I took both A+ tests, CompTIA A+ Certification Exams 220-1101 and 220-1102 without formally studying for them. All I did was take practice tests at examcompass.com and saw was getting on average more than 80% correct, which should be enough to pass the real test. I then looked up info on the items I missed. I passed the second test today.
I also completed the Google IT Support Professional classes at a rate of about one week per half hour. I did this by taking the practice quizzes and only going back into the course material when I missed questions. I was getting an average of about 90% correct on the practice quizzes. There were a few sections with very specific information that I did learn from. I then took the required for-credit tests to progress to the next modules and courses. It it supposed to take you 6 months to complete with under 10 hours per week. I finished the whole five-course certification in less than four weeks.