A+ certification

[Szech]

What would I have to know for these tests? I want to look for another (THIRD!) job, and I want to have some solid proof that I know what I'm doing. I don't think "Go ask Danny, I built his computer" is too reliable compared to that freaking piece of paper.

~~Edit: I passed the first MCSE test, is that worth anything? Or do you need to finish them all?

[This message has been edited by Szech (edited 04-20-2000).]

[gmpirate]

i just got my A+ certification tuesday. I bought Exam Cram, took about 5 practice tests and took both tests no problem.

I'm actually a crossover from the mac side too, so I don't have a real solid background with all the old OS's and archiac system components.

I only got it for probably the same reason you did, proof of knowing something and possibly getting me in the door . . .

its definitely a how ya know type of deal though. I'm having a hard time landing something . . .

[blubomber]

To get your A+ certification there are several things that you can do. You can pick up one of the many books(both the hardware and win/dos books) that cover the subject and study at home. You could take an online class or you could see if your local college or JC has a class on the subject. Then you will have to see if there is a testing center for the A+ exam in your area. As far as passing one of the MCSE tests, yes it does mean something. Depending on what certification you have, you are now an MCP and that does carry some weight to it. What test did you take??

[welsh wizard]

Any piece of paper, is always good to have when looking for a job, but remember the A+ is aimed at the computer tech with about 6 months on the job experience so though it's good to have it's really just to prove that you know the basics, so the longer you have had the cert the more it will say for your experience, also you will find some employers who don't even know what A+ is or even MSCE for that mater, but there again computers are still very much still in there infancy, the first Gals and Guys that drove Cars did'nt need a driveing licence, same with the airplanes, now look at their requirements.
there are plenty of www site out there, but maybe the cheapest way would be to get "A+ For Dummies" it covers just about all you need plus it should have a A+ CD Rom with it that test you, ( This CD used to be sold by Micro Tech USA for $300USD+ just over a year ago.)
WW

[Dallasmcse]

Get this book "Upgading and repairing PC's" published by QUE. What we want from an a+ tech is that they know the irq assigns,know how to resolve same.How to properly setup a box with 2 ide controllers with 4 ide devices. Then make the same box run a scsi controller for scanner.Now disable the onboard video and put a voodo in.Remember that old isa modem??
Now put that on com2 irq 3.
This is what a good hardware tech knows in their sleep.(ps-This is the actual box we test our deskside support people with before hiring!!!!!!!)we have all these components on table and time them.

[Titan]

If you want some on-line practice tests, here is a decent site. Someone else posted it earlier here. This is pretty close to what you can expect to see.

http://www.freepractice.com/Aplus/aplus.htm

[Szech]

Cool, thanks. Anyway, I actually started debating whether or not it would be a good idea to get another job. My studying is beginning to suffer as is. But the A+ certification doesn't sound too difficult, so I think I'll go for it even if I decide not to get another job. Funny you should mention the modem, because I had to do exactly that when I was 12, because the modem was by default on COM 3, and the mouse was on COM 1. So every time my sister started AOL, the mouse froze. Stupid odd / even COMs...