Microsoft A+... any value whatsoever?

I want to ask anyone here working in I.T. if passing the A+ exam will help me get some kind of job in I.T. I'm about to take the exam, and based on my practice results, I should ace it.

I've already received one "answer" from a friend who is a network admin (with a degree in computer information systems) who says it means almost nothing. Book/test knowledge at this level doesn't guarantee that you know anything. I certainly agree...

I have a degree in music (3.9 GPA) and military experience (5 yrs, air traffic control). Also 2 years customer service for verizon wireless. I have 10 years experience as a PC "hobbyist", building several systems for myself and building/fixing PC's for friends. I've attained a high level of knowledge in system building/fixing/troubleshooting, and of course router/wi-fi setup, (EDIT: Also upgrading laptops and replacing broken LCD screens).... but zero experience in a professional or network environment. Do I have any remote chance of getting in anywhere, or do I need to go back to school for computer science or information systems?

Thanks
Dan

A+ certainly doesn't hurt and many entry level jobs will require it. The cert alone won't help you get a job but it does help round out a resume.

THANKS for the reply. I forgot to mention that I took 5 classes within the computer science degree (17 credits) before changing my major. Any point putting that on my resume?

Also, any suggestions for a "next step" short of enrolling for another degree would be greatly appreciated!

If you're applying for a job in IT def put it on your resume.

I'm in a similar boat. I graduated with a bba in 09 and cannot find a job. I'm only picky as to salary I need (It needs to be higher than the gas station I'm working at is paying me...). I was thinking of getting A+ as I know I'd pass and it'd just be another note on a resume. The more the better. Unless you;re applying for janitorial or fast food work, its tough today to be overqualified.

Well had you asked this two weeks ago it would have been an easier answer. But starting the new year you have to now renew your A+ every 3 years. Kind of stupid for such an entry level certification. If you say you have 10 years experience a a hobbyist and have been a member of this forum for almost 8 years its safe to assume that just from being around this stuff you will probably have no problem passing the exam.

I'd say if you dont plan on taking a class then its probably worth it. It's only $350 to take both the tests. It really cant hurt.

Check out Professor Messer. He's the man and will has some good information to brush up on some spots that you might be lacking or havent worked with in awhile.

I regret not squeezing in Network+ before the end of the year.

Benny Blanco said:

I want to ask anyone here working in I.T. if passing the A+ exam will help me get some kind of job in I.T....

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Thanks for the replies... just for clarification, looking for responses from ppl who actually work in I.T. in some form or another, as opposed to people (like me) who don't have any first hand experience. Sincerely sorry if that offends anyone, believe me I really don't want to offend.

I'm sys admin. If you have no experience and looking for your first job it will not hurt at all.

The A+ isn't a Microsoft cert, wtf are you talking about? The cert is from Comptia.

Hate to say it, but you need more then experience with PCs as a hobby to make it in IT.

Database said:

The A+ isn't a Microsoft cert, wtf are you talking about? The cert is from Comptia.

Hate to say it, but you need more then experience with PCs as a hobby to make it in IT.

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I guess that would 'splain why I was able to find NO information on it on Microsoft's website. Jeez.

I guess that would also 'splain why this A+ prep book often seems more like a "PC's for dummies" book. The book was $30 but I've spent at least $100 in coffee and other starbucks junk just to stay awake and read mostly what I already know

(In all fairness a few blanks have been filled in, such as basic TCP/IP stuff, and some command line utilities)

Thanks for the replies. Database, I DO appreciate your honesty!

Again, if anyone can make suggestions for courses/programs outside of (and shorter than) getting a 2 or 4 yr degree, that would be greatly appreciated!

Yea thats something that people who arent "working in IT" could have told you.

jadams said:

Yea thats something that people who arent "working in IT" could have told you.

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I was trying to avoid getting totally worthless replies, of which yours is the first.

DeChache said:

I'm sys admin. If you have no experience and looking for your first job it will not hurt at all.

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Thanks for your reply as well. I'll submit a few resume's and see what happens.

Benny Blanco said:

I guess that would 'splain why I was able to find NO information on it on Microsoft's website. Jeez.

I guess that would also 'splain why this A+ prep book often seems more like a "PC's for dummies" book. The book was $30 but I've spent at least $100 in coffee and other starbucks junk just to stay awake and read mostly what I already know

(In all fairness a few blanks have been filled in, such as basic TCP/IP stuff, and some command line utilities)

Thanks for the replies. Database, I DO appreciate your honesty!

