Who here is A+ Certified? & a few questions
 

Im just curious as to who here is A+ certified, because I see it mentioned in a lot of places.
My question is how would I go about the processes of becoming A+ certified, and is it even worth it?

Well if you know a lot about computers to start, get a book with a bunch of sample tests and such. If you dont, get a decent sized book with sample tests and cd-rom. I am in the process right now because I lost out on a tech job paying $18/hr because I was not certified. In my case, it is well worth it. Oh, and once you feel good about taking the test, you can look up when the next testing will take place closest to you and go for it. Good Luck!

i took an a+ class but never took the test. i heard there is like two test that cost about 300 each!

I got mine a few years back. If you are good with computer repairs and configuration, you shouldnt have too many troubles. My biggest problems were learning how the Questions were structured and worded. Get some A+ books from your local book store and try some practice tests.

Good luck

heres the link to the CompTIA A+ site just in case
http://www.comptia.org/certification/a/default.asp

It wasn't $300 when I took the tests. It is true that there are 2 tests, however, one for hardware and another for operating systems (windows-based). The cool thing about this cert, is that you don't have to renew like the Microsoft versions. A+ is for life. :) So once you pay the fee and pass, you're done.

There are a variety of methods for reducing the costs for taking the tests (which are a tax writeoff, btw). Look into purchasing test vouchers from a CompTIA member. You should be able to save some cash that way...

Buy a couple of the "dummy" books and get an old crappy computer to experiment on.

The tests are electronic too (multiple choice when I went through) and you get results immediately. In a few of the institutions that give classes, the exams are provided as part of the course. In many cases, a full-refund of tuition is due to you if you fail the tests :wink:wink: ... you take the tests from the same institution that instructed you. :lol:

I have been reading the cramsession book, dunno what its called, has a lot of resourceful info..

Also, can anyone tell me how long the tests take?

A+ isn't very useful.
It just shows you know the most basic knowledge there is.
If you're looking for IT employment, for example, an A+ won't even get looked at.

It's like a 4th grade education.

righto. They look at the A+, say "that's nice, but where's the Bachelor's Degree."

unless no one else competing for the job has a Bachelor's Degree, where A+ may be useful. But nowadays I'd say it's hard to get a good paying IT job without a BS.

Interesting.. so the trouble to become A+ certified isn't really worth it? Anyone recommend a good book with sample tests ?

Yeah A+ certs are pretty worthless. It basically certifies that you know how to turn on a computer.

If thats the case, they should have given me that certification...

I'm certified, but it is from 1995. Which means it covered Pentiums and Windows 3.11/Dos 6.22.

I think it would be better if it had to be re-newed/updated like a drivers license.

It's like any other certification or award, it's only worth what the potential employer thinks of it.

Another Question: Do I have to be A+ Certified if I want to start my own little repair shop? Would I get in trouble if I'm not A+ Certified?

I would not be under an employer, it would just like to start it out small in my house with a few friends.

No you would not.....I'm not..but I do have a degree in computer science....most people who own repair shops aren't A+ certified.

If you want to work at a store in the tech department, they might require you get an A+ certification, but that's mostly just so they can tell their customers.. LOOK! We have such qualified staff here, you can trust us with your computer equipment!

But in reality, the A+ is the most basic knowledge there is.

a+ is an easy test, I took it because i didn't have to pay anything for the books, software or tests.... Same deal with my MCSE... but i actully learned something doing the MCSE track....

A+ says you know how to plug in a card, and how to use bios.... Not worth the $ for the test in most cases...