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A+ Certification Question

G

galdoes16

Gawd
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
736
Okay, to be A+ Certified, Can you have a GED, or do you have to have a high school diploma?

Does the same apply to MCSE?
 
I knew someone in highschool who was A+ certified so I don't think you need a high school diploma. I don't think there are any requirements at all actually besides completing the test. though I haven't really looked into it.

Peace
 
I had several friends get their A+ when they were Sophomores in high school. So no, no diploma or GED is required. You just have to pass the test. Though it won't guarantee you a job and won't make up for a lack of practical field experience.

For my job I'm supposed to be A+ Certified, but I thankfully got around that requirement.
 
See, but where I live, most if not all Tech jobs require A+ or MCSE Cert to be hired. So, I have no idea of where to begin with to aquire Field experiance.
 
Ok question for all of you that are A+ certified.........since I dont have 2200 dollars laying around to go through training.......how much training did yall do before test? Is it rather easy question wise? Or are the questions fill in blank? Bubble in? Last, how long does the test usualy take? Pretty sure I might be ready, I read the outline of the test, i know all the hardware outlines, and the majority of the software outlines........

curious if theres books, or something i can study for it..........or if anyone has any laying around for sale i can get from them :p
thanks


soulsaver_8229
 
Yuck, $2200?

Anyway, if you know your stuff, it should not be that hard, you might have to brush up on things you might have never had to deal with, and stuff like IRQs (I think the newer version is supposed to be more modern, but not sure if they administer the modern version yet).

It's a multiple choice, you take it on a computer (and as such, you can know your school before you leave). It's also split into two tests that you take separately, the Hardware and OS tests.

You might want to look at exam cram books. I can't lend you one, since I read all my books online. Nothing like near complete access to O'Reilly Safari.
 
I went down to borders, bought a $60 text book with example tests, had no problem passing. Doing the same thing as we speak for my network +, following that up by getting a real degree (associates don't cut it) in IT which will get me all the studying for MCSE and CCNA, and hoping to get my OS X and apple portable cert at some point.
 
awesome, i think ill go look at some books, and try some practice tests, or ask around computer stores if they have any they wanna sell/lend :p

thanks fellas!


soulsaver_8229
 
I used this book. It covered everything pretty thoroughly, although the book is very long. I just read the book through once, made some flash cards, and took the test. If you want my copy, I will sell it for 20 bucks shipped. It is in pretty good shape, and includes the CD.
The test still covers alot of legacy stuff like IRQs, old 95/98 boot file parameters, stuff like that.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
hrumm lemme think on that, cause atm, im straped big time for cash, lol im down to selling Rockstar game stickers in my fs thread :rolleyes:

but ill definatly pm you when i have some spare change!
and thanks for linkage :)


soulsaver_8229
 
They updated their objectives in 2003. If the book was printed before then it's useless.

All you have to do is grab a book off Amazon.com and study. If you can't pass from the book, you're not cut out to be a tech. ;) All the A+ consists of is memorizing x cpu has x pins for the hardware test and x file does this at boot up for the OS. That's all it was pre 2003 when I got mine.

I feel bad for someone who actually pays $2200 for A+ training. They will be stuck at a tier 1 help desk support for the rest of their lives earning $8.50/hr.
 
MrMitch said:
associates don't cut it...
Click to expand...
Depending upon where you go and exactly what your associates is in. The school I go to offers an associates in Electronics Technology with a major focus on networking (either Net+ or Cisco) A friend of a friend just got hired by the Department of Defense when he graduated and is raking in $45k a year. Though that isn't to say I'm just stopping at the Associates. Once I'm done with that it's off to WTA&M for a B.S. and a CCNP.
 
Just to let you know, A+ is a good place to start, and that's about it. It's easy to get, everyone has it, if that's the only requierment to get a job, then I would seriously consider a different one. I'm not trying to discourage anyone, but definately don't stop there with certs.
 
associtates would be great in a different area than where i am. I'm in petoskey michigan, population 7,000 and the only real good IT job to open lately is a help desk job with the city and i didn't get it. Compounding that is the fact i'm legally blind and can only travel as far as the county bus takes. I'm doing part-time work for a pair of libraries (actually very fun and rewarding work) with thier networks and stocking grocery shelves on the midnight shift. My girlfirend graduates next june, then we will have some options for moving and starting a "real career".

Now back on topic, A+ definetly isn't a place to stop, but that doesn't devalue it as a real cert. and a sign to people that your willing to BECOME a geniune professional in the computer industery, not just some geeky computer dork "who's good with computers" (god i hate that phrase)
 
FlatLine84 said:
Just to let you know, A+ is a good place to start,
Click to expand...
True

It's easy to get
Click to expand...
True

everyone has it
Click to expand...
False.

