A+ Certification

I wasn't sure where to put this.

I plan on getting my A+ Certification at the end of the summer. I wanted to know who has there and if they could share some info about the test, how they prepared and what reading/learning materials/books they used to prepare for the test.

Add a reply

Register or log in to remove.

I used Exam Cram 2 books.. and CBT Nuggets.. along with lots and lots of prep questions.

Good Luck.

Reply to coronaz

Heck, I can't even remember properly what was covered by A+. I used the books provided to me by The Belgium Campus. A+ wasn't difficult though coz it's alot like computer science that we had at school. If you have any questions about certain things, feel free to ask.

Reply to Dade_0182

I too use the 6th edition and its the beast. I am more in a position to take the exam... only trouble is that I am doing the A+ as part of my big collection of courses (which includes MCSE, network+ project+ and a few other titbits )

I would highly recommend the book by mike meyers. Its written as if he is explaining it to you, and not like a boring techinical drivelbook. Which I like lots

Reply to chilli

Yeah, I know the tests change because hardware change. A+ is basically hardware and tom'sHARDWARE keeps me reletavely up to date, actually I've learned more here than at university (about hardware that is, programming and webdevelopement is another story). Sith edition you say? I must get it, even if it is just to go with my avatar. :wink:

Reply to Dade_0182

I was just going to ask this question too! 8O
Mtg industry sux right now, an A+ cert is something i've been looking into.
I'm tired of helping out the IT guys here when i'm not getting the $$ for it. MCSE sounds interesting also.

Reply to dj_taboo

I ordered this plus the A+ for Dummies book.

Reply to Gary_Busey

could you elaborate on what tests they've added other than the hardware and os? I've got the 5th edition right now and am just about finished with it. Didn't even know there was a 6th edition out.

Reply to mapex

I'm a bit confused to. So when I go and say I want to take the A+, that includes several sub tests that, if passed, all equate to an A+ certification?

Reply to Gary_Busey

DJ,

Just a word of warning.

If you are thinking that a Certification will bring in the $$s it may not.

Being in the position of hiring IT people I find it funny that people fressh out of a course or boot camp or self taught /exam/cert will demand dollars for their specific knowledge.

I had a job posting for a Senior NT Admin at one time. I received countless MCSE and MCP resumes and I talked with many of them. They "ALL" were told that they could demand a 60K+ job because of the certs. I had this job posted as 45K with the potential of more for the more experienced folks (maybe 50K).

Now this listing was NOT posted trying to lowball anyone. That was what the market was offering at the time. I had several folks deny the offer (they were actually pretty good, but had not worked in the industry) because they wanted 65K. I told them good luck with that. Here I am offering them the capability to come in directly as a senior with next to NO experience and they are turning it down.

I guess what I am getting at is, a Cert might open a door but don't expect it to rain down cash unless you are in a position where 45 - 50K actually means that it is raining cash. There is no substitution for experience.

Also, please be advised that the market is NO LONGER at those levels.

Senior level programmers that kept their jobs from the 1999 - now are making decent money. People coming in fresh can expect to be happy with a 55k - 65k for a mid-level developer (they are paid much better than system admins). This is of course dependent on your area.

Hope that helps!! Not trying to dash hopes just trying to offer some "real world" which often does not come from the salesmen, I mean professors that teach these courses.

Reply to Ches111

Got a question Ches. I'll be graduating with a degree in Information Technology with a minor in Business, some programming experience, a couple of IT related internships under my belt, and hopefully an A+ and CCNA certifications. What kind of money would you offer me?

Reply to Gary_Busey

To be honest,

Your CCNA cert (no small potatoes there) is probably your biggest asset.

You could probably expect to go to work at or about 60 - 65K because of your degree and the CCNA.

Of course this depends on the area/market you are in.

The question is, what type of job are you looking for?

If you are looking for entry level dev job 50 - 60K.

If looking for network job with CCNA - probably 60 - 65K. The CCNA is one of the FEW respected certs as not just anyone can hang in long enough to get one.

Understand though that salaries in the hardware world tend to limit themselves very quickly. If you come to work for 60 - 65K plan on making not much more than that for quite some time (unless willing to travel "OFTEN" ).

The Dev and Management Environment tends to have the better/growable salaries.

GET LINUX FULLY UNDER YOUR BELT (not just courses but a full understanding). (BY FAR THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE ANYONE LOOKING TO START OUT IN I.T.).

Knowing linux can open many doors to entry level positions in both Hardware and Software.

I would look at starting in a QA Engineer position (testing linux based platforms). Windows is NOT THE MARKET unless you are in a niche.

Hope this helps...

Reply to Ches111

I'm not really looking for a dev job. I was thinking something related with networking or hardware. My friend works for Cisco so there's a chance he can get me on with them. If not, I'm not exactly sure what kind of IT job I want.

Reply to Gary_Busey

Quote :

I wasn't sure where to put this.

I plan on getting my A+ Certification at the end of the summer. I wanted to know who has there and if they could share some info about the test, how they prepared and what reading/learning materials/books they used to prepare for the test.

Cram Exam is what I give to employees that do not have their A+. I recomend the book in and out.

Just dont stop at your A+...

Reply to CompTIA_Rep

I'm also studying for the A+ exam, if you take it before June 30, 2007 youll be taking the 2003 objectives that consist of two exams hardware and OS. After June a new test is taking its place that consist of three test A+ essentials, A+ 220-602, and finally depot or help desk exam.

If you need any more information check http://certification.comptia.org/a/default.aspx

Books currently using:
A+ Guide to Managing & Maintaining Your PC
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Command Line Administration

Online Practice questions and exams
http://www.proprofs.com/certificat [...] ndex.shtml

Reply to gumby

Quote :

I wasn't sure where to put this.

I plan on getting my A+ Certification at the end of the summer. I wanted to know who has there and if they could share some info about the test, how they prepared and what reading/learning materials/books they used to prepare for the test.

Cram Exam is what I give to employees that do not have their A+. I recomend the book in and out.

Just dont stop at your A+...
What are some others?

Reply to Gary_Busey

Gary,

If you can get in even entry level at Cisco "DO IT".

Even "if" the money is NOT AS GOOD as you thought/want.

You see even though you may make less (not saying you will) your earning potential working directly for Cisco is much larger. You may have to leave to make more later but your income average (taking less at start, making more in the end) will be much larger.

Reply to Ches111

The only problem is that these are cert tests and the answers to the questions may have no bearing on the known universe outside of the test writer's brain.

Historically I have done far better on exams for things I know less about than things I know more about. The reason is when I know the stuff too well I give the answer that is actually correct and not the answer the author thinks may be correct :>

Personally, I think the "Exam Cram" series of books are great.
They have never failed me yet.

Quote :

Yeah, I know the tests change because hardware change. A+ is basically hardware and tom'sHARDWARE keeps me reletavely up to date, actually I've learned more here than at university (about hardware that is, programming and webdevelopement is another story). Sith edition you say? I must get it, even if it is just to go with my avatar. :wink:

Reply to zenmaster

Quote :

Gary,

If you can get in even entry level at Cisco "DO IT".

Even "if" the money is NOT AS GOOD as you thought/want.

You see even though you may make less (not saying you will) your earning potential working directly for Cisco is much larger. You may have to leave to make more later but your income average (taking less at start, making more in the end) will be much larger.

They started him out at 55K, so that's plenty for me.

Reply to Gary_Busey

I took and passed my A+ 8-9 years ago 8O and at the time, it was 2 tests, one hardware, one software. At that time it was used to test how well you know how to diagnose problems, use common equipment, and work with the basics of windows (and dos in my case). It isn't going to cause money to fall on your lap (I got $150 bonus from work but that's different) but it is something to at least let your employer know you have somewhat of an idea of what you are doing.

Reply to wsbsteven

Hmmm,

Seems I might know a little bit about what I am talking about . 55k spot on

I have been in the industry for 20+ years now 8O 8O .

Started at age 17 so no "I am not that old" .

It is a good industry just be ready for the ups and downs "like most industries".

Layoffs do come and they do go... Just be prepared and look for warning signs. Helps to keep your head out of the line of fire .

Good Luck!!

Reply to Ches111

CISCO and LINUX are two certs I would look heavy at.

A+ is nice, but the others would be more useful IMHO.

The MS certs are nice, but everyone has them.
The CISCO/LINUX certs would let your resume differentiate itself.

Reply to zenmaster

getting a job at cisco is ideal, I know a few people in the IT industry and they've told me that basically cisco hires people to fully train them and have them work for them for a little bit but with the intention of releasing you back into the market with all the info they crammed into your head. Having Cisco on your resume as previous job experience will be a huge benefit in the job market.

Reply to mapex

Quote :

CISCO and LINUX are two certs I would look heavy at.

A+ is nice, but the others would be more useful IMHO.

The MS certs are nice, but everyone has them.
The CISCO/LINUX certs would let your resume differentiate itself.

I'll have the CCNA by the end of the fall semester. What Linux certs are there? I have Ubuntu installed on one of my machines, so I know a little bit but not a whole lot.

Reply to Gary_Busey

Quote :

I had a job posting for a Senior NT Admin at one time. I received countless MCSE and MCP resumes and I talked with many of them. They "ALL" were told that they could demand a 60K+ job because of the certs. I had this job posted as 45K with the potential of more for the more experienced folks (maybe 50K)...

...I guess what I am getting at is, a Cert might open a door but don't expect it to rain down cash unless you are in a position where 45 - 50K actually means that it is raining cash. There is no substitution for experience.

45k? I'll take it!! Shoot...low ball me at 40k i'll still take it. Mtg sux right now. I worked under a NT Admin fresh out of HS, most informative year ever. XP migrations, set up a brand new fiber optic backbone, i even cannibalized some old pc's for college. Great job, too bad i had other plans at the time, i'd still be there.

Reply to dj_taboo

I have very very little faith in anyone who says they are A+ certified. I have a story that I could share about how this one pompous A+ cert had to get help from a high school CCNA student (me) because he didn't know what a .log file was...

CCNA > A+ by 1000.

Reply to Phrozt

Must've received his cert in the mail!

Reply to dj_taboo

There are free CompTIA A+ tests all over the net. Just google them, memorize them and take the 2 tests.

They are the exact same tests. I didn't study at all, just memorized the online ones and got 100% and 98%.

Keep in mind A+ doesn't hold any water these days, as anybody can pass the tests. They are super easy and are only meant to represent someone who has 6 months PC hardware and Windows work experience.

Reply to vic20

DJ,

I would if I could

I no longer have that job... I now have need for VERY senior programmers.

With XML, VXML, JAVA, C, C++.

Protocols = SS7, and SIP.

I have three open reqs and can't find anyone to fill them.

Amazing some of the things I get on peoples resumes.

A few years ago I was hiring a Senior Software Eng... A lady applied with what looked like the best resume of them ALL.

I asked her some basic questions (this was to quickly weed out the posers).

First question -- How do I copy a file from one directory to another in Unix - an easy question for a senior engineer with unix on her resume right? Not for her!

Second question -- Tell me about your LAN/WAN experience (again on her resume) "I used a computer here and it was connected to a computer in Tulsa!!" No kidding this is the answer I got. 8O 8O

Third and final question -- Did not expect her to answer this "What is the difference between a Big and Little endian machine/data". Blank Stare!!

End interview!! She told me the contract firm told her to put Unix on her resume because they were going to send her to a 1 week class for it... 8O 8O

Reply to Ches111

Quote :

Amazing some of the things I get on peoples resumes.

A few years ago I was hiring a Senior Software Eng... A lady applied with what looked like the best resume of themALL.

I asked her some basic questions (this was to quickly weed out the posers).

First question -- How do I copy a file from one directory to another in Unix - an easy question for a senior engineer with unix on her resume right? Not for her!

Second question -- Tell me about your LAN/WAN experience (again on her resume) "I used a computer here and it was connected to a computer in Tulsa!!" No kidding this is the answer I got. 8O 8O

Third and final question -- Did not expect her to answer this "What is the difference between a Big and Little endian machine/data". Blank Stare!!

End interview!! She told me the contract firm told her to put Unix on her resume because they were going to send her to a 1 week class for it... 8O 8O

8O 8O 8O

LMAO!!!!
Even I who doesn't have any cert (other than my crappy IT diploma) are way better than her... eventhough I'm not *nix literate, I still can copy/move files, mkdir...thanks for the joke *ahem*...story man....

Reply to aBg_rOnGak

I took my A+ 220-601 today! passed like a mofo 95%. Yes, Mike's sixth edition is a great read and very helpful in a whole tech experience. But you're here looking for secrets, No? hint pass4sure actual test questions, about a good 80 percent. Those boys at pass4sure are doing their job(a little too good). Cheers and Beers!

Reply to lordslashstab

Well I will tell you if you are in Florida forget about a job just based on a A+ or net+ cert I have been trying to get a job for 6 years down here working experience is still the best route to go I've yet to find anyone to give me a job here. Try to do a job search for computer repair I get no responses I must have dropped a couple of hundred resumes

Reply to NamronSllim

yes, experience is best! Certs will hopefully get your foot in the door. A+ gets your foot in, and a CCNA will make you shine a bit.