Again, if anyone can make suggestions for courses/programs outside of (and shorter than) getting a 2 or 4 yr degree, that would be greatly appreciated!

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No problem on the honesty, it just seems that everyone that can slap some parts together in a PC thinks they can make big bucks in IT. Granted, you can with the amount of work and studying, the big deal is getting your professional experience. It's not as easy to jump into as it use to be when computers were a little more "magical" and no one knew how they worked.

A lot of people talk badly about the Comptia certs, however they are really pretty decent to lay general foundation of broad vendor neutral information. The A+ alone really won't do much, you might be able to find some contracts doing some real basic stuff, but it would be hard to land a full time permanent position with just it.

If I were you and truly interested in making IT a career I would start with the general Comptia certs, namely the A+, Network+, and Security+. After that you will have to determine what it is you want to specialize in. Cisco networking? Systems Admin? Virtualization? Database Admin? Security?

Here are some good resources for these certs:

A+
http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certi...1338/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294539937&sr=8-1

Network+
http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Netwo...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294539985&sr=1-1

Security+
http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Secur...=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294540022&sr=1-3

VMWare:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-VMw...=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294540044&sr=1-2

MCITP:EA:
http://www.amazon.com/Self-Paced-Tr...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294540067&sr=1-1

IT is an awesome field to work in don't get me wrong. However, it is ever changing and requires a lot of staying upto date to remain competitive. You will probably need to start out doing simple field work or level 1 helpdesk. The pay at the bottom isn't that great however as you continue to gain more knowledge and specialize the pay increases quite nicely.

Good luck!

Database said:

If I were you and truly interested in making IT a career I would start with the general Comptia certs, namely the A+, Network+, and Security+. After that you will have to determine what it is you want to specialize in. Cisco networking? Systems Admin? Virtualization? Database Admin? Security?

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Thanks for the info and links! I really appreciate it. Yea.. no idea what to specialize in, so I'll shell out $350 for this A+ test and then see what kind of entry-level job I can land. I'll pick up the Network+ book after that and see how that works out for self-study.

My local college offered a course for the Network+ test but they dont offer it anymore (I wonder why). However, they do still offer Cisco CCNET & CCNA (total 4 classes @$620 each, about 2 months per class), finishing in the fall. I don't know jack about Cisco other than they bought Linksys LOL... but if taking the classes will land me a nice job, I'm willing to learn!

I used to be an IT Security Analyst, and the people I worked with that were IT Pros laughed at A+, Its something you get if you want to get into Best Buy, around here anyways. The big thing is experience, if you can get some experience at a local shop or agency (contract work) it'll look better than your A+.

it may help get your resume to the right people
after that it doesn't really mean anything. what you can do is more important that any certifications you have.

ShadowStriker said:

...the people I worked with that were IT Pros laughed at A+, Its something you get if you want to get into Best Buy, around here anyways.

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And it looks like that's what I'll be using it for around here lol... at least to pay some bills while I figure out the next best step.

scottatwittenberg said:

what you can do is more important that any certifications you have.

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Thats what my network admin friend told me as well. And since I have no prof. experience, no computer science degree and no real certs then Geek Squad is the way to go!

I've found that it seems the best place to start when looking for an IT career is at the smaller mom and pop shops that do computer repair. This is how my first job was, I pretty much started my IT career reinstalling Windows on client computers in the back of one of these shops. After that I was eventually promoted to field service, which in my experience is the biggest place that can help a resume, since you are actually out of your norm and talking to a customer.

After that I became an IT consultant for a few years, and after I got tired of the sales side of it, I was able to slide right into a state contract position, with my new boss being quite excited that he is getting a consultant on payroll, since the consultant title normally means you can do just about anything.

Overall, if you don't want to read all of that, start small, work on some basic certs, and then try to find a consulting gig, and learn as much as you can along the way. After doing this, if you still want to get out of consulting due to the sales aspect of it, it shouldn't be too hard to find a position in corporate IT as long as you look in the right places.

A+ won't hurt, but that alone may not get you a job in the computer field.

I had my Associate's Degree in Comp Sci, MCP cert, and A+ when I graduated college.

It still took me 3 years to find a a computer-related job. And even then, it was a level 1 tech support call center for a local ISP.

I don't count the 1 month I worked at CompUSA, or the month I worked for a jackass that did a lot of work with PLCs.

granted, I've moved up a LOT, and fast, since then.

