Suggestions for getting CompTIA A+ certification

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Gabe3

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I've been working with computers for about 6 years, building them, fixing them, this that. I was told getting the A+ would count as experience for jobs and I knew I would learn things I didn't already know. And I did learn some stuff.

I read through this book; http://www.amazon.com/Certification-All-On...h/dp/0072263113

Networking and printers are my weak spots so I went over those chapters again. 1100 pages later I started taking practice tests. pass4sure and tests that came on the CD with my book. I get odd ball questions wrong, like maybe 2 questions wrong for every 10 I do. I'm just nervous I'm going to spend $300 total to take the essentials and technician exams and fail.

Has anyone taken the test recently? Any tips? Are the questions easier then you thought they would be? How many questions are on the tests and how many do you need correct to pass?
 
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Most of that test when I took it in 2006 was common sense answers. There were only a few of those very technical questions. I do not remember any networking being covered on the test. I really can't remember what exactly was covered as it was a while ago, but I do remember it being very much common sense.
 
It will be easier than you thought. It was for me. I was nervous, put it off, etc... But, it was a walk in the park. You will do fine if you take the practice tests and read the book. The practice tests should be a good indication of your weak spots, etc.

Good luck!
 
Do you guys remember some of the questions, mainly the harder ones? And were the tests timed?
 
Gabe3 said:
Do you guys remember some of the questions, mainly the harder ones? And were the tests timed?
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Gabe - if you have been reviewing the material, and have been building/fixing systems for 6 years you will do fine. Schedule the test and good luck,
 
If you've been working on computers for 6+ years then it shouldn't be a problem. As for what kind of questions you'll get, try some of the free online tests. They aren't the same questions but it can give you an idea of what to expect.

When I finally got around to taking it last year I had a lot of wifi and printer questions on the essentials exam and the IT Pro exam had a lot of support questions. (ie what to do given the situation.) The only thing I needed to study was the random old hardware topics and a book worked fine for that.
 
go for it... I myself have not done it yet because I have a secure techinical job but I may do it anyways just to say I have that piece of paper... real world experience counts for so much more than that piece of paper... until you try to get a job with a technical place that uses a "human resources" department that only sees that paper as the real knowledge...
 
I agree, just go for it. The mistake I see so many people make is dragging their feet and being "unsure", just go do it, it's easy.
 
Also, there was little to no real networking questions when I took it, which was before they restructured it into 3 exams. I think it did have the stupid infamous sneakernet question actually... If you don't know that one, I retract my "just go for it" statement! :D
 
Only thing I'd say to brush up on is all the older technologies.
IRQ ports, COM settings, etc...

Yes, it's old and never used anymore. It's why the A+ is a worthless certification in measuring your actual abilities, and is very sad considering most companies make it mandatory to have one, if you're a tech.

I don't remember mine super well, but I went to CramSession and downloaded their study guides for it.
I read through the whole thing, highlighted what I didn't know really well, and from then on out I just reviewed the yellow highlights. There were many- but I'd bet you none were on the test.
Each test is random, so who knows... But I remember there was at least 1 question on IRQs and COMS, the rest is very simple. Some of it, someone with 0% knowledge in computers could do (just common sense answers).
 
Hey there...

I wanted to add my $.02 to the mix, as I am a CompTIA SME (Subject Matter Expert). I've spent time in the very room where exam questions are created, and I've developed some exam questions myself. I am not a CompTIA employee - I am an IT tech in Oregon. By the way, if you are A+ certified and are interested in becoming an SME, pm me.

A+ is not what it used to be (it's much better, I believe). I was certified in 1997, and at that time, it was a combination of hardware and OS exams (or Mac, if you wanted to go that route). During my 2006 SME event, we were told that the exam would be changing, and we would help evolve it into a different program encompassing three different and unique paths.

My recommendation? Go get the exam objectives and study them - there isn't any better way to know what is on the test than getting the info right from CompTIA. Make sure any study materials aren't older than about a year old, as they may reference the "old" A+ program.

It is now more IT-centric, and includes a great deal about networking. If you haven't paid much attention to A+ in a while (even if you are A+ certified), you might check out the newer (and I'll say, "mo betta") A+ program.

CompTIA A+ Program Site

Good luck!
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. The practice questions I'm getting wrong are pretty random, not really related to a chapter or anything. Thats why I'm worried because its so wide-spread.
 
I can't seem to pass any of the practice tests. crap is getting annoying...
 
Gabe3 said:
I can't seem to pass any of the practice tests. crap is getting annoying...
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Make sure you are using good practice tests from reputable companies that have updated to the 2006 CompTIA standard.

As for the vouchers, you really are not going to find much variance in the price. "Deals" on good, reptable vouchers don't really happen.
 
I completed the test back in March of this year. As everyone here has already stated, it is pretty much common sense answers, although there are a few technical questions. There was a few network related questions regarding wireless networking security, and the brief basic configuration of home grade wireless routers.

Best of luck to the OP. Just get a review book (I used exam cram), study up, and I am sure you will do just fine! :cool:
 
having had to take 6 cert tests so far this year (with no previous certifications) I will tell you that although materials and practice tests are important to take, the best thing to do is schedule the test and take it. Practice test have no real questions on them, so don't bother taking the same test more than twice. You'll end up memorizing questions and answers not on the test, and inherently your scores will go up...because you memorized the Q/A's. It's an invalid metric if you take the practice tests too much. Sometimes putting your feet to the fire is the only way. Good luck. You'll feel great when you pass it, I always do.
 
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