A+ Training

[cscheck]

I had searched through all new messages, and all archived messages and found nothing reagarding this topic. I do appologize if this has been addressed already.

My question is what would any of you experienced A+ Certs suggest somone who is studying up on A+ (like me) use to stream line the process?

I have the A+ core book, all 900 pages of it, but other than reading it page for page would anyone suggest any other resources that could possibly sum it all up for me in an easy to retain way?

I have looked into training material, but it is either too expensive, not in depth enough, or out of date material.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I have 6 months to get certified or I have to find another jobby job..

Thanks, all.

 

[Topweasel]

Is cramsession.com still alive, very helpful to pass very useless in training. I will basically walk you through the types of information you know and more specifically a lot of answers but doesn't help at all if you don't know what they are talking about.

 

[cscheck]

I just checked out that website and there are some Study Guides that I found. I assume since you suggest them that these guides have been pretty accurate to help with passing the test. I have been working with and around PC's for close to 9 years now, so I am experienced, I just lack the cert.

Thank you for that suggestion, I will start reading through these ASAP.

I appreciate it.

 

[CraKaJaX]

http://www.mcmcse.com/

 

[cscheck]

CrakaJax your my hero. That has the one thing I have been unable to find for free anywhere else, and that is a couple of practice exams. Very nice site, thank you so much.

 

[CraKaJaX]

There is also: http://www.techexams.net/
if you want to check it out.

 

[w00t]

Computer A+ class suxs i am taking it for ROP i took the test half of it is about 56k modems i dont know crap about those other 30% is about scsi cables length's and 20% is about random stupid stuff.

 

[cscheck]

So you have recently taken the calss w00t? The cable lengths is something that I did not expect to see much of. I will have to brush up on that information a bit.

Thanks for the insight.

 

[Mesix]

I've been planning on doing this for a while now

 

[daines1]

Head to your local bookstore and pick up the "A+ FastPass" book. It is small, compact, and too the point. I had the 900 page book and failed the test. Got FastPass and did great! It has enough information that if you memorize it, you'll pass. =)

Daines1

P.S. I hated that test. Some of the most trivial information on that test. Also, they purposely word things to be confusing. =P Freaking Cruel I tell you.

 

[Stas]

Yeah, gotta do that too, soon. I have a book with 2 CDs that have some practice exams. Very useful.

 

[GamerExpress]

Originally posted by: cscheck
So you have recently taken the calss w00t? The cable lengths is something that I did not expect to see much of. I will have to brush up on that information a bit.

Thanks for the insight.

Well I took the test way back when it was two sections OS (which included a ton of DOS) and then the hardware section. The test was pretty lame back then, I am sure if you study it a bit you can pass it pretty easily.

This was the first Cert I took, it is good as an entry into taking cert tests and learning basics, but don't expect to get many job offers based on getting an A+ certification.

If you enjoy this test and do well, think about looking into the Networking area NET+ is a good place to start. I would also look at security+ and Server+, then look into moving up from there to Cisco certs and so on, this will get you into the job world right now and earn you some good cash!!!!

 

[cscheck]

The general thought seems to be that the Security + is a highly sought after cert due to all the security issues right now. We will see how this cert goes and then see if more are in my future.

Thanks for the info on which certs to take and what order. I was actually thinking about a cisco cert after my A+, but now that I have done some research I have learned that this cert is a bit more advanced than most. This is the first bit of insight I have recieved on a good order to take the certs.

Thanks again.

 

[GamerExpress]

Yeppers, no problem.

Good luck.

 

[cscheck]

Well I took my exams this last Firday, and passed them both with points to spare. Thanks for all the help everyone. I am not sure what is next. Possibly NET+, only time will tell. Thanks for all the advice though, everyone. It really helped, especially the Fast Pass A+ book selection.

 

[Leper Messiah]

Gawd. Nubs these days. If you have any sort of real computer exp. you should be able to pass with relative ease. About the only things I could see a computer enthusiast not knowing about would be stuff like Laser Printers and crap like that. I went in to my A+ totally cold, no studying, came out an hour later (with a 20 minute break in between software and hardware) and passed both with 80+%.

 

[cscheck]

Wow lets just make everyone feel like an idiot while we are at it.

I hate how people always gotta make other people feel like a dumbass on forums. Do you think it makes you better or something? Fact is not everyone is a computer entusiast.

I come to these forums asking for guidance, and opinions, I get food advice, and commend those fols who gave me good advice, then you come in telling me how I would be an idiot for not passing it and how you passed it with such ease... I thought anandtech was a place for people who like to learn things to come and talk to more experienced people. Apparently it is just like all the other tech forums out there, full of jerks who know EVERYTHING.

Thanks for the advice you gave me to BTW... Oh wait, you didn't give any advice on ways to study for the test... Must have been too busy being full of your self.

