A+ Certification Tips

[thecoroner]

I'm 15 years old and interested in getting A+ certified. I know I don't need it, but it would be a nice thing to add to my references if I start the small computer repair business I'm thinking about this summer.

Basically, what's the best A+ exam to take for general computer repair? Is this something I need to study a lot for to do well on?

I have experience upgrading and repairing PCs as well as some basic networking skills.

What other forms of computer repair qualification are there?

I took a 10 question sample test and this question seemed quite strange:
When upgrading only a computer's CPU, which of the following would be the most likely replacement for a Celeron 466 MHz CPU?

A. Pentium 4 Xeon 2.0
B. Pentium 3 1 GHz (THE CORRECT ANSWER)
C. Pentium 2 MMX-450 (MY ANSWER)
D. AMD K7-750

Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't a Celeron 466 MHz CPU make more sense to replace with a 450 MHz P2? I know the Celeron wouldn't have the same performance, but it would be more likely to use the same socket and be supported by the motherboard versus the Pentium 3. After all, Pentium 3 1 GHz CPUs do use a different socket (or there are two of them- 1 slotted and 1 not). Did I mess up or was it just a messed up question? Are questions like this common on the exam?

Also, is getting this certifictation really worth it?

 

[xtknight]

The P2 MMX-450 uses Slot 1, the P3 1 GHz uses the same Socket 370 as the aforementioned Celeron 466 MHz, so when upgrading only the CPU, that's your only choice out of those four. AMD K7 and P4 Xeon are different sockets too.

I don't know, but I did the practice exams for Network and Internet without studying anything, and they were child's play.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Getting the certification is worth it for the fact that you will definately get more business and more opportunities vs someone without it. Regardless of actual on hand knowledge and experience the one with the paper that says he is certified will get the job.

You can also get Net+ which is basic networking and such. From there you can go as far as you want to go depending on what you want to do. MCSE s good if you plan to work for a big company in the IT dept servicing and overseeing the servers. Cisco offers certifications that are much more advanced networking.

If you're interested in multiplatform stuff I think Apple has a few different certifications, but they do accept A+ as the basics that are interchangable.

 

[cleverhandle]

It's questions like that that really make me question the value of exams like that. I mean, first off, how many people are running around with Celeron 466's these days, even in non-technical circles? Second, how many of those people aren't going to be more interested in just buying a new Dell for $400 that's 10 times as powerful rather than pay $200 in parts and labor. And in some kind of bizarre edge case where you've got an old machine that just can't be replaced (unique ISA hardware or whatever), why not just look it up in a big old reference book like Reparing and Upgrading PC's? Stupid, rote knowledge like that means so little in the long run...

 

[xtknight]

Yeah, it looks good on paper. And it's bait for employment. It really isn't the best proof you really know what you're doing though (no offense). Or vice versa, it may ask some rather uncommon things you will never use. I don't know about you, but I didn't know offhand what socket any of those CPUs used. Do I need to? Hell no. What does that crap mean about my abilities? They should be asking, how do you clear the CMOS? Use the CLR_RTC (clear realtime clock) jumper. And, anybody upgrading to a Pentium 2 these days needs to be shot. If nothing else, at least get an Athlon Thunderbird core.

 

[jimbob200521]

Yeah, the A+ tests are a little wonky. I plan on getting the cert fairly soon too, but we have a lot of practice tests we can/do take here to help prepare for it.

 

[Googer]

What book are you studing? Some are better than others.

 

[thecoroner]

I was thinking of getting this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007222...oliid=I1RY0WEBW2NXZV&v=glance&n=283155

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks some of those questions are messed up! I really don't see the point in knowing some of the questions they ask (you can get Google it if you need it), but I guess it's worth it to get my A+ certification.

 

[ShellGuy]

I too am going for my A+. Howmany of the practice questions did you get right? I think i was 8-9 / 10. It is a good starting cert. I am currently an MCP in windows 2k pro and server. But the A+ gives you hardware. It can also be used to get ur mcp or mcse at some places. There is only one A+ for hardware but there are many tests from CompTIA. If you are lookin for a respected exam you can go witht the CCNA and work up to CCIE.


