The sixth-edition Sybex CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide is worth considering when you want a substantial, chapter-based reference for both current A+ exams. Buy by exam code and ISBN, not by a generic “A+ complete guide” cover. An inexpensive older edition can be the wrong purchase for your intended exam.

We checked Wiley’s edition reference, its companion contents, CompTIA’s current A+ information and the matching Amazon book on 30 September 2026. We have not completed the book, tested its question bank or measured certification outcomes. Our study worksheet connects reading to practical evidence; it is not a claim that this book alone produces exam readiness or employment.

Identify the exact set

Wiley’s sixth-edition reference names Quentin Docter and Jon Buhagiar and describes two volumes: Core 1 exam 220-1201 and Core 2 exam 220-1202. The matching paperback set uses ISBN-10 1394330030, ISBN-13 9781394330034.

Those numbers distinguish it from earlier editions and from a separate review guide. A seller’s “sixth edition” wording is insufficient when the title, authors or exam codes describe another book. Check the edition attached to the selected format; paperback, electronic and other offers can have different conditions.

The publisher companion contents show chapter-based resources. It is labelled an instructor companion site. Do not assume every instructor file is included as unrestricted student access, or that a used copy gives fresh online access. Verify the specific included resources and activation conditions before placing value on them.

Match the current exam pair

CompTIA’s current A+ V15 reference identifies 220-1201 and 220-1202. It requires both cores from the same version and includes performance-based questions as well as other question formats.

The two-volume book’s scope matches those codes. That establishes edition alignment, not independent proof that every explanation or practice item is sufficient. Use the current official objectives as the checklist against which you track study gaps.

Our tech credential path guide helps decide whether A+ is relevant to the roles you are pursuing. A well-matched book is still a poor purchase when the credential does not address your target job’s requirements. To weigh A+ against Google’s IT Support Certificate, see our IT support specialist guide.

Choose according to how you learn

Reader situation Value of this set What to resolve first
Beginner wanting a structured written reference Broad reading plan across both cores Time for practical work alongside chapters
Experienced support worker closing specific gaps Targeted reference use Map current objectives to existing knowledge
Learner who rarely finishes long textbooks Substantial scope may become friction Try the available sample before buying
Buyer looking only for exam-style revision A full study guide may be more than needed Compare the exact review resource and its scope
Used-copy bargain hunter Physical reference can retain value Missing volume, annotations and online access conditions

An objective-to-practice worksheet

Create one row for each objective you need to learn. Keep the row more specific than “read networking.”

Field Example of useful evidence
Official objective The current code and full skill description
Reading location Volume, chapter and section you used
Explain without notes A short explanation of why a configuration or fix works
Safe practice activity A task on equipment or an isolated environment you are authorised to use
Troubleshooting record Symptom, checks, result and what ruled out another cause
Remaining uncertainty A concept or practical step to revisit

Reading a chapter changes the first two fields. It does not automatically fill the others. CompTIA recommends hands-on support experience; a book cannot substitute for every practical skill. Use our beginner tech career roadmap to connect study with realistic first-role preparation.

Keep safe, non-confidential practice notes as potential proof-of-work portfolio material. Describe what you actually did and learned. Do not represent a simulated exercise as paid support experience, or publish a workplace’s credentials, customer records or private configurations.

Compare the complete cost

Separate the book price, any optional learning resources, practical equipment you genuinely need and the two exam charges. A standalone book listing is not evidence that exam vouchers are included. Check current official exam terms and local pricing when you are ready to schedule.

Avoid buying several overlapping books before identifying a gap. Start with a reference you can use consistently, the current objectives and a practical plan. Add another resource when it addresses a named weakness, rather than because a bundle contains more pages.

Buying decision

Check the sixth-edition Sybex two-volume set on Amazon. Verify both volumes, exam codes, condition and any advertised access entitlement. Price and availability can change.

Choose it for structured written preparation aligned to 220-1201/220-1202. Skip an older edition bought merely because it is cheaper, and avoid treating ownership of the set as proof of readiness. The purchase earns its value through a usable study and practice routine aimed at a relevant career step.