Get A+ Certification?

[ruffilb]

Thinking about getting certified, because I do some work fixing computers and I might find myself doing it in the future as a part-time job to pick up some extra cash... I looked over the test objectives (thinking about taking the Essentials test and the 220-602)

But I thought I'd ask those certified ATOTers - How hard is the test, given that I knew 90% of the stuff in those two pdfs (and half of that 10% I could probably guess correctly on a multiple choice... but I don't even know the format of the test.

Also, if I'm going to drop $153 to take the test, I'd probably buy a book to look over the content. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Of course, if I would just be wasting my money to get the certification, then by all means tell me!

 

[JoeFahey]

From my past threads on this, I've found out that most people on here will say it's useless. But most of those people haven't even tried it. Of course, experience is better, but an A+ cert. doesn't hurt. I'm going to get it this summer, but I'm only 16, and I'll probably get it to help me get into some small computer store in my town.

It can't hurt.

 

[Rage187]

the issue is that the best has stuff on it as old as dirt, like ring busses and token rings etc etc, BS like BNC networking. So unless you know that you will have to study a little.

 

[ruffilb]

They're coming out with a new test Q306, and it doesn't look archaic at all.

 

[JoeFahey]

Originally posted by: Rage187
the issue is that the best has stuff on it as old as dirt, like ring busses and token rings etc etc, BS like BNC networking. So unless you know that you will have to study a little.

My teacher told me that CompTia was issuing a more current A+ test sometime this fall.

 

[Tsaico]

They have old and current technologies. It is not as easy as everyone claims, a lot of it is very specific, like how thick is a PCMIA type II card? Or "What is the maximum level of humidity for a standard Motherboard?" It is also broken down into two categories, one for software and one for hardware. If you are good at memorizing useless facts, which most of us here are, then you should do fine with a month or so of good study, (assuming you are already familiar with a lot of the techologies out there).

As far as usefullness, I think for the real career jobs it is pretty useless. But for the better paying entry tech jobs (10-15 bucks) it comes in handy. It is like any other certifcate/degree. To have it is better. The HR guy doesn't have a clue as to what he should be looking for, so on paper, all he has to go by is your interview and your certifiates. It takes about a month of good study, a 50 buck book, and couple hundred bucks for the two tests. Which is next to nothing for better long term returns. I would say go for it, you won't be wasting money.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: ruffilb
They're coming out with a new test Q306, and it doesn't look archaic at all.

This is what I've heard as well, and the exact reason I'm holding off on using my free voucher to take the test(s).

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: ruffilb
Thinking about getting certified, because I do some work fixing computers and I might find myself doing it in the future as a part-time job to pick up some extra cash... I looked over the test objectives (thinking about taking the Essentials test and the 220-602)

But I thought I'd ask those certified ATOTers - How hard is the test, given that I knew 90% of the stuff in those two pdfs (and half of that 10% I could probably guess correctly on a multiple choice... but I don't even know the format of the test.

Also, if I'm going to drop $153 to take the test, I'd probably buy a book to look over the content. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Of course, if I would just be wasting my money to get the certification, then by all means tell me!

you are in a room full of equipment. there's a problem, and you gota figure it out and fix it. you have 2 days..

oh wait.. that's ccie.. eh.. not much of a diff in paper weight