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A+ Certification Books

L

liquidmocean

n00b
Joined
Nov 13, 2004
Messages
16
Anybody care to recommend a good book for A+? I am looking to get A+ certified in the next few weeks.
 
You should try: David Groth A+ complete.

I studied using this book to get my certification, it has alot of information in this book.
 
If you go into Barnes and Noble or any large bookstore, look for the big thick A+ book that is brownish with a red center. That one is uber.
 
That's the Mike Meyers all in one book. I used it, worked fine. On to more worthwhile certs.
 
As someone stated in another previous post. Any IT certification will get you somewhere. If you have the opportunity to take the test and recieve your A+ certification, by all means do it. A+ can lead you to bigger and better things.
 
Depends on where you are at. For me, not really. I just wasn't ready to jump into the CCNP stuff, so I decided to get the A+. If you are just getting started, or are looking for a desktop support job, then I would say it is.
 
liquidmocean said:
This is not a worthwhile cert?
Click to expand...

That is the subject of much debate, in general I think most IT pros would feel that having an A+ is basically meaningless, as it really bears little relevance/comparison to real-world ability gained through experience (although I feel that way about most certs, I personally know at least one MCSE who would probably run away screaming if you asked him to transfer fsmo roles).

However, the sensible would recognise that IT employers have no practical way of gauging your ability beyond paper credentials, in which case any cert is worthwhile.

On the book front, if you've already been building your own PCs for years, I'd be inclined to go for one of the cheaper ExamCram type books, just to make sure you know what's on the syllabus to spot any areas of weakness, if you're less confident then I would concur that in my experience Myers and Groth both do good work.
 
I have a BA in Telecommunications Management so I am very familiar with networking and such. I also have about three years of experience but no IT certs. My current contract job is ending in about a month. My manager told me that if I get an A+ cert then he could probably get me a job. I was looking for the best possible book for a crash course.
 
I'd just go take it. Chances are, if you have any computer hardware ability at all, and are reasonably intelligent, you'll pass it. This is the problem with the cert. It is a very basic test. PC fundamentals basically. At least it was when I took it. Disclaimer is that this was 7 years ago but I haven't heard anything to the contrary on the A+.
 
I should clarify my earlier statement somewhat, since I see alot of people just bash the A+, and in retrospect that is what it looks like I was doing.

I think the A+ is a fine cert for people just starting off in the IT arena, those working in an IT helpdesk, or those looking to get into the desktop support role (or a combination of the 3).
If I were still in the role I was in a year ago (internal IT helpdesk) it would of been beneficial. However, since I have moved on to network fault management, it is kind of useless (and the company wouldn't pay for it, since it isn't really applicable to my job function).

I do have some specific issues with the A+
1. Focus on old technology: Perhaps knowing all the OS files and old style config files for win 9x & NT is useful for someone who does general populace support, but in the corporate arena, it isn't. The only supported desktop OS in the company I work for is XP. If you have old ISA hardware that requires manual IRQ config and jumper settings, it is probably better to just replace it if it has issues.
2. Focus on the irrelevant: There was alot of focus about IRQ settings, memorizing COM ports, old technology (as above) and stuff like working on the inside of a monitor. Much of the stuff I had on the test is stuff that you won't need to remember most of the time, and if you do need it, you can just look it up online.
3. Lack of modern internetwork issues: Much of the stuff I worked on (and co-workers in desktop worked on) was email, vpn, internet issues, spyware, etc. This is barely covered. I know they have a Net+ exam for some of this stuff, but these are some of the most common issues techs face.
4. Lack of recertifcation: Currently, the A+ is for life. Clearly technology 5 years from now is not going to be the same as today, so why will my A+ still be valid? This takes alot of the value away fro the cert.

Liquid:
What is your current job role? I mean, if the A+ will get/keep you a job, then it is certainly worth it. I would probably go with the exam cram stuff vs. the real study guides in your case.
However, you may want to look into the CCNA, Net+, or a microsoft cert in the future, as they seem to be more commensurate with the job function you are likely to be in.
 
Below, you will see some of my work history. (Basically my resume) I have varying experience from past jobs. I would like to obtain an internal help desk postition. I have held such a position a couple of times. So, with my experience below, do you think it would be worthwhile to obtain an A+? I would like to earn a certification that would lead to an internal help desk type position. I think the job that would be offered by my current manager would be an on site install technician working odd hours. Not something I would necessarily want to do but it is a job.




QUALIFICATIONS
High energy, results driven individual with a proven and successful track record as a LAN Support Technician. A strategic thinker with a strong business sense experienced in management of systems, people and administrative responsibilities.

SKILLS
· Excellent understanding of network and routing protocols (TCP, IP, SNMP, HTTP).
· Solid grasp of event monitoring (alerting, diagnostics, solutions).
· Strong technical knowledge of digital network technologies (including, routers, switches, etc.) and associated protocols (including DHCP, TCP, IP, etc.).
· Experience with: Digicards, Baystacks, Digital Telephone Systems (Nortel), Network Printers, Veritas Backup Exec 8.5 for Windows, Citrix client 6 and MetaFrame XP, and Lotus Notes 5.
· Competent in various operating systems, such as Windows 95/98, Windows 2000/XP Professional, Windows NT Workstation & Server 4.0, Windows 2000 Server.

