I was thinking about studying and trying to get CompTIA A+ certification over spring break, but have some questions for anyone that have taken the exam. Is one week too short to study for this exam? How hard and what are most of the field of questions over? As I have never taken this type of certification exams before. I'm currently a Computer Information System major graduating this summer, but saw on some jobs search that this might be a little useful. I'm going to do some more research on it, but any suggestions/advice would help. What are some good reads for this exams? Are some of the questions similiar to those web practice questions? thanks, From Wiki: Domain Percentage of exam Personal computer components 21 Laptop and portable devices 11 Operating systems 21 Printers and scanners 9 Networks 12 Security 11 Safety and environmental issues 10 Communication and professionalism 5 Total 100
As a manger in the IT industry I can tell you that I personally give A+ certification absolutely zero value when I see it on a resume, and I know of no other IT professionals who give it any weight at all. In my candid opinion, it is a complete and total waste of money.
Yea im in college and have no clue what i wanna major in and was thinking about gettint my a+ and n+ this year but heard it means nothing on resumes i really wanna get into the computer and IT industry but have no clue where to start any tips advice??
A+ certification means very little in the industry. You would be better off going for a Security+, Network+, or a Cisco cert right about now. Also Juniper networks is on the rise, so they will need people for that too. If you're just starting out of college, I'd recommend being an expert in a specific skill, rather than a cert. Either in programming, databases, server virtualization, network, etc. You will most likely be starting off in help desk after graduation, so I would try to get some experience there too. Work in the school computer lab, study up on windows troublshooting, common problems, network solutions etc. It's where everyone pretty much starts out, because experience is the main key in IT, not necessarily the certs.
Agreed. I'd also highly recommend PMP (project management certification). Don't waste your time with A+.
Lucky Azn, Do not listen to these guys, you'll need to start somewhere and studying for that cert will give you the basic concepts of troubleshooting and procedures. Which is where you're going to need to start anyways. It doesn't mean much but will it help? Definitely. Whats 200 bucks for knowledge and something that makes you feel really good as far as an accomplishment. I'd say go for it buddy, I got my A+ years ago and Security+ as well and did I learn anything from it while studying and taking the exam? Hell YES! Good luck
If you decide to follow Luckkky's advice, don't put it on your resume. You'll look like someone who's trying, unsuccessfully, to seem knowledgeable.
Considering he's already going to have a CIS degree (perhaps you missed that part), A+ certification gives him nothing more substantial and just looks like he's fluffing himself up on his resume.
Agree with the others. I've been in IT for 11 years now and have had to hire many people. A+ doesn't really hold much weight. It *might* help get your foot in the door for an interview on an entry level job, which is what you'll be starting at anyways. I honestly don't know since it has been quite a while since I've looked at those types of positions. Experience is key in this industry. Get it wherever/whenever you can. That should be your focus for the next several years.
1. You can study for a week and get it. 2. If does more good than harm. I would recommend you get it. some jobs won't look at you with out it. While some here says they give it no weight the reality I have seen in some shops is .. . they may not respect it but you are not getting into that shop without it Rocket River
Take it, get it out of the way, if you have any PC background, you probably don't need to study for it. Don't put it on your resume unless the posting specifically asks for A+. It's kind of like having an art history major.
I can't remember when A+ was ever valuable. Maybe in jobs I don't care to even think of doing. Like Geek Squad stuff maybe?
I didn't want to start a whole other thread about this, but I would really like your opinion. What types of things would you recommend for someone who's been in IT (general pc support) for awhile and wants to move more towards network engineering or security? I got my A+ cert back in '99, and I can personally attest to the fact that it did help me get my job AT THAT TIME. Nowadays, not so much. Thanks in advance.
A+ is an entry level cert. So it may help with help desk or Geek Squad type jobs. Of course, you can get those jobs with no experience or certs, too. There was a time when you could substitute A+ and N+ for one of the elective qualifications for your MCSA. I'd agree that N+ or Security+ are a better use of your time and money. Or MCP. Check out certcities.com, read their articles and check out their forums to get a feel for what's worth your time.
Aside from college degrees... If you can afford it, a Cisco certification goes a LONG way in the network/security world. Microsoft Certification isn't what it used to be, but would be a plus on the resume and certainly wouldn't be as laughable as A+. I'd recommend both of those. Aside from that, build your resume to indicate that you are knowledgeable, but humble. That you don't know everything, but that you learn quickly. That you have many answers already and are able to find your own answers quickly.
