A+ Certification Test

Stone Is God

I am just starting to study for this test. Anyone take this test? I'm just wondering what to expect when I end up taking it. Any advice would be good.

Travelar

I took it in 2001 and found it ridiculously easy. I already had a computer background, I don't know what your situation is. One of the biggest issues that I had when I took it is that it was incredibly outdated and I had to remember old stuff. On the OS test I had a lot of Windows 95 questions. On the hardware test, I had some questions about IRQs (which modern Windows systems handle without problem). I also had a lot of printer questions (how to add, how to set the banner page). I recall some questions on how to navigate Windows without a mouse too, so know your key combinations.

I'm sure they've updated it between now and then. Invest in a book that gives you a CD with practice tests. If you're scoring moderately well on the practice tests, go in and test for real.

You may laugh, but the biggest piece of advice that I can offer is that when you get to the test site and park your car, eat a regular size Snickers bar before you go in. I guarantee you an extra few points with the Snickers bar. I've tested a lot of people for various things where I needed them to pass and Snickers has never failed me.

Also, take your time and read the questions fully. Take one test at a time if you need to as well. I took both tests in the same afternoon.

Stone Is God

TrAvELAr wrote:

I took it in 2001 and found it ridiculously easy. I already had a computer background, I don't know what your situation is. One of the biggest issues that I had when I took it is that it was incredibly outdated and I had to remember old stuff. On the OS test I had a lot of Windows 95 questions. On the hardware test, I had some questions about IRQs (which modern Windows systems handle without problem). I also had a lot of printer questions (how to add, how to set the banner page). I recall some questions on how to navigate Windows without a mouse too, so know your key combinations.

I'm sure they've updated it between now and then. Invest in a book that gives you a CD with practice tests. If you're scoring moderately well on the practice tests, go in and test for real.

You may laugh, but the biggest piece of advice that I can offer is that when you get to the test site and park your car, eat a regular size Snickers bar before you go in. I guarantee you an extra few points with the Snickers bar. I've tested a lot of people for various things where I needed them to pass and Snickers has never failed me.

Also, take your time and read the questions fully. Take one test at a time if you need to as well. I took both tests in the same afternoon.

Thanks bud. I learned/still learning computers in a "trial by fire" method. I never really learned proper terminology which is what I'm worried about.

I just bought a Mike Myers book with a practice CD and once I finish the Server Admin class that I'm taking I'm going to start cramming for this one.

I know they updated the test I'm just not sure how much Vista will be included on it considering Windows 7 is already being tested. A close friend of mine has already downloaded a trial version for one of his virtual machines and is already messing with it.

I'll eat a box of Snickers if it means I'll pass this test and then the Networking test.

Digital Twilight

I'm actually looking in doing a course for this qualification. I'm pretty decent on the computer and know various bits and bobs but i dont have a job in IT or anything, would you still recommend this? Also been looking at the N+.

Good luck with the exam

Travelar

Digital Twilight wrote:

I'm actually looking in doing a course for this qualification. I'm pretty decent on the computer and know various bits and bobs but i dont have a job in IT or anything, would you still recommend this? Also been looking at the N+.

Good luck with the exam

Sure do. The A+ (any of the CompTia + exams) is your stepping stone into the IT world. From there, move onto Microsoft, RedHat and Cisco and then into global certs like CISSP. I didn't study for the N+ exam. I just walked in, took it, and passed. Again, it was outdated. I had to recall a lot of 10-Base-T, Token Ring, and FDDI. A few questions on cabling, and protocols. If I remember right, I had a lot of questions on IPX/SPX (think Novell).

yoke

I am actually studying for my Network + and CCNA. I never took the A+ as I thought that I didn't need to since I have a computer/tech backround. From what I understand the test is not that hard, just make sure you read the books,take the practice tests and you should be fine. One thing I have learned is to READ the QUESTIONS. I have taken some practice tests and I found myself glancing over what I thought was a straight forward question only to go back and realize it wasn't.

I was in Telecom for years(before testing or Certs). Now I find myself looking again these days and it doesn't hurt to have these certs. I never needed them before but I will do it now and get it over with. Net + is good for life and CCNA is every 2 years I think. But hopefully I will bump up after that one.

aNiMaL

Funny, I have been working IT desktop support for more than 6 years....and I still need to get this cert. :oops:

South of Seattle

aNiMaL wrote:

Funny, I have been working IT desktop support for more than 6 years....and I still need to get this cert. :oops:

+1

you guys hiring? I may re-locate up north soon.

Travelar

aNiMaL wrote:

Funny, I have been working IT desktop support for more than 6 years....and I still need to get this cert. :oops:

Certs are the key to getting out of desktop support.

South of Seattle

TrAvELAr wrote:

aNiMaL wrote:

Funny, I have been working IT desktop support for more than 6 years....and I still need to get this cert. :oops:

Certs are the key to getting out of desktop support.

But desktop support means you can surf the pit and watch movies all night