 

[redbeard1]

Network+ uses a fair amount of the basics from A+. So with having that stuff fresh in your memory, it might be worth going after it. The Mike Meyers books are what I used to pass both tests. I also hunted down every free test I could find, and took all of the tests from the cd's that came with each book.

 

[Leper Messiah]

Originally posted by: cscheck
Wow lets just make everyone feel like an idiot while we are at it.

I hate how people always gotta make other people feel like a dumbass on forums. Do you think it makes you better or something? Fact is not everyone is a computer entusiast.

I come to these forums asking for guidance, and opinions, I get food advice, and commend those fols who gave me good advice, then you come in telling me how I would be an idiot for not passing it and how you passed it with such ease... I thought anandtech was a place for people who like to learn things to come and talk to more experienced people. Apparently it is just like all the other tech forums out there, full of jerks who know EVERYTHING.

Thanks for the advice you gave me to BTW... Oh wait, you didn't give any advice on ways to study for the test... Must have been too busy being full of your self.

Hm....I do believe you exaggerated my words just a tad bit...I don't think I made anyone feel like an idiot (on purpose anyways) If my words offended you, I offer you my sincere appolgies, as that was not my intention.

As for tips on the basic "+" tests, I dunno. A+, security + and Net+ were fairly easy for me, with security + being the most difficult. All I did was buy a book from borders and use that to brush up on the areas I was defiecent in. IMHO, books can only take you so far, real world exp. is far more usefull than knowing exactly what pin 33 does in a PCI bus.

 

[cscheck]

Originally posted by: Leper Messiah
Hm....I do believe you exaggerated my words just a tad bit...I don't think I made anyone feel like an idiot (on purpose anyways) If my words offended you, I offer you my sincere appolgies, as that was not my intention.

As for tips on the basic "+" tests, I dunno. A+, security + and Net+ were fairly easy for me, with security + being the most difficult. All I did was buy a book from borders and use that to brush up on the areas I was defiecent in. IMHO, books can only take you so far, real world exp. is far more usefull than knowing exactly what pin 33 does in a PCI bus.

I do understand your basis now. I took it to heart since I did not Ace the test and I have been working on PC's for a couple of years now. I have had some responses that have exscalated into outright insults in my A+ searching, and I jumped to conclusions that this was the direction your post was taking this thread. I appologize if I misunderstood you, and thank you for your advice.

 

[SGtheArtist]

After passing A+ I would highly recommend pursuing your Network+. Personally I think that the Network+ is much more valuable than an A+ but then again, I wasn't able to find employment with (BBA in Info. Sys., MCP, Net+, A+, MS Office Specialist)

All that computer knowledge and can't get a job Accounting here I come!

 

[cscheck]

I have recieved the OK from my employer that they will pay for my Net+ cert and my Sec+ cert. I am definately going to persue those.

Does anyone know how large of a demand there is for linux certs? We don't have a single linux box in our entire city network. I know linux pretty well, I just didn't know if it would be worth paying for.

The certs that I think will definately help out my professional plan are Net+; Security+; Server+; MCSE 2000; MCSE 2003; MCSA 2000 MCSA 2003, and MSCDT. My goal is to land a junior network administrator or PC specialist position.

(I will also have a BBA Inf. Sys. at the end of 2007)

Any opinions?

 

[nugglets]

MCSE and MCSA are both great certs. Though i know plenty of people with them who still dont know jack ******, they look good on a resume. I have my MCP, MCSE and MCSA for 2000 right now, and will be going for the 2003's in a few. That combined with CCNA, A+, NET+ and Security+ and im making 30/hr being the network admin for a small medical company. Not bad for being 22.

The only other certs i could reccommend you look into, that you havent already mentioned, are Cisco certs(CCNA etc). These are generally very well thought of and, at least for me personally, alot more interesting to learn about than the others.

 

[acole1]

A+ is a useless outdated test that doesnt do anyone any good anymore. people (i.e. employers) think that since you have A+ cert you are more usefull but the test is a bunch of crap. i vote someone make a new test that isnt 20 yrs old

 

[cscheck]

The A+ test did seem somewhat simple. In my case it was required for my current job. I had to certified within 12 months of being employed. From what I understand about the cert is that the A+ is designed as an entry level cert. Not many people (employers) will think highly of it if you have other certs, but if it is the only cert you have it could help to prove that you are willing to learn.

I think I will definately go for the MCSA and MCSE certs. I want to go for 2003, but I think that 2000 will be a bit more practical.

I noticed that there are a few exams that are shared between some of the MCSE/MCSA certifications. Does anyone know if I take MCSA 2003 and pass the 70-290 exam will I have to take the exam again for the MCSE 2003 exam, or will I have to chose an elective?
I am hoping that they will apply the score to the other certification. Anyone know?