Most techs have no certifications. Most computer techs don't know how to troubleshoot a printer install gone bad.

In my experience, 95% of computer techs should be flipping burgers rather than in the IT field. Sadly, we real computer techs have to compete for jobs with these idiots who only have a degree in the IT field. "Paper-techs" as we call them. This is why we battle them with
1. Experience
2. Certifications
3. College education

This is why you need a foot in the door. A+ is great for that. It proves that you at least put in some extra effort outside the class room. If you get in the door in a company, all you have to do is sit back and rack up the years of experience and on job experience which will help you get a better job down the road.

Go for the A+, it will help you stand out a little on your resume. Good luck. (unless you're in the computer field "because there's so much money in the computer field." In that case F' off ;))
 
im in an A+ class right now... some body SHOOT me! :(

instructor: where is the cpu?
student: is that on the motherboard?


whaaaa!!!!!!!
 
Yeah, thanks for picking apart my whole post. My whole point is that it is a starting place. I don't know where you're from, but around here at least 80% have their A+, and it doesn't help them get a job unless they have more certs, mostly because A+ is a dime a dozen. But that's here in Maine, so I figured it'd be similar other places.
 
S1nF1xx said:
Most techs have no certifications. Most computer techs don't know how to troubleshoot a printer install gone bad.
Click to expand...
I have 0 certs.

None.

I think I'm about to "have to" get my XP cert for work... I like bonuses and all.
 
galdoes16 said:
So, it would help me to get started in a tech job with just an A+ Cert?
Click to expand...
Yes, good way to get into the industry. Don't stay there long though (about a year), it's a springboard to better jobs.
 
Is there another level of A+? or is the only other path MCSE? I want to do computer repair, not networking really.
 
galdoes16 said:
So, it would help me to get started in a tech job with just an A+ Cert?
Click to expand...

get all the certs you can.. build up your resume. dont job hop too fast.
 
the test itself isnt too much afaik. you will want to purchase a good study book though.. shop around at a walden book store or equiv. that could run ya as high as 70 or so. im guessing the test could possibly be around 100.
 
$110 for the Hardware, $110 for the OS test. With discount vouchers (or if you're a member of CompTIA), $80 for each.
 
galdoes16 said:
Is there another level of A+? or is the only other path MCSE? I want to do computer repair, not networking really.
Click to expand...


For straight up hardware repair the A+ is a nice general base.
If that is all you plan on doing (hardware and basic troubleshooting) what you will tend to find is that the A+ will get your foot in the door and once you are working the company (if they are any good) will work to get you manufacturer speific certifications.
IBM has a series of certs that verify you know how to work on their hardware.
Most printer manufacturers have similar things.

I got my A+ in '98 back when they still gave out the hard plastic cards for it. :)
 
Phoenix86 said:
I have 0 certs.

None.

I think I'm about to "have to" get my XP cert for work... I like bonuses and all.
Click to expand...


Those were meant to be 2 totally different statements. I should have clarified that.

I DIDN"T mean that techs without certifications don't know anything. Obviously you are proof of that.

What I meant is that actually most computer techs don't have certifications, unlike FlatLine84's statement.
AND most people who call themselves techs are people who go to college for "computers' because they think there's a ton of money in it. (We have 3 colleges in town that turn out paper techs by the thousand, so I'm a bit jadded ;))

Hope I didn't offend you TOO much. :p
 
galdoes16 said:
Is there another level of A+? or is the only other path MCSE? I want to do computer repair, not networking really.
Click to expand...

MCSE is going to be overkill for computer repair, plus if you manage to pull it off, any company is going to see you as a paper tech with no experience.

Go for your A+, possibly Network+, and an MCP such as Windows XP 70-270 would look pretty good on a repair tech's resume. Again, experience trumps everything.
 
S1nF1xx said:
Those were meant to be 2 totally different statements. I should have clarified that.

I DIDN"T mean that techs without certifications don't know anything. Obviously you are proof of that.

What I meant is that actually most computer techs don't have certifications, unlike FlatLine84's statement.
AND most people who call themselves techs are people who go to college for "computers' because they think there's a ton of money in it. (We have 3 colleges in town that turn out paper techs by the thousand, so I'm a bit jadded ;))

Hope I didn't offend you TOO much. :p
Click to expand...
Just stating facts, as are you. ;)

Experience and know-how >>>> Certs or degree. I have seen too many people making more $$ than I without certs OR degrees, but they can get the job done. Getting experience or know-how w/o certs is harder now then when I got into things.

No offense taken at all. :p
 
double check me, but i think the exam cram books come with coupons that can save you $

pretty good books, too.
 
