getting A+ core/hardware cert

[xclansoldier]

Anyone who has an A+ core/hardware cert - can you tell me what it consists of? I'm getting ready to take a course from a technical school that will give me the following (and the A+ class is first);

A+ core/hardware
MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
CCNA - Cicso Certified Network Associate
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Network+

(CompTIA - Computing Technology Industry Association)


Thanks.

PS Sorry if this is in the wrong forum .

 

[juancferrer]

Consists of a hardware and an OS test.
Hardware= Know your basic computer parts..CPU, RAM HDD, and the places they plug into.
Know you IRQs, printer parts and the print process. Know basic computer safety (don't turn on a PC while it's underwater, etc)
and hardware troubleshooting
OS=Windows, Windows, Windows. Know your way around it. Know how to install it, and basic troubleshooting.

It's pretty easy. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[Soulkeeper]

i took the corses and they said they would pay for the test when we finished but they ran out of funds
then the test updated so i just said forget it i'll keep my 150 bucks or whatever

 

[Schadenfroh]

the hardware is easy, the software got me

 

[jbrock31]

Its pretty easy. I just dont like it cause it doesnt really help you learn "real world" types of situations. Make sure you know the stupidest things about hardware and software

 

[HardWarrior]

Get a good book and read it (Exam prep). The test itself is easy, though a bit esoteric at times.

 

[jagec]

it consists of not drooling on yourself for the duration of the test.

Heh, j/k...there ARE some stupid easy questions, but there are some decent ones too. Get one of those study guides.

 

[Bucksnort]

The tests are nothing to sneeze at or take lightly. If you do not know the material well esp operating systems you will flunk. I recommend Mike Meyers A+ all in 1 certification book.

 

[classy]

The A+ is good start. The OS part is tough though. Exam Cram is very good study material for the A+. Before you take any MCSA courses take the Network+ first. You'll learn some really good stuff there. And it will help you out a lot when you start to get into microsoft stuff. I have my A+, Network+, and MCSA 2003 so I know a little bit about those tests . Stay away from brain dumps. You won't learn anything. Be careful with Testking and Troytech type guides as well. While many of those guides will give some real idea of what actual tests are like, a lot of those questions are answered wrong. Test Prep Logic, Measure Up, and Transcender are all good. I haven't done any Cisco stuff so I can't say. Setup a lab at home. Study Study Study Good Luck

 

[KpocAlypse]

Know printers.

The only part i really didn't hit up on to much. And since the test is adaptive, you miss one question in printers/interconnects/ports etc. you get hit with at least 2 more..

Either way, passed, but i think i tanked 2 laser related questions before hitting question 21 and done..

 

[classy]

Originally posted by: KpocAlypse
Know printers.

The only part i really didn't hit up on to much. And since the test is adaptive, you miss one question in printers/interconnects/ports etc. you get hit with at least 2 more..

Either way, passed, but i think i tanked 2 laser related questions before hitting question 21 and done..

Its not adaptive anymore. Its about 80 questions each.

 

[InlineFive]

Could your typical person on AT pass the hardware exam? But the OS requires lots of cramming?

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: PorBleemo
Could your typical person on AT pass the hardware exam? But the OS requires lots of cramming?

The easiest way to get any of the certs is to know the material. That's why "cramming" does the test taker a disservice.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Practice

Practice

practice

 

[KpocAlypse]

Originally posted by: classy

Its not adaptive anymore. Its about 80 questions each.

Oooops... NM then....

 

[xclansoldier]

Cool. Thanks for the insight. These classes are given in a specific order since they are in one program so I won't be able to take the classes in my order. I don't plan on cramming for any of the exams though I think I will cram a last minute study JIC.

Thanks DAPUNISHER for those testing links . This will definitely give me some insight on what to study I think. The course cost $17500 so I don't think I'll be "winging" it at any time lol. That's a whole lotta reasons to study.

What's the CompTIA Security+ though? Is that like a firewall application type of thing?

