CompTIA A+ and CySA+ sit at opposite ends of the IT career path, but both are in high demand. A+ is the entry point for help desk, support, and field technician roles. CySA+ qualifies you for security analyst and SOC positions. The catch with A+ right now is the exam transition: the current 220-1101/1102 exams are being replaced by 220-1201/1202 in 2025. Books covering both exam versions are listed below so you can prepare regardless of which exam you schedule.
For other CompTIA certifications, see our Security+ SY0-701 books post.
Last reviewed: March 2026. All links and availability verified.
CompTIA A+ Books
CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide, 11th Edition (220-1101 & 220-1102)
Mike Meyers’ All-in-One guide is the book most A+ candidates use. At 1,472 pages, it covers every 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) objective with Meyers’ signature conversational style. Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, troubleshooting, operating systems, security, and operational procedures are all covered with practice questions and exam tips throughout. If you are taking the current exam (before the transition), this is the standard choice.
- Authors: Mike Meyers, Travis A. Everett, Andrew Hutz
- Published: January 2023 (McGraw Hill, 11th Edition)
- Pages: 1,472
- Exam: 220-1101 / 220-1102 (current)
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide, 6th Edition (220-1201 & 220-1202)
If you are taking the new 220-1201/1202 exams (available 2025), this Sybex guide (July 2025, 1,920 pages across 2 volumes) is the first study resource written for the updated objectives. The new exam adds cloud computing, automation and scripting, and expanded cybersecurity topics. Developed by A+ certified professionals with 50+ combined years of experience. Includes Sybex online test bank, flashcards, and practice exams.
- Published: July 2025 (Sybex/Wiley, 6th Edition)
- Pages: 1,920 (2 volumes)
- Exam: 220-1201 / 220-1202 (new)
- Best for: Candidates sitting the new exam version
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
CompTIA CySA+ Books
CompTIA CySA+ Study Guide: Exam CS0-003, 3rd Edition
Mike Chapple and David Seidl (the same team behind the Security+ study guide) cover 100% of CS0-003 objectives across 576 pages. Threat management, vulnerability management, security operations and monitoring, and incident response are covered with practical examples and clear explanations. The Sybex online test bank includes practice exams that match the difficulty and format of the real exam. Chapple and Seidl consistently produce the highest-quality CompTIA study materials.
- Authors: Mike Chapple, David Seidl
- Published: July 2023 (Sybex/Wiley, 3rd Edition)
- Pages: 576
- Exam: CS0-003
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
CompTIA CySA+ Practice Tests: Exam CS0-003
The companion to the study guide above: 1,000 practice questions with detailed answer explanations covering every CS0-003 domain. Rated 4.8 stars on Amazon. The CySA+ exam has performance-based questions that test practical skills, and drilling through a thousand realistic questions builds the pattern recognition you need to answer confidently under time pressure.
- Authors: Mike Chapple, David Seidl
- Published: 2023 (Sybex/Wiley)
- Rating: 4.8 stars
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
Which exam version should you take?
| Exam | Status | Book |
|---|---|---|
| A+ 220-1101/1102 | Current (retiring soon) | Meyers All-in-One, 11th Ed |
| A+ 220-1201/1202 | New (available 2025) | Sybex Complete Study Guide, 6th Ed |
| CySA+ CS0-003 | Current | Chapple/Seidl Study Guide + Practice Tests |
If you can sit the A+ exam within the next few months, the 220-1101/1102 with Meyers’ guide is the proven path. If you are starting study now and the exam is months away, go with the 220-1201/1202 Sybex guide to avoid studying for an exam version that might retire before you sit it. For CySA+, the CS0-003 is current with no transition in sight. Buy both the study guide and practice tests from Chapple and Seidl.