S1nF1xx said:
MCSE is going to be overkill for computer repair, plus if you manage to pull it off, any company is going to see you as a paper tech with no experience.

Go for your A+, possibly Network+, and an MCP such as Windows XP 70-270 would look pretty good on a repair tech's resume. Again, experience trumps everything.
Click to expand...
CCNA > Net+ Also alot harder to get....not to mention CCNA carries more weight with HR people and managers that do hiring. Cisco's revised their curriculum and while there's still much focus on alot of THEIR stuff...everything that's gonna be on the Net+ exam is going to be covered by CCNA courses.
 
Mr_Evil said:
CCNA > Net+ Also alot harder to get....not to mention CCNA carries more weight with HR people and managers that do hiring. Cisco's revised their curriculum and while there's still much focus on alot of THEIR stuff...everything that's gonna be on the Net+ exam is going to be covered by CCNA courses.
Click to expand...

CCNA is a more prestigous cert, but he has 0 experience. IMO it's bad to have a ton of certs without experience. If you have HR people looking at your resume it doesn't matter, but if you get someone who knows what to look for will probably dismiss you as a paper tech.
 
soulsaver_8229 said:
Ok question for all of you that are A+ certified.........since I dont have 2200 dollars laying around to go through training.......how much training did yall do before test? Is it rather easy question wise? Or are the questions fill in blank? Bubble in? Last, how long does the test usualy take? Pretty sure I might be ready, I read the outline of the test, i know all the hardware outlines, and the majority of the software outlines........

curious if theres books, or something i can study for it..........or if anyone has any laying around for sale i can get from them :p
thanks


soulsaver_8229
Click to expand...

when i went for my A+ i had no exp, and very little knowledge (passed in 2002) and it was a really big acheivement for me. i didnt really know the difference between ram and rom at the time, but i was focused and eager to learn. i read mike meyers a+ book and passed the test. truthfully tho, dont think the a+ is gonna mean ull get a job. it'll definately help, but it's no guarantee. do some practice question online (google A+ practice exam) and see how you do. in retrospect, the test is really simple, but when i was takin it it was hard. the fact that you're on hardforum shows you have some sort of knowledge. don't take classes for any tests tho, just grab a book and practice on a spare equipment. the only cert that may need a class is ccie exams, but that'll be a long ways off.

good luck with whatever u do tho.
 
S1nF1xx said:
True


True


False.

Most techs have no certifications. Most computer techs don't know how to troubleshoot a printer install gone bad.

In my experience, 95% of computer techs should be flipping burgers rather than in the IT field. Sadly, we real computer techs have to compete for jobs with these idiots who only have a degree in the IT field. "Paper-techs" as we call them. This is why we battle them with
1. Experience
2. Certifications
3. College education

This is why you need a foot in the door. A+ is great for that. It proves that you at least put in some extra effort outside the class room. If you get in the door in a company, all you have to do is sit back and rack up the years of experience and on job experience which will help you get a better job down the road.

Go for the A+, it will help you stand out a little on your resume. Good luck. (unless you're in the computer field "because there's so much money in the computer field." In that case F' off ;))
Click to expand...

that's 100% right. i work for the it dept in the city, and they are an embarassment to the craft. im the only cert holder in the dept, and im arguably the most knowledgeable in pc, linux and networking (im also the youngest 2). as far as i can tell in cincinnati, most people that i talk to don't have any certs, or if they do, it's just the a+. go for it, you won't regret it, and it wont hurt u in any way.
 
Ok, another question.........im trying to move up to Canada from US, curious if any of these certifactions would help in the "speical skill" department, so i can go up there and work, or find a job through some company willing to help me get papper work done ect? and i dont mean just A+, id like to do A+ Network+ MCSE Linux Unix

Any canadians here who have a few certifactions and got a job rather easy?

or anyone esle in my shoes with advice?, im 22 so my job experince isnt that of.......well 2 things i know, computers, and meat cutting im USDA certified to cut any comerical cut of meat, highly doubt thatd help........thanks if anyone has imput/advice :)


soulsaver_8229
 
Did mine back in 200 before they swapped to the new tests. It was 2 tests (one Hardware, one OS) It was a joke. 14 minutes for both tests, start to finish :D I just used a Cybex Press book. I've heard the newer one is a bit harder though. The A+ wasn't really necessary for me since I had my NT MCSE and 2K MCSE already, but I was told "the more certs, the better". Been a SysAdmin for 2+ years now and I've learned more on the job than ANY class could ever do, but to get in the door.. get the paper.
 
Phoenix86 said:
I have 0 certs.

None.

I think I'm about to "have to" get my XP cert for work... I like bonuses and all.
Click to expand...
Believe it or not, neither do I. ;) Don't even have a degree. Amazes people at work at times. ;)
 
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