Hardware Certification

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dibbs

Limp Gawd
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I just graduated from college with a degree in English Literature. A.K.A - "I have a strong grasp of the English language and can communicate with people effectively." ;)

I have always loved computer hardware (building pc's) whatever. Now here comes the question: Is it worth it to get CompTIA A+ certified. There seems to be an abundance of jobs for pc technicians, it technicians, etc.

I would imagine that there are many people on this board that are probably A+ certified and even farther beyond that that could offer some insight. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
Here is my extremely skewed view. I attempted the Software and Hardware portion of the test just once. I missed each by 1 question. Why I don't really care about "failing" the test is: The questions that dominated my face were regarding printers. Dot matrix, laser, bubble jet printers... I did not get into IT/Computer tech to fix printers. And in fact, there should be no printer hardware questions on an A+ test besides "Q: What should you do before calling a printer tech. A: Double check drivers, shake toner, power cycle printer"

Also, A+ can either make or break an interview. Some people will look at experience over A+. Some people see you have taken the time to learn the proper answers (not the correct answers) to pass the A+ exam.

Sorry about the horrible english, I just started drinking my Monster... be back later
 
Heh. I graduated in 2006 with an B.A. in Creative Writing. I envy your courage to major in Literature. ;)

I've been thinking about certification myself. Never thought I'd go back to school, but online courses can't be too bad, right? I'm not sure if I should do CompTIA A+ or do the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Tech. course. The A+ Cert. is $100 cheaper though.
 
Awesome, thanks for introducing another relevant part to my question. That is, if A+ isn't the way to go, which one is? :confused:
 
Think of it this way. Picture a resume filled with great skills, certs, degrees, and experience. However, it is missing an A+. Can it really hurt to add that A+ to the list of your achievements? Nopers. Find the time, money, and patience and grab that cert!
 
Yeah, I think we're in the same boat. I don't know which course is the best path to take.

The A+ course is forty hours less and $100 cheaper, but it covers a lot of stuff. Then again, I may qualify for tuition reimbursement, but my company uses Microsoft, so that might have a better chance to be approved. I hate my job, but I like the company.
 
Who needs classes? I just grabbed a study book. They have tests at the community college here all the time. I'll be taking it next month.
 
Yeah, I was curious about that also. The classes seemed grossly overpriced. I just hit up amazon and found a bunch of highly recommended study guides.
 
Well, I'm gonna see if my work will pay for it. If not, I'll probably do the study guides only. How much does it cost to take the exams?
 
Yeah. I just read the study guide in my spare time. Plus the one I bought comes with a sample test on CD so you can gauge your knowledge. I haven't tried the test yet, I should be finished with the guide soon. I'll try it out then.
I think its like $168 to take the exam.
Go to www.vue.com and register to get test locations, times and cost.
 
Just buy an A+ book from Thompson Course Technology, they included test software that is a mock of the real test and you find a lot of question are very similar to the ones on the actual A+ test.

Although when I got my A+ Hardware and Software it was still in the 2 Test format, one test for hardware, one test of software, I am not sure but I know that they changed the format almost a year ago and I believe there more than two tests to get certified.
 
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