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING

Ø MCP Training Classes

EXPERIENCE
Command Center, SunTrust August 2004 to Present
Personal solutions to meet your needs

Support Operations
Support onsite install technicians with expertise
· Supported end users by successfully initiating a solution to their existing problems.
· Reimaged several workstations simultaneously using Ghost Cast reimaging software
· Create status reports logging all known and recurring issues for further analyzation
· Monitor network and software issues and escalate them as necessary
· Successfully resolved 80% of issues at Help Desk Level
· Instructed users with use of Microsoft products such as Windows XP Professional, Word, Outlook,
and Excel

Service Center, Next Star Communications March 2004 to August 2004
Providing excellent customer service for all your wireless needs

Lead Service Technician
Responsible for management of daily service center activities
· Organized service center for more efficient processes improving productivity and customer service.
· Efficiently test and troubleshoot problems with Motorola phones.
· Complete soldering of circuits to motherboards for builds of phones.
· Train new service techs on policies and procedures.
· Support users of Nextel Blackberry 6510 and 7510 devices by manually setting up hardware and
training the user.
· Configured Blackberry Webclient and Desktop redirector software for efficient access to emails
· Manually installed Enterprise server in sync with Microsoft Exchange in a testing environment of ten
users.
· Manage development of website http://www.nxtstr.com


MIS Department , Market Velocity, Inc. April 2003 to January 2004
The emerging global leader in providing electronic marketplace management solutions

LAN Support Technician
Responsible for assisting in the management of the Computer Services networking facilities.
· Installed PC software/hardware and setup PC workstations, which required a working knowledge of Windows NT, Windows 2000, Microsoft Office and Outlook.
· Efficiently ran diagnostics to troubleshoot problems involving, PC's, LANs, and a wide range of output devices.
· LAN Administration plus General LAN performance monitoring and tuning.
· Suggested improvements to website for more efficient access to data and created website instruction manuals for operations.
· Assessed internal security issues using an industry standard audit process.


Remarketing/Refurbishment, Southern Refurb, Inc. November 2002 to February 2003
One of the world leaders in reselling pre-owned mainframe computers, PC's, and hard to find parts

Product Quality and Assurance
Responsible for conducting PC testing and fully refurbishing small to midrange computer peripherals.
· Successfully built and tested refurbished used parts and computers for re-sale in the marketplace.
· Worked with other members of the marketing and performance teams to assist in getting the best price for outdated excess hardware, IBM, and Memorex/Telex parts and machines.
· Effectively tested equipment for quality assurance.

Information Technology, DataScan Technologies November 2001 to March 2002
Delivering networking, wireless and mobile technology business solutions to companies across a wide variety of industries

Jr. LAN Support Technician
Responsible for analyzing and resolving complex software/hardware problems, including the setup of Win 2K workstations/devices and the replacement and or elimination of equipment problems.
· Administered a Gigabit Ethernet network running Windows 2000/XP Professional by using Active Directory Tools
· Manually installed drivers and other software onto servers and workstations. (Peachtree Accounting, Citrix, Lotus Notes, Norton Antivirus, Microsoft Office, Crystal Reports)
· Performed routine hard drive, RAM, peripherals, and processor installations for improved performance on workstations and servers.
· Assisted in the corporate wide software/hardware migration from Windows NT 4.0 Server to Microsoft 2000 Server by effectively configuring and rebuilding servers.
· Successfully rebuilt internal workstations for clients (Accounting, Developers, Sales/Marketing, Administrative) on the local area network.

Intern, DataScan Technologies July 2001 to October 2001

EDUCATION
B.B.S., Telecommunications Management DeVry University, June 2002
 
Seems like you have a pretty solid work back ground. I have a question though: Why are you looking for helpdesk work, except perhaps as a foot in the door? It seems like you should be looking more at desktop support, NOC, or production operations types of positions. In those cases, I would lean more towards suggesting a CCNA or MCSA certification, although those will take more time than the A+.
If you are still leaning towards a help desk job, then the A+ should help you.

Note: Our views of helpdesk type work may differ. I worked at an internal IT desk for a very large telecom company, and it was all over the phone, virtual work. I know that at some smaller companies the helpdesk techs also work on laptops that are brought in, or go out in the field to assist users.
 
Thanks for the insight. I hope obtaining one of these will be hepful in landing a job :D Oh, I am not really looking for helpdesk work. I hope to land a more hands on type job.
 
Far from Meaningless. It got my foot into the door of a very Large telecommunications Company. And I now work on equipment that serves internet to thousands of people in the city of Philadelphia. I don't have the CCNA MCSE MCP and other Certs.
But I've gotten real world experience with equipment like Cisco Nortel HP and others that no lab course for CCNA or MCP etc...etc.. could ever reproduce.


All that thanks to my A+ Certification.


Any one who says A+ Certification is meaningless is a fool if you ask me.
 
In my opinion there are two types of meaningless, and for me the A+ (and several other popular certs) only falls into one of the categories.

I have a total of no certs (though realistically, and sadly, I fully recognise that this retards my prospects in the general marketplace), it was mostly by a combination of luck and astounding personal charisma that I got my foot in the IT door.

From the beginning I was exposed to heavily certed people who knew alot less about the practicalities of how to make a desktop/server/network go than I did, which has tainted my view of certs in general.

However, as I mentioned in a previous post, prospective employers need to be able to quantify your ability, which is next to impossible for them in practical terms without certs.

Having an A+ can help you get a job, but it can't make you good at it.

"Meaningless" is perhaps to strong/emotive a description, the phrase "Unreliable indicator of competance" probably better describes my view.
 
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