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Comptia A+ Cert.

F

FDF12389

Diamond Member
Here's the deal, I?m 16, and I am wondering if I should take my A+ certification or not. More like how will it benefit me? Right now I?m only making $8 an hour being a pharmacist assistant, at my age will I be able to make significantly more if I take my certification? I have taken the following classes at my local tech school (Gateway in Kenosha):

A+ Core hardware and software one
Hardware and GUI troubleshooting.
Some operating system class I don?t remember the exact title.

Am I ready to take my certification? I feel confident about it, I have been involved with computers since I was ten, I built my first computer with my 11th birthday money (I forgot the standoffs though lol). I repair computers out of my house all the time just by word of mouth, now that I am doing 3-4 a week I tihnk I should get a job doing this, if I can make more than I am right now.

The tests I am looking at taking are:

A+ Hardware
A+ Software

Both from Comptia. Any reply is appreciated. Thanks.
 
It depends. You probably won't be able to get a job somewhere like BB that does in-house repairs at 16, although I'm not 100% sure on that. You could always use it as proof that you know what you're doing and just keep working on your own, but you can't legally start a business under the age of 18, so you might not be able to go anywhere with it.

You might be able to find a local shop that needs help and get in with them, work a few years, then branch out on your own. Either way if this is the direction you want to go in, definitely go for it.
 
Well I dont want to do it the rest of my life, Ive already been excepted into a university. I just want to make more than $8 an hour while Im going to college.
 
you basically need to take A+ hardware AND software to consider yourself A+ certified. it probably will help you at your age but i'm assuming you're in school as well, right? for part time jobs and even for at-home consulting and repair, you can probably charge a good amount of money ($25-50/hr perhaps, maybe even higher) if you have the A+ certification.

edit: okay, so you're looking to do this in college? you can probably score some nice on-campus jobs with your certification to supplement your experience. it depends on what kind of opportunities are available, but otherwise you'll probably be left to doing computer consulting at people's homes.
 
You're going to get mixed responses here. You're going to get the, "Forget about it, it ain't worth it, A+ is so easy, it isn't worth a dime." Then you'll get the responses like the ones from myself, where I tell you that it's worth it in every respect. I received my A+ at age 22 and at 22 I was able to land a job with a small mom and pops store where I am currently gaining experience as a PC Tech. Where without the A+ I would have been stuck with a customer service rep position. So trust me, it's worth it. However, I think most places do have a hiring age limit for PC Techs of age 18 and or above.
 
yes, i agree with nocturnal here. usually, folks who take it say it's worth it -- the others, who haven't taken the courses or exams, will say it's not.

the A+ is not a "very simple" exam. there are a lot of interesting things you learn and skills you pick up along the way. if you take the A+ exam without having studied, you probably won't see high marks in your favor.
 
Well I have been working at a pharmancy for the past year, everyone thinks Im college. I look and act allot older than I am. I dont think many places would turn me down a job becaus ef my DOB, but I really don't know. Which is why I am here asking for advice.
 
if you don't have prior experience landing a job at bb, cc, or local mom and pop's fixing computers is very low without something showing you have some sort of knowledge. so it could help you land a job so it wouldn't be a bad thing to get, but a+ is a very pointless outdated exam.
 
Originally posted by: shoRunner
if you don't have prior experience landing a job at bb, cc, or local mom and pop's fixing computers is very low without something showing you have some sort of knowledge. so it could help you land a job so it wouldn't be a bad thing to get, but a+ is a very pointless outdated exam.
Click to expand...

where do you get your information from?
 
A+ is useless if you're looking for any decent job... but at 16 and with no prior work experience, it would be a good idea.
 
Take the test. The worst it can do is give you experience taking these types of tests, which is just fine.
 
Originally posted by: tami
where do you get your information from?
Click to expand...

i know many people that have taken it (some ppl passed that barely know how to install memory). the exam has so much legacy stuff and is so outdated it is virtually useless for any current computers (say last 4 years). i have not personally taken the test because i have no reason to (though i have been paid to take some course covering the exam), i am a tech and have been for 3 years(still in college). real world experience it much more important and useful.

but if you have no prior experience it will probably help you get in the door, especially being only 16.
 
Originally posted by: shoRunner
Originally posted by: tami
where do you get your information from?
Click to expand...

i know many people that have taken it (some ppl passed that barely know how to install memory). the exam has so much legacy stuff and is so outdated it is virtually useless for any current computers (say last 4 years). i have not personally taken the test because i have no reason to (though i have been paid to take some course covering the exam), i am a tech and have been for 3 years(still in college). real world experience it much more important and useful.
Click to expand...

the test changes to meet the needs of newer technologies.

but yes, complenent the certification with real-world experience and you're on the right track.

