A+ cert

[BD2003]

Graduation is almost upon me, and I need a job when I get out of college to feed myself. I'm undecided what to do with my life right now, I'm not quite ready to start a career, just need a decent paying job to feed me for the next couple of years.

Anyways computers have always been my thing, and I can repair them with ease. I would def take a job repairing them if it paid well enough. I read on the net that an A+ certified tech averages about 36k, and that is more than enough for me. I'd be fine with 25-30k even. I checked out some practice tests, and I got above 80% on all of them, on the first try, so passing the test isnt even an issue.

So will the cert get you in the door? Is it worth the money it costs? Performance on the job isnt a problem, all I need is the chance to show them what I know. Or is it a total waste of money?

Remember, I'm not aspiring to be the god of computers in 5 years, just need a job to feed myself with...

 

[Metalloid]

I would also like to know the same thing. I am 16, and want a job that doesn't include flipping burgers. I am about 800 pages through Mike Myer's newest All in one A+ Certification Exam guide (4th edition). I think that I should be able to pass the test if I do some more studying. Will I be able to get a job as a technician without taking the exam, or should I go ahead and spend the $200 or whatever it is?

 

[Aceshigh]

I think the A+ will help get you a help desk support job or a job as a hardware tech. I don't think you will have a problem getting a 25K-28K a year job. 35K may be a bit high.

May I ask what your degree will be in?

Best of luck.

 

[vegetation]

It's an important certificate for entry level positions, especially at larger companies. Human resources department will do a checklist, and if you don't have the A+ on your resume, your chances of getting the position is greatly diminished, even if you have an advanced academic degree.

 

[BD2003]

My degree will be in psych. I started as CS, but I hate math and dont like to program unless I have to.

Starting st 25k would be fine with me, whats that, like $12 an hr or so? I assume it gets higher with experience?

Are the jobs out there or is it as much of a glut as IT, networking and programming? 90% of the CS majors I know wouldnt know how to even begin to fix a PC.

 

[everman]

ack edit..need to put in linky
edit2: there-->

I posted This a while ago.

 

[HappyPuppy]

The very large international corporation I work for hires A+ certified technicians, with and without bonafied industry experience, for $8-$10/hr. There is never a shortage of applicants.

To say that the IT industry is swamped with experienced and wannabe technicians would be an understatement.

My particular area is So. Calif.

YMMV

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: BD2003
My degree will be in psych. I started as CS, but I hate math and dont like to program unless I have to.

Starting st 25k would be fine with me, whats that, like $12 an hr or so? I assume it gets higher with experience?

Are the jobs out there or is it as much of a glut as IT, networking and programming? 90% of the CS majors I know wouldnt know how to even begin to fix a PC.

You sound like I did when I thought about CS. I don't want to take Cal5XX, or do a pile of programming. So someone told me about Information Systems. It has a LITTLE programming but a lot of database, networking, etc... Should have done that

I am done with IS this Sem. but am staying a extra Sem. to get a Business MNGT degree

 

[Vette73]

Also where are there some practice tests? And how do you take the test?

 

[teqwiz]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Also where are there some practice tests? And how do you take the test?

Sign up for testing and pick a test center near you here. Prometric

Lot's of places to get schooling. Self prep is best if you now your stuff, but classroom is the way to go for NOOBs. Cert21.com is my favorite online resource, along with Brain Bench. Tons of links on either site to check out resources. If you sign up for an account at either site, you will get email solicitation. Usually only twice a month.

I have A+, Network + and MCP Win2K pro/ Server. Finishing my MCSA\ MCSE this winter while work is slow.

 

[mrCide]

i have many capabilities.. mostly contract/web design experience.. and a+/n+/mcse/whatever and it took me 5 months to find a job (no degree though).. i was offered 2 at once.. one tech support for $9 and $11 after 90 days.. and the one i took which is inhouse IT (their web site, any computer related issues, administration/etc).. for 14/h..

not exactly high end.. the market sucks ass.. i was applying for assistant/data entry and other low paying jobs.. i lucked out (the 14/h was word of mouth).. compusa/bestbuy wouldnt hire me..

i mean, im just saying dont get your hopes up, the certification never hurts, but you kinda gotta get your foot int he door somewhere... i mean in a 3-5 years ill be considered a senior network admin.. and having the certs will just give you the increase in salary..

anyway.. my 2c

 

[Metalloid]

In all of your guys opinions, how difficult is it going to be for me to find someone who will acutally hire me? I may absolutely have to take the test just to even show that I know anything.

 

[teqwiz]

Originally posted by: Metalloid15
In all of your guys opinions, how difficult is it going to be for me to find someone who will acutally hire me? I may absolutely have to take the test just to even show that I know anything.

That is really all that certification will do for you anyway. But submitting you resume these days, often includes emailing to a company data base somewhere and keywords such as A+ will move you far up the list in a situation like that. Sort of proof of your knowledge ahead of time. Larger companies especially.

Who would want to hire a person these days without proof of experience? Too much talent on the carpet as it is.

 

[Placer14]

Hey, no certification and no degree. Working a Help Desk job at 10/hr. Not hard to get a help desk job (in Florida at least..florida is big on help desk positions). I'd like to do other things but i don't see a certification as being productively working to a higher position. I think experience speaks louder than words. I've been doing help desk work for a year now and varios webdesign/tech support/assistace posisions for the past 5 years. Plenty of entry level experience and am looking for the next step up. I honesly think there's no IT industry here in Florida let alone a job in my niche.

Thoughts, ideas. As for a response, certs are a waste of money and time. I'd rather walk into a office with a resume and show of my knowledge and personal skills.

I'd probably even go so far as to put the certifications on my resume anyway, even though I don't have them. It's stupid how people only look at certs when hiring. Usually my list of skills and experience is enough to get the interview.

 

[FuZoR]

Currently only have a MCP but... not sure if i should bother heading to MCSA.. MCSE.

I

 

[Scarpozzi]

I got my A+ 2 years ago and it was relatively simple, but the company I worked for at the time reimbursed me for the test and even payed me a $250 bonus for passing it. Try to find a deal like that....it doesn't take an A+ to work at a Help Desk. Just prove to them that you know your shizznit and you'll do fine.

Also keep in mind that certs are good to get you in the door at a lot of places, but most of those jobs you don't really want anyways...but then again, doing a few years of grunt work will give you perspective and remind you that a degree will help you get a much better job.