A+ Cert Exams

[danb4]

Hey folks, looking for some input.

How hard are the A+ Cert Exams? I've taken some practice tests online and passed(but not with super high scores), but I'm trying to get an idea of how much studying I should do.

Any recent test takers want to comment on difficulty/ what to know, etc?

Any study recommendations?

Thanks folks,

Dan

[Donkey]

Out of curiosity where are the online practice tests?
Cheers
Donkey

[socalgal]

A subject of many topics http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Check out these threads - with many more links inside too!

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/002451.html

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/001757.html

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/001100.html

[danb4]

Hehe, sorry socalgal...i normally check, but I guess I was a bit lazy today

Thanks for the links though,

dan

[tantone]

They're not bad at all. I think you need in the mid 60's to pass on both exams. That's not hard at all!

[x35Agent]

Your right about only needing around a 65% to pass but does it matter if you score 85% or 100% will anyone other than you know your score?

[tantone]

I have no idea, but I seriously doubt it. Just like the MCSE, they don't look at your score, just the overall certification. I don't use my A+ as the sole basis for employment. It's nice to have, and most people just want to see the certification. And to tell you the truth, an 85% is pretty good.

[x35Agent]

Now I am curious as to what every ones score was For everyone Here who has taken the test What was your score

[jad1097]

To pass the A+ exam you need to score at least 65% on the core exam and 66% on the Dos/windows exam.

From the online practice tests I have taken it is not that difficult to pass.

[CMonster]

My A+ Scores: Core: 95%; DOS/Windows: 96%

Prior to the A+ exams I studied 3 books and did all the related practice exams until I was scoring in the high 90s - I also have a good bit of hands-on experinece.

My Network+ score: 95%

These certifications may not be highly esteamed but I am proud of them none-the-less.

Your scores are available to perspective employers if they request it from Comptia.

These are some pretty expensive tests and I really don't use them for anything yet because the jobs I could get in the computer industry (at my skill level) do not pay as much (including benefits) as I currently earn working as an equimpment mechanic for the city water&power department.

[jad1097]

What's next for you then?

I can only hope I score as well when I take the tests.

[rh71]

I picked up an A+ for Dummies book and read it cover to cover. I've also had 1.5 years of home experience at the time of the test. I used the Dummies CD and tested at 100%. I took the real exam and received an 80% for each part. Believe me when I say it's not as easy as those CDs make it out to be... Some people who score in the 90s (and I'm not pointing the finger here) must have spent a lot of time either memorizing braindumps or reading many books cover to cover (more power to you).

I had false hope from those CDs. Generally speaking, it's a lot of straightforward knowledge to soak up, depending on what your real-world experience is.

Nothing like the MCSE where they ask.. 'if a user wanted this and that, etc.'

Oh by the way, if you guys are looking for cert resources, check out both http://www.mcsetutor.com (MCSE Live Section) and ExamNotes.net (http://www.examnotes.net/cgi-bin/ubb/Ultimate.cgi)

[This message has been edited by rh71 (edited 06-23-2000).]

[CMonster]

I guess MCSE is next for me - but I might actually go for RHCE first - call me crazy.

As for the A+ For Dummies book & CD: Well, that was one of the books I used but it does have a few bits of incorrect information in it. That is why I also recommend the A+ Certification Study Guide by Syngress/Osborne (the red and blue book)...and yes, I generally read study guides "cover-to-cover."

Keep in mind that the tests will change about the end of December 2000, so if you are not prepared to test before then I highly recommend that you wait for the "new test" study guides before purchasing study materials.

And a score of 80% on the A+ is still quite good.

edit: BTW minimum passing score on the Network+ test is 82% Kind of scary considering I was not at all confident when I went in to test, but I figured the minimum passing score was around 66% (like the A+) - I must have confused that little detail. To tell the truth I would not have tested when I did had I realized in advance that the minimum passing was 82% - oh well, I passed anyway - whew!

[This message has been edited by CMonster (edited 06-23-2000).]

[jad1097]

For anyone like me that had no idea what RHCE is. Here you go. (http://www.redhat.com/services/training) I learn something new every day. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif