Anyone here taken the CompTIA A+ and MCSE Exams?

[Davidh373]

Hey. I am thinking of taking a few Computer Servicing courses at the community college here. Both of which build preparation for the A+ exam, and I notice the A+ exam is a prerequisite for taking the Microsoft MCSE exam. I was wondering if I would see any value in it as someone who services and builds computers, and works in the digital arts (Hoping to work video editing/ compositing for a small to mid-sized production company. In some ways I already do!). Also, what will I learn along the way?

 

[stargazr]

Hey. I am thinking of taking a few Computer Servicing courses at the community college here. Both of which build preparation for the A+ exam

As for the A+, you seem to have a solid grasp of the basics, to say the least. I wouldn't bother with the classes.

If you decide to pursue A+ I would go to the CompTIA website and download the test objectives, and try some sample tests from the study materials so you know what to brush up on. It's a relatively short exam in two parts (100 multiple choice each) but covers a broad variety of material.

Personally I needed the exam to get a contract job to do laptop warranty work. I had been away from building computers so it was a good experience for me. I had a good understanding of some areas, not so good with others. What sucked about it is it covers Vista as well as XP. I found a virtual copy from softpedia for free to practice with.


Here are a few links for previous threads on A+ and certs in general - study mat'ls etc:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2151806&highlight=exam

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2125789&highlight=exam

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2154903&highlight=exam

I don't know much about Microsoft's exams other than they seem considerably harder than A+.

 

[Davidh373]

As for the A+, you seem to have a solid grasp of the basics, to say the least. I wouldn't bother with the classes.

Well, I also need two electives at school, so it's somewhat convenient that it happens to be two classes that would fill elective slots as well. I figure at the very least the first would be really easy, and I may learn a few things in the second 🙂

Vista as well as XP.

How in depth do they go into the OS'? I use Windows 7 regularly, and used to use XP, but I wasn't as familiar with XP.

 

[stahlhart]

The certs will probably be more effective when combined with specialized and relevant work experience -- you'd have to think that in a down job market there's going to be a lot of competition from paper tigers. Having them isn't going to hurt any, but you still need to distinguish yourself to a prospective employer.

Right now, staying employed is arguably the best cert you could possibly have.

 

[Davidh373]

The certs will probably be more effective when combined with specialized and relevant work experience -- you'd have to think that in a down job market there's going to be a lot of competition from paper tigers. Having them isn't going to hurt any, but you still need to distinguish yourself to a prospective employer.

I'm actually going in today to ask if the IT guy at school wants/ needs any help maintaining the lab computers this summer and possibly for the rest of my time there. Plus, I do have a lot of personal experience building and maintaining computers.

 

[stargazr]

Well, I also need two electives at school, so it's somewhat convenient that it happens to be two classes that would fill elective slots as well. I figure at the very least the first would be really easy, and I may learn a few things in the second

I just meant that if you were considering the courses just to prepare for A+, it might not be necessary. I agree, it's always a good idea to keep learning!

As for the OS coverage, you really should have access to XP & Vista. The course objectives will give you an idea of the areas they will possibly cover on the exam.

 

[boondocks]

Back when I took it Win 2000 was brand new and I struggled with that portion of the test, but the rest was a breeze.
Since I was unemployed I actually took a class geared toward getting A+ (and another for CCNA) and was disappointed that the teacher was competent but knew far less than I did.
I think I was about 50 y.o. at the time.

If I had taken it a few months earlier it would have been mostly DOS. :whiste: