A+ Certification

[Noodlesis]

Well, Ive decided to work hard and make something of myself, so I am planning to take my A+ Certification Course, because I am DETERMINED that I know more than those A+ Certified Monkeys that are employed at the local computer store. So my main question for NPF is....


How do you suggest I prepare?
Keep in mind that I am currently enrolled in Grade 10, and I don't have all the time in the world to read a gazillion more books.

[bluestarultor]

Grade 10? I hope you're in a foreign country that has a different numbering system, because if you're in the US, you might have to rethink your plans. I'm taking an A+ compatible course right now and I'm in college. And the test itself is $60 with my school discount. Not to mention the difficulty rating. People come out of it sweating and shaking from adrenaline.


Edit: It's not that I'm trying to tell you you can't, because I'm not like that. But you should be aware that it's not a light amount of time or information you'll need to learn. This is something you need to be dedicated to.

[Noodlesis]

Ive read about 10-20 books apparently related to said test since grade 9, my A+ Certified Teacher says I have an "Exceptionally Large Chance" of passing, and the test is $152 a test, And I am taking the Essentials and IT portions, when I get a chance. I was just mentioning grade 10, so that someone doesn't suggest "Read this entire series of books 298329018 times"


I am just looking for some books that I haven't read, or some online resources that I haven't seen. And I expect the HEAVY challenge. And im in canada.




Thanks for your input as well!


Also, I just took the test located at:
http://www.proprofs.com/certification/comptia/a-plus/exams/HW-E1/exam.shtml

And failed by 3.

I realize this is a fail, but I think that with some hard work and determination, I could probably pull this off!

(Word text interchangeble for exam where applicable, void where prohibited)

[Nikose Tyris]

Get the compTIA A+ exam off a torrent- they release their exams on CD's for people to practice and it's totally legal to do.

Now, on the other hand- if you failed by 3, you aren't ready for it, at all. By the time you write your exam, if you don't get 80%+, don't consider yourself certified. I know it sounds harsh, but I passed with a 60% and I thought myself to be a hotshot- only to find out that quite often, it is not enough.

I retrained properly, paid attention and retook the test and got a 98%, and I still encounter shit on a daily basis that leaves me completely in the dark. A+ Is only the absolute basics, and it means jack shit towards credits in college. It's not even considered a Credit Course towards a major at a community college.

[Noodlesis]

Oh, I know that im not ready, im just saying that I think I can pull this off. And, is there anywhere you would suggest getting said torrent?

[Nikose Tyris]

I don't think we're normally allowed to give out torrent sites and the like for websites, but specifically in this situation and because it is legal and the only way to get it, i don't think anyone will mind.

www.demonoid.com is your best choice, but you need a membership there- free membership though. it's not bad.

[Aeragi]

=D I've got that. Umm the way I studied was this thing called the cram session guide. Its abot 100 pages or so of the important stuff from the books we use at my college.You can download any of these in .pdf format for free at cramsession.com

Edit: They also practice tests and such there too.

[Noodlesis]

Demonoid gives me NOTHING but trouble...
I download LEGAL Things, (Yes, truely legal) and my isp sends me letters.
It's the only website that does that.

Also, I Got the A+ Essentials from Cramsession, but it wants a password!

[Nikose Tyris]

...okay, I have the A+ from Demonoid. fuck your ISP. if you want it, MSN me and I'll send it.

[Aeragi]

Also, I Got the A+ Essentials from Cramsession, but it wants a password!

Did you sign up for the site? I downloaded it again and it didn't want a password from me.

[Noodlesis]

I did sign up for the site... Still wants password.

[ProphetX]

Unless you have an employer willing to comp you the $100 or so to cover testing costs. If you are not sure you're going to pass, I would not bother. To be perfectly honest, and I am not trying to sound mean. The A+ isnt worth the paper it is printed on in industry anymore.

It's getting better as the test switched to the adaptive format about 4 years ago. But too many box jockeys brain dumped it during the Dotcomm so the value unfortunately took a bit of a dive. A lot of your major certs fell to this plague. My advice to someone who has been there and helps others through it now. Find a company get hired as a helpdesk grunt and start getting yourself some practical experience in the industry. This will serve you much better in the long run as you look to advance. When I look to hire an engineer right now. I dont really care where he has gone to school or what certs he has (though they do get looked over in round 2) I want to know where he's been in industry, what he has done, and what his professional references think about him

[Pink Bunny]

Didn't they claim they're updating the A+ standard this year, or was my Professor out of his mind? If its true, then are these mock-tests going to be worth trying out/relevant to the up to date test? I ask because after this Semester I need to seriously consider getting it over with and taking the test before I move on to CISCO.

[Inbred Chocobo]

Didn't they claim they're updating the A+ standard this year, or was my Professor out of his mind? If its true, then are these mock-tests going to be worth trying out/relevant to the up to date test? I ask because after this Semester I need to seriously consider getting it over with and taking the test before I move on to CISCO.

I know its probably bad to drag up an old subject, but I wanted to go ahead and answer this.

The A+ Exam had updated itself. Orginally it was planning on updating at the end of 2006, since at that time the test was made in 2003. However a few certain places where keeping it till July of this year due to reservations or something crazy like that. Later they just bumped the whole test updating till up to July. (It may actually be August, I can't remember which) Basically the new test has been out for a few months I think.

Also, I've got mine. Like today I got mine. Passed the test this morning. Interesting enough the first test of two seems more about general knowledge of just what is in the computer world, with a little bit on fixing computer. Like you need to know whats the fastest, 802.11, Bluetooth, or infrared. Just stuff like that. The next part is the juicy part that goes over most of what is needed to know in computer repair. Depending on which one you take will focus on what kind of questions. Also quite a few of the questions are along the moral aspect of being a technician too. You need to do the proper thing and whatnot, however they are easy enough to spot and answer.

Now, I'm also going to agree mostly with ProphetX on how valued it is. Experience is going to be a lot more wanted than certifications. However getting your A+ I think will at least give you a better chance at landing that job that will give you the experience you need. I'll admit that the A+ is like the lowest of the low, but then again you have to start somewhere.