Whether or not you have to recertify, things change so quickly in the IT field you have to keep learning to keep up. I got my certification 2 years ago, and I used some of what I learned when I created my review site at http://www.topfivecomputers.com/ but I think the A+ is just the beginning...
I've got a Dell S2209 myself that I am satisfied with. For a comparison of the Dell LCD to other computer monitors, go to http://www.topfivecomputers.com/
I've got a Dell S2209 22 inch that I am pretty happy with. For a comparison of different lcd monitors, go to http://www.topfivecomputers.com/ I don't do anything to complicated with it, mostly general office stuff, Excel spreadsheets and so forth.