The more you know.

Reply to lordslashstab

If you are gonna get certs get as many as you can unless you get straight for the rare ones like CCIE. But somebody with some knowledge of computers should be able to get A+, network+ and MCP with no problem.

Reply to darkangelism

Dark and Nam,

The certs really do not help much.

Being able to answer questions confidently during an interview is what helps. Being able to say "I don't know the answer, but I do know where to quickly find the answer" is also a great help. Don't BS at all!

AGAIN

IF I HAD TO GIVE 1 TIDBIT OF ADVICE!!!

STUDY AND KNOW *NIX!!!!!!!

With a good understanding of LINUX for instance you can almost ALWAYS get a job in Software Quality Assurance.

This is a great field to break into IT. Testers are always needed and they learn a lot about software lifecycles. The good ones make decent money and also can follow on to other opportunities. It is a great way to get your foot in the door.

SO bone up on *nix and software test methodologies and things will be good.

Gotta know and understand what White/Black Box testing is. Got to understand User Acceptance, Integration, Performance Volume (sometimes called stress testing), Boundary/Out of bounds testing is. Gotta understand what is meant by "expected results".

Something that would be a good cert is something called "STEP". Systematic Test and Evaluation Process... Great info for the new tester.

Hope this helps..

And Nam,

Finding a job anywhere fixing hardware is difficult. We have three whole people supporting a building full of employees/contractors. They are not going to leave anytime soon. They like thier jobs (mostly). This is what is known as the (die or retire) syndrome. I used to fly satellites for the Military and it is a killer job but the old goats doing it on the civilian side of the house will either have to die or retire before 1 job opens up. Guess what they rarely retire.

Reply to Ches111

PS...

Dark and Nam...

I am NOT proclaiming that I know everything.. I will leave that to Casewhite

But I have been doing this quite some time and have NEVER had a single day unemployed since age 17 (just jinxed myself )... I do well for myself (some may call me rich others would call it doing OK). Just a matter of perspective.

Just trying to offer info as someone in the position of actually hiring folks in this field.

Reply to Ches111

Where do I find out about STEP and What kind of Linux publications would you suggest I am interested but I can't even get linux to run on my computer now I tried but I guess my hardware is unsupported

Reply to NamronSllim

I would first start with your linux problem..

It would appear that Ubuntu is the most user friedly version right now.

That would be a great place to start.

In fact going through the process of figuring out what is wrong with your install and getting it up and running would be a great start.

Remember to NOT rely on the GUI. Learn and operate on the command line for a while. Learn admin of your own box first. Learn to write scripts with perl and bash and ksh and curl and tickle and expect and and and....

Automate those things you do often on the command line.

Think of it as writing your own .bat files of olden days

As far as getting started with STEP try here:

SQEs training site

Note that they have a software testing cert!!! Now there is a start... But it will cost money..

Reply to Ches111

As far as Unix pubs --

Oreily has a great series called "in a nutshell" for just about everything.

It will give you a command reference (awesome) and will give some usage examples. (beware that NOT ALL APPLY TO ALL version of *NIX)

Unix in a nutshell is very good since it also covers sed/awk/korn/borne shells and some other things.

Now be advised that it is pretty much a command reference and not a teacher...

Also Que publishing had a great learning Unix book out that was well laid out with good writing and the grey pages had the command references for the whole chapter.

Reply to Ches111

Nam,

And last...

Learn to install/configure/use Apache Linux version..

Everything is going web/web 2.0 these days.

Hope all of this helps.. If anyone gets a bite/job from this info please let me know...

Reply to Ches111

Thank you very much. I do have a 64 bit and 32 bit ubuntu and I will try to get that working. I thought that most of the people on here were just not very helpfull with any thing I have ever asked for on here. I guess that everyone starts as a noob.

Reply to NamronSllim

I got an email about this from one of my professors and thought someone on here would want this. I plan on taking advantage of this:

This is an offer to take the Microsoft 70-291 for free for a limited time. This is normally a $125 certification exam, but they're offering it for free to students and faculty.

http://www.pearsonvue.com/freemicrosoftexam/

Reply to Gary_Busey

Forum Homebuilt Systems : General Homebuilt - A+ Certification

Please mind