FDF, i majored in computer science, built plenty of machines, and AFTER THAT, i got A+ certified. i don't regret it one bit. if you take a corresponding course, it's even better.
 
Take the test.

First, it'll establish that you've been "doing computers" since (at least) the certificate date.

Next: "Low paying job"? At 16? Compared to what other jobs that a 16 year-old is likely to get? Brain surgeon or rocket scientist? Ignore the comments, most are from people too lazy or unmotivated to make the effort ... you will find out later that employers (as in career jobs) are looking at more than just credentials; apparent self-starters and motivated people will usually win the inverview over folks that mearly have the credentials.

Getting started now will establish a salary base to grow on, especially if you're picking up the experience. Being 21, certified, with 5 years of experience will go quite a ways later on. Keep in mind the bigger picture of "down the road;" not everything you do now is for now ... sometimes you have to start low and work your way up ... build a good foundation and take it from there.

The trick will be in keeping the motivation. Once you have this cert, find another that peaks your interest and go for it. There's lots of time; learn the material, take the test. In the end you will end up with more "checkboxes" on the job application .... which *will* give you the edge over many of the others.

Go for it. It's a good thing.

Just keep in mind that certs are not not the be-all, end-all - you'll usually have to take a "technical interview" and demonstrate your knowledge and /or skills.

Good Luck

Scott


 
Originally posted by: tami
yes, i agree with nocturnal here. usually, folks who take it say it's worth it -- the others, who haven't taken the courses or exams, will say it's not.

the A+ is not a "very simple" exam. there are a lot of interesting things you learn and skills you pick up along the way. if you take the A+ exam without having studied, you probably won't see high marks in your favor.
Click to expand...

lol, you sure about that? I took my A+ after a hard night of partying, got in a 9, finished at 9:40 with a twenty minute break in the middle. Got a 800 something on the hardware and a 600 someting on the software, both well above what you need to pass, (590 and 510).

To the OP. Take it. It won't hurt, but in the PC field its kinda like a drivers Licence. And don't expect to make 25+ an hour, $15 is a good wage. Hell, I make $10 an hour and I'm A+ and Net+ Certified.
 
The 2000 test was WAY easier than the 2003 test i felt. I got mine at 19 and it helped me get a part time job doing computer repair.
 
Originally posted by: Leper Messiah
Originally posted by: tami
yes, i agree with nocturnal here. usually, folks who take it say it's worth it -- the others, who haven't taken the courses or exams, will say it's not.

the A+ is not a "very simple" exam. there are a lot of interesting things you learn and skills you pick up along the way. if you take the A+ exam without having studied, you probably won't see high marks in your favor.
Click to expand...

lol, you sure about that? I took my A+ after a hard night of partying, got in a 9, finished at 9:40 with a twenty minute break in the middle. Got a 800 something on the hardware and a 600 someting on the software, both well above what you need to pass, (590 and 510).

To the OP. Take it. It won't hurt, but in the PC field its kinda like a drivers Licence. And don't expect to make 25+ an hour, $15 is a good wage. Hell, I make $10 an hour and I'm A+ and Net+ Certified.
Click to expand...

I only have my A+ and I'm making $21 an hour.

 
Originally posted by: Megadeth
Originally posted by: Leper Messiah
Originally posted by: tami
yes, i agree with nocturnal here. usually, folks who take it say it's worth it -- the others, who haven't taken the courses or exams, will say it's not.

the A+ is not a "very simple" exam. there are a lot of interesting things you learn and skills you pick up along the way. if you take the A+ exam without having studied, you probably won't see high marks in your favor.
Click to expand...

lol, you sure about that? I took my A+ after a hard night of partying, got in a 9, finished at 9:40 with a twenty minute break in the middle. Got a 800 something on the hardware and a 600 someting on the software, both well above what you need to pass, (590 and 510).

To the OP. Take it. It won't hurt, but in the PC field its kinda like a drivers Licence. And don't expect to make 25+ an hour, $15 is a good wage. Hell, I make $10 an hour and I'm A+ and Net+ Certified.
Click to expand...

I only have my A+ and I'm making $21 an hour.
Click to expand...

talk about bumping up an old thread.

if you're getting an A+ at 16, i'd imagine that you're also going to try for certifications later on to ensure that you don't get "stuck" at a $21/hr wage. the A+ is a great stepping-stone into the industry and for other exam prep.
 
No amount of education, small, or large, no certification, or degree, even if it isn't in your career path is, NEVER!! EVER!! " pointless". grrrrrr
 
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