A+ Certification Test

Stone Is God
Stone Is God Posts: 1,331
edited March 2009 in All Encompassing Trip
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.
I'll ride the wave where it takes me.
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Travelar
    Travelar Posts: 3,448
    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 One of the biggest issues that I had when I took it is that it was incredibly outdated and I had to remember old stuff.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
    Stone Is God Posts: 1,331
    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 One of the biggest issues that I had when I took it is that it was incredibly outdated and I had to remember old stuff.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. :lol:
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me.
  • Digital Twilight
    Digital Twilight Posts: 5,642
    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
    Travelar Posts: 3,448
    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
    yoke Posts: 1,440
    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.
    Thats a lovely accent you have. New Jersey?

    www.seanbrady.net
  • aNiMaL
    aNiMaL Posts: 7,117
    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
    South of Seattle West Seattle Posts: 10,724
    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.
    NERDS!
  • Travelar
    Travelar Posts: 3,448
    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
    South of Seattle West Seattle Posts: 10,724
    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 :mrgreen:
    NERDS!

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