Certification question

[jcandel]

I am considering a career change into the computing field. I have been studying online and with cheatsheets and am ready to try for my A+ Certification.My question is, Where do I take the test and are they all the same?Why are the questions so old?(seems like the test is geared toward early 90`s stuff).Are all A+ certifications the same? Would like to go for a mcse certification after.How many are there ? I count over 12.Thanks in advance for answers/advise <J>

[namrak]

Okay, to answer your first question regarding where you need to take the test, depends on which testing center you choose. The first thing to do is sign up for the CompTIA test at either...
Prometric - http://www.prometric.com
or
Vue - http://www.vue.com
When you go to sign up for your A+, you'll have the opportunity to choose a testing center near your location.

The exams are not all the same, you will get a random set of questions pertaining to each section of the test.

The questions may seem old because it is geared toward the technology still being currently used such as Win95 and Windows NT. CompTIA finally phased out DOS questions because they just really don't apply anymore.

As for the question regarding "Are all A+ certs the same". You bet. There is only one A+ certification issued by CompTIA (though they are updated in a sense from time to time) and are renowned.

Regarding MSCE certification. You're right. There are a few and the best way to look at your options is to head over to microsoft's website and do a search for msce certification.

Another option you might want to look at is Microsoft's new MCSA cert. Aimed at individuals who only need to move into an existing framework and maintain it. Think of the MCSA as a step between entry-level IT (should have A+ and Network+) to MCSE grade.

Lotsa luck! :)

[rangeral]

Make sure your studying the rite books last march they changed it and are asking alot of 2k questions which is not old, previous to the change it did ask alot of old questions so make sure your studying the latest books. The red books called exam cram are very good prep books, took mine before the change so I had a chance of passing it.:)

[namrak]

Oops. I forgot to mention some resources or books to use to study for the A+, but I definitely concur with rangeral. Coriolis's Exam Cram (red books) are an excellent way to prepare for the A+ test. You should definitely go through an exam cram book just before taking the test. Of course, you'll want to go through a book or two (if not an actual training center) on A+. The merits of self-study or heading to a training center or a combination of both will be left alone. I will mention a couple of books that are very good. I would have to say that Michael Meyers 'All-in-One A+ Certification book from McGraw Hill is very comprehensive' as well as Scott Mueller's Upgrading and Repairing PCs (for the hardware exam) are excellent books. I've gone through Microsoft's A+ Certification (3rd ed.) and it is a little light on the details, but would get the job done. Good luck.

[rangeral]

Yes heard the same thing about the meyers books between that and the exam cram book you should do okay.

[rh71]

I do not recommend braindumps. But since you've already went that route, you may as well pay for the Cert21.com (http://www.cert21.com) A+ practice exams they have to offer. I guarantee you'll pass after studying those questions. But know your stuff... you didn't pay $$$ for a **** memory test. ;)