New CompTIA A+ Perform vs Learn

[Nathan Denton]

I need to know what the difference is between the A+ Learn and A+ Perform courses. That will help me determine which course I will be using this fall. I begin teaching this next week, but haven't gotten a response from my account manager. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Rick Butler]

Well, let's see if I can field that one.

CompTIA Learn and CompTIA Perform are very similar platforms, where you basically read the text in the form of modules, answer 'end-of-module' questions, and do some Performance-Based Questions (PBQ).

Perform is the next evolutionary step after the acquisition of TestOut's LabSim. LabSim provided module by module text but also had a much more mature and developed simulation engine than CompTIA had. Perform will integrate those virtual live-labs that were part of LabSIM with the Learn material.

Some might say that Learn is for people who really are getting their first exposures to the material whereas Perform provides that content but more of a "real-world" application of skill.

I personally have not gone through the A+ Perform material; right now, I'm doing the SecurityX Perform walkthrough, since my credential comes due this year, so I wanted a somewhat pure evaluation of the Perform product to Certification. I'll evaluate against other tools like Udemy's courses as well.

So, that's the scoop. Learn for newbies, Perform for those going further.

/r

 

[Nathan Miller Masiku]

I need to know what the difference is between the A+ Learn and A+ Perform courses. That will help me determine which course I will be using this fall. I begin teaching this next week, but haven't gotten a response from my account manager. Any help would be appreciated.

A+ Learn – "The Book & Guide Combo"​

Think of A+ Learn as your traditional learning platform — structured and instructional.​

• Content-focused: Includes videos, readings, practice quizzes, and flashcards.
• Guided lessons: Topics are broken down in modules that walk students through all domains of the A+ exam (220-1101 and 220-1102).
• Good for instruction: If you're teaching in a classroom and need a structured curriculum, this is your go-to. It's aligned to the exam objectives.
• Self-paced: But you, as the teacher, can set deadlines or expectations around progression.

Ideal for first-time learners who need to absorb the material and build foundational knowledge.

A+ Perform – "Learn by Doing"​

A+ Perform is hands-on. It’s more about doing and applying what they learned.

• Performance-based: Real-life labs and simulations that mimic what techs would actually do on the job (think command-line tasks, OS installs, troubleshooting simulations).
• Less lecture, more action: It assumes they’ve learned the content (from A+ Learn or elsewhere) and are now practicing applying that knowledge.
• Great for prepping for performance-based questions on the actual A+ exams.
• Higher engagement: If your students are easily bored or do better learning by trial and error, this one’s a winner.

Best for students who’ve already seen the content or are learning by doing. It’s not structured like a coursebook.