Will G.

 

[fitzov]

Currently studying Graves' latest guide. It's a bit longwinded and scatter-brained at tims, but should be sufficient for passing the exam. As for getting more business, I doubt it really matters to most people who are going to call for service on their dell, but it is something you can put on your resume.

 

[ShellGuy]

Well you could get the dell certification to work on the dells which would be another nice thing to put on ur resume.



Will G>

 

[diablo900t]

The exam isn't difficult, but some of the questions are tricky. You'll want to make sure you know which files are needed to load specific OS's, such as 9x vs. 2k/XP. Also, be sure to know about DOS.

Make sure you memorize all of the I/O, DMA, and IRQ addresses. A lot of the questions were concerning socket numbers for certain processors.

One of the questions on my exam was which order to install DOS on a said OS (may have been 2k I can't remember) and this question was never covered in any of the materials I read before preparing for the exam.

 

[kylebubp]

Get yourself a Transcender and study it well, thats basically all you will need. Also remember to get A+ Certified, you have to pass two tests, Hardware and Software. They cost like 125 dollars a piece, so be ready to shell out 250 dollars.

 

[Rock Hydra]

DEFINITELY know the boot process for windows 9x and IRQs. Those are the big things.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: thecoroner
I was thinking of getting this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007222...oliid=I1RY0WEBW2NXZV&v=glance&n=283155

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks some of those questions are messed up! I really don't see the point in knowing some of the questions they ask (you can get Google it if you need it), but I guess it's worth it to get my A+ certification.

The GUY that wrote that book Michael Meyers, has a series of videos that are rather amusing to watch. If we are thinking of the same guy then this book is not too bad.

Books published by QUE Corp are some of the most accurate and indepth, I highly recommend them.

 

[JEDIYoda]

I agree!! I am A+ certified on Dilithium Crystal Technology and I am finding it very difficult to find work in my field which is Dilithium Crystal matrix repair.

Good Luck!!

 

[redbeard1]

While you find people putting down the A+ certification, a number of places do have it as a requirement for employment. It is a good base to move up from.

The trick with the tests is you need to know how they want you to answer the questions. They offer you multiple choice questions, with most of the selections being almost the right answer. Some of the questions relate to methods on how to solve problems. Having been in the PC repair field for a number of years, I disagreed with them a number of times, but they wanted answers to their methodology, not mine.

I studied for the test A+ test by reading the Mike Meyers book, taking the tests from the CD in the book, and then taking every free online test I could. I felt this book was right on to the test, and I have recommended it a bunch of times in these forums. I would also say that as long as you are in the studying mood, get the Meyers Network+ book, as I found it right on the mark for that test also. There is a fair amount of shared knowledge between both certifications, so going for the Network+ while the A+ is fresh in your head will help.

Redbeard1: A+, Network+, Server+ Certified, and pondering Security+

 

[Ronin]

I'm an A+ certification knocker. I've learned more than I ever needed to know via OJT and personal experience. Not having the cert never stopped me from getting a technically related position. I've RARELY (and I do mean rarely) run into an A+ certified person that knew more than I did, and most of the ones I have run into, are mostly lacking in the most basic of knowledge.

Do yourself a favor. Forget the cert, and spend your time learning on your own. Chances are good that the cert won't do much for you, aside from assist in the emptying of your bank account while paying for the cert classes.

 

[w00t]

A+ cert doesnt mean sh!t. I took a computer repair class for 15 credits teacher had no idea what he was talking about half the time. He kept calling the projector the LCD right on the thing it says DLP projection. If i ever take a class like that again going to talk to the teacher before I do making sure they arent completely nub.

 

[wetcat007]

http://www.totalsem.com I bought the A+ book by Mike Meyers on there, it comes with a bunch of practice questions which setup pretty much identical to what's on the test(even looked exactly the same), I was overall impressed with the book and practise questions application. You can buy vouchers there too that come with more practice tests.