Benny Blanco said:

I was trying to avoid getting totally worthless replies, of which yours is the first.

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Actually i presented you with a GREAT FREE resource for A+ and Network+, and I dont necessarily work directly in IT.

Its a discussion forum, any piece of information exchanged is not "worthless" (which for the record mine wasnt).

jadams said:

Actually i presented you with a GREAT FREE resource for A+ and Network+, and I dont necessarily work directly in IT.

Its a discussion forum, any piece of information exchanged is not "worthless" (which for the record mine wasnt).

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plus worthless leads to bumps, and more discussion. just filter what you like.

To me, A+ is sort of like a formal validation of knowing basic PC stuff (the sorts of things you learn by building your own PC, hanging out at [H], etc.). I would expect A+ to help you land a helpdesk/PC tech job, not a server or network admin job. I'd agree with your friend that it would do nothing to help you get his job, but I think it could only help for a "PC support" position. For entry-level support positions, I'd tend to think a degree would be just as worthless as far as real-world knowledge goes. In my experience CS degrees tend to be more focused on the theory and science behind computers, rather than on making some guy's PC work.

to be honest the certs don't really count for much. and IT is a very huge field, this one would only apply to a small segment. It may help to show that you are not an idiot. But nowadays you are probably going to have a lot of competition for IT jobs with people already experienced in the field. And yeah, I am in IT.

btw, why leave air traffic control? seems like that would be a better path than starting over in a barely related industry.

I'm a network admin and only just got my A+. But I got in with my first job by my adviser in college. Then I got my BS in Information Systems. That led to this job. I only just got my A+, Network+, Security+, and GSEC. I had a period where I was out of my first job desperately trying to find a different job. I'm relatively certain that not having the basic's really hurt me. I had several jobs that would not even call me if I didn't have my A+. That is a big thing. A lot of HR people are given the requirements by IT, and will screen out applications that lack the appropriate certifications. So you never even get a chance to prove how good/bad you might be via interview. I had a few headhunters who wanted to help but told me to call them back once I had my certifications in order.

With that all in mind I only got my A+ about 3 months ago. 10+ years with computers, 5+ years on the job, and my BS in IS. So why did I get my A+? It wasn't because they were going to start expiring them, I didn't find that out til later. It was because so many places won't even give you a chance without them. And yes the A+ is SUPER simple for anyone with a decent bit of IT experience. (FYI I made a 96 and a 98 on the 2 tests for it.)

Because of my experience I passed my A+, Network+, and Security+ in less than a 1 month period. Again I didn't gain much, but it will help on my resume. I'm happy at my current job, but I am very interested in moving forward to a different area that will pay more. So I've been bolstering my resume. Next up is the MCITP: EA. Remember as jiminator said, IT has a LOT of competition in it, and certifications are one of the only ways you can help to distinguish yourself. And as many have pointed out, the fact that you took the time and effort to get the certifications says that you have the patience and dedication to go through the very boring testing experience, just to prove your worth. Plus let me tell ya dude, its a good ego boost. Especially since CompTIA grades the tests as soon as you take them. So you will know just as soon as you finish how you did.

Not too long ago we had to hire a new guy. And one thing that set him apart was that he had his Network+ and A+. Something that no other applicant had. Guess who is now happily employed where I work? Granted his skills and abilities are what got him the job ultimately. But I helped my bossman root through the applicants. Since he was the only one of the applicants who had certifications, he got the first interview. They are no gaurantees of employment by any means. But they help.

Personally, I think it depends on your goal. If you just want something entry level, shoot for A+. Once you get that job, use the experience along with more advanced certs to land something else. Or, skip A+ and go for MCTS, VMWare, or MCITP and REALLY show them you know your stuff. Honestly, I think most hobbyists can pass A+. I passed in it 2001 when I as a sophomore in college. Then again, that test had questions about math coprocessors and 486s on it, so maybe it's evolved

Like some of the others said, I got my A+ when I worked as a tech at CompUSA. It'll get you a job, but not a career.

If it matters, I have MCITP: EA now...and I work for a large...really large...software company.

