Updated PSA: CompTIA Backs down on retroactive lifetime cert changes.

[manlymatt83]

This.

This

 

[IndyColtsFan]

That's true for any certification. A+ might be one of the easier certs to get, but I know plenty of MS certified people who took a crapload of tests and still are pretty stupid. Actually, I'd say the smartest computer people I know have the least about of certs, a few have none. A+ is a lower level MCP/MSCE. Good for helping you get your foot in the door, but not a real indication of anything except you can memorize shit and pass an exam on it.
I had an MSCE tell me to try and update the cd rom drivers on my windows XP to get XP to recognize it (when it was broke) MCSE people are worthless when it comes to superior levels of computer knowledge

Some are, very true. I don't know about today, but back in the 90s, during the IT boom (and before the dotcom bust), the MCSE was a very hot commodity and you had tons of people from all walks of life doing braindumps, boot camps, etc. so they could get a piece of the pie and get a big salary. As a result, paper MCSEs were churned out by the boatload and the cert really suffered because many of those idiots got the high paying jobs and crashed and burned when actual knowledge was needed and they had none.

I've known paper MCSEs that were scary beyond belief and I could tell you dozens of stories. I have an MCSE as well, but I actually got it after I had years of experience and the only reason I got it was because I was looking for another job and thought it was an easy enough undertaking to make it worth my while in the limited time I had. I think there were 7 tests and I took them in an 8 week window and aced them all. I typically only do certs if my job requires them or if I think it will really help me get a job I really want. Otherwise, I find OJT or a training session is the best way to learn new things rather than studying for certs. At any rate, my degree (Electrical Engineering) is much more useful to me than my certs in terms of job prospects. I think you will find that true of most degrees as well, since more and more companies seem to require them regardless of the major. I advise anyone wanting to get into IT to make sure you have a degree first, then move on to the certs and try to get experience along the way.

 

[TruePaige]

In my opinion the A+ and Network+ focused to such a large extent on fundamental skills and principles that this is more of a money grab than anything.

Basic computer repair and network principles haven't really changed since I took the tests in '05 and '06.

 

[brandonbull]

What the hell? Spent my whole life mastering VESA and ISA crap and learning which jumpers to set to avoid any IRQ conflicts...and these bastards are saying that knowledge is no longer relevant? Piss on them.

It is only relevant as long as you pony up $50 per year.

 

[alkemyst]

A+ is great for the F students. They should have to pay more.

 

[hanoverphist]

just read more...

so you have to pay $50 a year and take a stupid test? What is the big deal? If you are in that field and you cannot afford to pony up the $50, then do not go in that field.

If you have your PE, you pay much more and in some states, you have to jump through hoops to renew the thing.

aint that the truth. its a cost of doing business. my company probably pays out 18k or more a year to maintain certs and licenses.

 

[KMFJD]

Fuck'm , it got me into my job, not renewing.

 

[SandEagle]

looks like they backed off. past certs will remain valid. google a+ comptia...see ars technica news...27 minutes ago

 

[pnad]

Ha! Got my A+ back in 99 right before they changed the test for XP.

Never had an employer ask to see my cert or give a crap about its age.
Never been questioned on my degree either.

 

[SunnyD]

looks like they backed off. past certs will remain valid. google a+ comptia...see ars technica news...27 minutes ago

Yup, just came back to update the OP.