 220-702, but I did so yesterday 11/10 and, yes, passed. WOO HOO!