A+ is a beginner cert but if you want to get an IT job I would get it. If you plan on working on IBM computers...it is actually a requirement for warranty reimbursement. Just get it!

i would get a+,n+ and mcp as a basic foundation for an IT job then you can branch out to mcsa or go more networking route. i would look into ccna if i were you great cert and with experience pay is quite good at least in my area.

yes im in the IT field and have A+,N+,mcp,mcdst.

doesnt matter if people on here think its worthless or not. alot of big companies now require comtpia certs as well as microsoft certs. alot wont hire you regardless how much real world experience you have. its an IT industry standard.

It helps. It allowed me to get my foot in the door which eventually lead to another sys admin position. Some say it doesn't help but if you can get it, just get it. It helps, I know first hand.

jiminator said:

btw, why leave air traffic control? seems like that would be a better path than starting over in a barely related industry.

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I agree, but I guess it depends how much he likes air traffic control, maybe he doesn't like it. All I know is a friend of mine did ATC(not in the military) for about 25 years, he was making around $175,000 a year when he retired with a full pension and medical coverage for life. House and car paid off. Not a bad gig.

As for the A+, it won't hurt to have it.

Its onw of those "foot in the door" certs if you ask me, same thing goes with the net+. They're good for starting a foundation, but they won't land you high up positions. I'd say an A+ will land you a desktop repair, or phone support position for starters.

Certs dont let you alone get the job. What they do is tell someone that you not only KNOW something but that you can PROVE it too.

Look at it this way: if two people go head to head with the same experience, the one with the certs will ALWAYS be taken because an employer can have a fairly safe assumption that you may not be an expert but you can be trained on material, and retain it to a certain extent.

That is a valuable skill to have in IT and is why certs carry weight.

THANKS everyone who replied, this is really helpful to me, and obviously a few others! Though I'm sure they won't admit it I'm going to buy the vouchers tonight and hopefully take the exam this week.

You guys feel like the family of succesful role models I never had... well, either that or the family of geeks

Oh and for the curious, I'm not doing air traffic control mainly because I'm a dumb@$$, which is also why I used my benefits to get a degree in music and not computer science or something else useful, but at the same time I wasn't able to relocate due to family situation, something ATC almost always requires.

THANKS AGAIN to all who responded.

Best of luck on your cert route, and as a last tip of advice, here is a great forum for those looking to get some advice on cert studying/test taking from those actively involved in the same process:

http://www.techexams.net/forums/

I used this before most of my recent cert tests and it ALWAYS provides insight on how to do better and prepare yourself. Some certs are harder than others and these people give you some great advice before you go head-first into one of them.

A+ is no help at my work, my supervisor values being an old-school pc gamer more lol.

A+ is entry level, which is also what you are looking for. I'd get a job at geek squad or the like, or find a job running cables (cat5, cat 6, fiber), take a few microsoft courses at a local community college take a few exams, pass them, then apple somewhere for a entry level helpdesk position. Thats probably a good year or so a way from right now, but if that is what you want to do, then check it out.

good luck

edit i got my A+ in 2002, yes it doesn't mean much for the current job role I'm in, but it helped me get my start in my career along with Microsoft certs, and pulling cables and working with 66 blocks and using a patch panel, etc, etc.

Anyone looking for an entry level job (help desk or Geek Squad or other related position) then A+ is invaluable. When you have no experience to fall back on within a resume, a cert is the best way to jump start your way into an IT career.

I scheduled my test for Friday. Woop de doo, woop de doo. $346 sure is a hefty price for such a basic cert!

I think I'll apply at Micro Center which is closer to me than Bestbuy, and maybe Staples also. MicroCenter has much cooler stuff to buy with an employee discount

Benny Blanco said:

I scheduled my test for Friday. Woop de doo, woop de doo. $346 sure is a hefty price for such a basic cert!

I think I'll apply at Micro Center which is closer to me than Bestbuy, and maybe Staples also. MicroCenter has much cooler stuff to buy with an employee discount

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So have you actually done any studying specifically for the A+? Did you buy a book or anything for it?

you pretty have to. you might know a lot about computers but you won't know everything, and the A+ covers other types of related hardware. The books and sample tests will give you most of what you need to learn.

I bought this book, started reading it on Jan 2, just finished tonight:
http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?isbn=0071701451
Spent about $30 for it. A lot of it is "difficult reading" because its often boring, mostly basic, and a little repetitive. I did learn some stuff like basic TCP/IP details, and also some recovery console and command line utilities.

If I continue with the network+, which I definitely hope to do, I'll get the Mike Meyers book you linked earlier Database. His A+ book apparently is MUCH more popular than the Holcombe A+ book I used.