When it came time to take the test, I passed both first try, a decent ammont above passing, you only need 60% or something to pass so don't stress over it too much, if you already have background working with computers a decent ammout all u need is a book and practise questions and you should be set.

 

[thecoroner]

For $180/year, I can get certified to repair Dells. I know sure sure Dell's tech support sucks, but being certified to repair a Dell looks easier than the A+ exam.

Plus, few people have heard of A+ certification. Everyone knows who Dell is on the other hand. The certificiation would be useless, but a lot of people would think it was very useful and hire me to fix their computers as a result.

 

[sponge008]

Originally posted by: thecoroner
For $180/year, I can get certified to repair Dells. I know sure sure Dell's tech support sucks, but being certified to repair a Dell looks easier than the A+ exam.

Plus, few people have heard of A+ certification. Everyone knows who Dell is on the other hand. The certificiation would be useless, but a lot of people would think it was very useful and hire me to fix their computers as a result.

On the other hand, A+ certification is respected by (hiring) companies that look reputable to people who want their computers fixed. On both sets of sample questions, I got an 8/10, and I hadn't studied at all, just messed around with hardware, Windows (and Linux to some degree), and fixed friends' computers. So, I'm thinking real life experience prepares you almost as well as studying, and is infinitely more useful.

 

[DNose]

WOW So much interest :Q

I looked at some of the posts not all.
One thing is for sure disregard any post that says it?s not worth it. I got my A+ Software & Hardware then Network+ certifications in 9 months in my spare time at San Diego Community College classes are free, Plus you get a discount on the tests only $65.
Check to see if you?re Community College can do the same.

Yes all the tests have some outdated questions, so what.
I had the same trouble with what CPU fits what socket.
Remember this test gives a large margin of error.
So if you?re bad at one objective don?t worry about it.
I remembered as many CPUs fits what sockets as I could and said f it.
I got two of these questions and got them wrong most likely. It saved me a lot of trouble trying to remember all that CPU fits what socket crap, overall I still passed with a high score

Difficulty - Hardware: Easy test ? Software: Med-Hard test ? Net+: Hard at first don?t give up

As far training material goes, don?t waste your money on books thats what the web is for.
I bought them and never used them. I owe my fast certification time to Testout software
I went to buy Testout with the PH# from the site the rep said I had to go to a Community College to be eligible to buy a standalone ver other wise pay $495.00EA the rep and teacher e-mailed then my cost was only $79 I have tried all of the other names like Transcender Examcram, Don?t waste your time.

Who said never heard of A+ LOL

Your first certs should be A+ Net+ Security+ then on to Microsoft or Cisco

Interveners search for new employees on computers guess by what, Certifications

The best thing about being certified is how easy it is to shut up someone that doesn?t know what there talking about.

One more thing when you pass your test by the time you get to the gas station you will have forget all that you have learned, but your still certified.

Good Luck.

 

[pkme2]

It helps but unless you doing it certification like MS or Cisco, then its just a knowledge buster. I got my materials on eBay for my students so they could do it cheaply. When it comes down to it, you should talk to a college counselor and some potential employers to best channel your abilities. At our school, we have summer internships that can really pave the way to future employment. You should check into those possibilities. Hope this helps.

 

[pukemon]

Originally posted by: thecoroner
I'm 15 years old and interested in getting A+ certified. I know I don't need it, but it would be a nice thing to add to my references if I start the small computer repair business I'm thinking about this summer.


Also, is getting this certifictation really worth it?

IMHO, If you know you're not planning on doing computer repair for the rest of your life, then yes, its a good thing to have early on, particularly the A+ and Network+ certifications especially you're looking for a job at Computer Renaissance, Best Buy's Geek Squad, or a local mom 'n pop shop.

I'm wiling to bet the exam has changed quite a bit since I took them (around 1998-99), but if they're still asking questions about base ports, IRQs, and DMAs, then wow... like someone else said, I'd be surprised if anyone's really using machines from the early 90's still.