 

[bluemax]

I'd seriously consider a different line of work.... "computer technicians" are a dime a dozen and jobs are hard to come by. Keep it as a hobby.... don't spend that kind of cash unless you're SURE you can get a good job from it. I have A+ and CCNA and can't find diddly.


That said, A+ is easy on the hardware side (printers- as in actual print technology- is a little tricky) but the software side is a lot of minor details like boot sectors, operating systems minimum requirements, commands to use, etc.

If you don't know it already, you won't pass it.

 

[SgtZulu]

haha A+ Cert

Good luck making minimum wage at CompUSSR

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: SgtZulu
haha A+ Cert

Good luck making minimum wage at CompUSSR

It's an entry-level cert. It's not meant to get you a senior analyst job at the DoD. Give the guy a break.

 

[xclansoldier]

Originally posted by: SgtZulu
haha A+ Cert

Good luck making minimum wage at CompUSSR

CompUSA and Circuit City were looking for computer techs with A+. Starting wage $17/hour. That was a month ago here in Michigan. .

Besides. This is a stepping stone . Afterwards, I'm going to get Associates Degree in Computer Systems Information (Engineer).

Thanks again for the input. I know where to come if I have troubles. You guys rock!


Ryan

 

[bluemax]

GRAAAHHH!!! I'd be pleased as punch to make $17/hr CANADIAN!!

Time to sell the house and head south.....

 

[classy]

You know it never ceases to amaze me the idiotic detractors. I am certainly not one for MOD intervention but I wish they would at the very least delete the negative posts in threads like this. All these folks do is try to discourage people from succeeding. A lot of folks are finding work in the computer industry. And its a good thing to get in now because the networking world will only grow. And most folks who make fun of certifications don't have them. I remember only a few short years ago that the nursing field was overcrowded. Don't be a nurse, there is too many, there are no jobs they said. And a lot folks listened. And a lot folks are doing the same thing in the computer world and its even worse. But guess what happened the nurse shortage exploded again even bigger this time because of the lack of folks training to be nurses. There are a few things you can count on in life that will never change. Taxes, being born, dying, being sick in between, and computers and networks. Good look

 

[bluemax]

Originally posted by: classy
You know it never ceases to amaze me the idiotic detractors. I am certainly not one for MOD intervention but I wish they would at the very least delete the negative posts in threads like this. All these folks do is try to discourage people from succeeding. A lot of folks are finding work in the computer industry. And its a good thing to get in now because the networking world will only grow. And most folks who make fun of certifications don't have them. I remember only a few short years ago that the nursing field was overcrowded. Don't be a nurse, there is too many, there are no jobs they said. And a lot folks listened. And a lot folks are doing the same thing in the computer world and its even worse. But guess what happened the nurse shortage exploded again even bigger this time because of the lack of folks training to be nurses. There are a few things you can count on in life that will never change. Taxes, being born, dying, being sick in between, and computers and networks. Good look

Easy for you to say. Some of us who HAVE the certs STILL couldn't find meaningful employment after the crash of 2000/2001. Things are only just beginning to improve again, and some places are still in decline. Here in Winnipeg, Canada the market is DEAD and only getting worse as they CONTINUE to lay off technicians and IT staff.

It depends on where you are.... the market will vary radically, depending on how it's improving (or not.)

One things for sure - you're competing against other people with both certifications AND experience... you'll need both for a GOOD job. Any work even remotely IT related is good to have, and grab all the certs you can. That just seems like a REALLY expensive course you're in.... I blame the MCSA for that.
A good college would get all the other certs much cheaper.... it's the Microsoft stuff you pay through the nose for.

 

[xclansoldier]

Well, I guess it depends on how you see it. Going to college to get the same thing in 2 or 4 years will cost about the same. This course is 6 months long at which when I complete it, I get a 2 week paid internship at a place like Microsoft or Micron - which I feel would be an valueable experience.

If the IT field in Winnapeg is dwindling and that is where your field of expertise is, then you'll have to do 1 of 2 things basically: 1- Keep trudging along until it picks up again (which it will but when, dont know) or 2- Jump to another field. But every business uses some sort of computer network. And with the way technology is going today, the IT field will be the most wanted, imo.