CompTIA certifications

[SuperBowlNachos]

Anyone taken the A+ exam yet? I can take it for $50, but right now the only experience I really have is tinkering with my own PC and helping people around here with computer build suggestions.

Just trying to get a gauge on how hard it is. If I pass I get an automatic A in a pc-tech class I am taking so there is extra incentive.

[snepp]

Re: CompTIA certifications

It's been a few years, but there have always been a ton of questions that have very specific answers you won't have any clue about without going through the exam prep. The laser printer voltages were always my favorite meaningless bits of info.

[ehh]

Re: CompTIA certifications

Def need the book and/or a real class and exam guide. There's a lot of legacy stuff and very detailed things as well. There is a crapload of stuff that's pretty much useless information but you need to know it (processor technology from the 70's - real thrilling stuff).

I still hate the damn Net+ exam with manual subnet calculations lol. We have subnet calculators for a reason!

Google Professor Messer and check the free videos if you want an idea of what you're in for.

[Dirty Turtles]

Re: CompTIA certifications

We're taking the CompTIA A+ certification test prep course through Testout in Hardware class. As snepp said, there are are a LOT of stupid little things that you would never know without studying.

[lilbiggio]

Re: CompTIA certifications

Anyone taken the A+ exam yet? I can take it for $50, but right now the only experience I really have is tinkering with my own PC and helping people around here with computer build suggestions.

Just trying to get a gauge on how hard it is. If I pass I get an automatic A in a pc-tech class I am taking so there is extra incentive.

I'm currently studying for it just so that I can have some sort of understanding of how all the parts make the whole rather than just going off of self taught (computer knowledge) and not knowing how to assess a problem from ground 1..

Someone told it to me like this. Get the A+ cert to expand your knowledge of computers. But don't expect any miracles in the job field after you get the certification since it is so basic. You will have to keep going beyond this and treat this certification as a test of what you need to know rather than how hard or easy or how much you can cram before test day.

Apparently the tests are very similar to the preps so it would be wise to study like a mofo on those before taking.

[ehh]

Re: CompTIA certifications

Yeah, despite the industry's best effort to add some standardization (and importance) to certifications, experience is still king in the IT field. Just an A+ cert isn't going to get you very far but it's a good thing to have.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: CompTIA certifications

We're taking the CompTIA A+ certification test prep course through Testout in Hardware class. As snepp said, there are are a LOT of stupid little things that you would never know without studying.

Good to know. I think I am going to take it. I can do it before December 13th for $50. That and I forgot to take two tests over the weekend(who the heck opens a test on a Friday and closes it on Sunday?) and if he doesn't open them back up at all this semester I'm not sure I can get an A. Passing would do that and I wouldn't have to mess with the class anymore.

Hate that they put so much irrelevant information. I guess it helps you understand how things got started.

[d10]

Re: CompTIA certifications

If you are wanting to take this test, and need some additional study materials to assist, I recommend viewing the Professor Messer videos. He goes over each objective in detail and it helps reinforce the concepts.

This is what I am currently doing. I read a chapter or two a day, and then watch some videos on the topics.

You will have to google the link to the videos, I cant post it since I am too new of a member but it is really easy to find.

Best of luck to you. I have my essentials exam scheduled for November 16th.

[aukevin]

Re: CompTIA certifications

I took the Security+ exam on Monday, got a perfect score

[d10]

Re: CompTIA certifications

I took the Security+ exam on Monday, got a perfect score

Congratulations! I am interested in this after Network+, what did you use for study materials?

[aukevin]

Congratulations! I am interested in this after Network+, what did you use for study materials?

Thanks. I had 5 sample tests, a study book, and work experience.

Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt

[ehh]

Re: CompTIA certifications

How is Sec+ compared to Net+ and A+? I heard it was quite a bit easier and less material.

How much study time did you put in?

[aukevin]

Re: CompTIA certifications

How is Sec+ compared to Net+ and A+? I heard it was quite a bit easier and less material.

How much study time did you put in?

I thought it was easy, but I haven't taken a Net+ or A+ test. I needed the Security+ because of a new requirement in my industry starting next year. I would say I knew 80% of it before I started looking at the material. But I do have an undergraduate and masters degree in the field, plus 10 years of work experience. I spent 3 or 4 days looking over some sample tests to see what the focus was and looked up topics from those tests that I wasn't sure about in the textbook I had.

[Dice]

Re: CompTIA certifications

Question. I got my A+ in 1999 and Network+ back in 2001. Do I have to re-certify or am I straight?

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: CompTIA certifications

Question. I got my A+ in 1999 and Network+ back in 2001. Do I have to re-certify or am I straight?

This random site says
How long the certification is valid?

The certifications offered by CompTIA are valid for a life time. Though, it is recommended that you retake your certification when new exams are available, it is not compulsory.

http://www.simulationexams.com/certification-exams/a+-certification.htm