In my post on how I passed the CompTIA A+ Core 1, I had a short critique of Dion Training's A+ Core 1 Test Prep, Exams, and Simulations. This post will give a more comprehensive review of what I feel the problems with this course were.
Grammar and Spelling
Unfortunately, the practice exams (both) contained numerous spelling and grammar errors. An example of this is a misspelling of "Theater" as "Theather." But, there were many more. Other reviews on Udemy also highlighted this problem, and Dion Training will only inquiry about the specific errors the customer found.
It isn't the customer's responsibility to ensure a product is free of errors. At some point, enough complaints should raise the alarm that Dion Training needs to do another proofread. Firefox's spellcheck has underlined "Theather" as incorrect, so finding many of these errors should be trivial.
Testing Knowledge Not on the CompTIA A+ Core 1
I noticed one question which tested for knowledge outside the scope of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objectives. As I have stated previously on this blog, there is nothing wrong with overlearning, but Dion Training should be clear that some of the tested knowledge is not on the actual exam.
For me, practice tests exist as a way to test "Illusions of Knowing." If I am writing the practice exam to ensure I know the actual exam content, but the practice exam is testing me on irrelevant content, then the entire point of the practice test has been defeated. It is even more problematic if I am not aware that the practice exam's content is not on the actual exam.
While I only have one example of this, this brings me to my next point.
Violation of Trust
As a novice in this topic, I do not have enough knowledge to accurately determine whether the questions asked are relevant to me passing the CompTIA A+. I must trust Dion Training that they are providing the correct content. So, to discover the spelling and grammar mistakes, along with the out of scope question, it makes me wonder, "what else might I be missing?" I don't know, and that's the problem.
Given that other customers informed Dion Training about the spelling and grammar mistakes, and they are still there, it doesn't give me the confidence that I can trust this product.
What's the Big Deal?
I paid \$12 for the course, so I can understand why some might be skeptical of my complaints at that price point. What kind of quality ought we expect for \$12?
The Practice Questions Exam Cram was \$16, which contains three practice exams for Core 1 and Core 2 and test-taking tips. It does not contain spelling or grammatical errors. So, it is possible for Dion Training to deliver an error-free testing experience at this price range.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I leave this critical review because if Dion Training makes these changes, it would be a great product. Errors and typos happen; a digital product does not have to be perfect on the first release. But, once people raise concerns, an organization should be able to edit and proofread glaring errors.