General Discussion - I heard than getting A+ Certified is very easy.

Author

I heard than getting A+ Certified is very easy.

Craiglew

2001-10-07, 9:24 am

I went to class to take the MOC in preparation for getting my MCSE. This training center also teaches CICSO, Internet, A+, etc.. One of my teachers, (the owner of the Microsoft Official Training Center's brother) told me that A+ is "by far, the easiest course they teach." While I was there, there was a 12 year old taking the A+ courses! I'm debating on taking a course or just self-studying on my own for A+ after I finish my MCSE. Can anyone tell me how it compares to other certifications? I've also heard that CISCO is pretty tough! Thanks!

Paisleyskye

2001-10-07, 11:26 am

I really can't comment on Cisco certifications becauase I haven't started working on them yet - but I've heard that they are very challenging.

As for A+ certification - it does have value in the workplace. Although some may consider it to be an easy certification, there is alot of material to study for A+ - more material than I've ever had to study for any one of the Microsoft exams that I've taken.

Personally, I think A+ certification is a valuable asset. I know many MCSE's personally, who could not replace a hard drive or upgrade RAM if their life depended on it. With A+ certification you can not only maintain the network, you can fix the machines when they go down.

But again, don't take A+ certification based on the fact that you think its easy. The OS exam gives alot of people a difficult time, and not everybody makes it through on the first try.

As for self-studying or taking a course for A+ - it really depends on the course, and your current work situation. If you currently have lots of opportunity for hands on practice, self study may be an option. However, if you don't have opportunity for hands on practice and the course offers you that opportunity, then you should take the course.

Hands-on is the most important aspect of studying A+. Reading and studying a text book will teach you to pass the exams, but it won't teach you to be a technician.

Oldemoldy

2001-10-07, 10:57 pm

A+ was indeed very easy for me. I studied about 2 hours and passed easily. However, I devour at least 5-10 computer magazines a month, practically memorized the classic 'Inside the IBM PC' by Peter Norton back in the mid eighties, and I also love to tinker.

Now for the real reason for my post.

Paiselysky, are you as cute in person as you are in your pic?

John

limsam

2001-10-08, 1:26 am

Yes A+ is relatively easy. (Since I don't have that A+ certification)

Thanks
LS

2beCCIE

2001-10-08, 7:57 am

Not every one is as bright as oldemoldy. However, A+ should prove to be far easier than the MCSE or CISCO courses. There is a lot of information in it, though. It is a good foundation and considered necessary to get a job as a technician. You won't get far without it. No need for the class though. Get a couple of good books and there are about 1.5 million (exaggeration) sites on the web that have study guides for it.

Just one man's opinion!!

Oldemoldy

2001-10-08, 3:34 pm

'Oldemoldy' is CAPITALIZED!!! Hehehehe.

I don't think of myself as brilliant. Just that when one has tinkered with PC's since the mid 70's, something has to sink in.

'Inside the IBM PC' by Peter Norton is probably the very best single book ever written on the PC.

There is a more recent book by Mark Minasi which is Maintaining and Upgrading your PC or something similar. I've browsed it at bookstores and it seems to be an excellent resource.

Now I've got to get back to studying for my CCNA.....

Olde

dickrwh

2001-10-08, 4:43 pm

The A+ is easy if you coming from the MCSE perspective but it is normally a starter certification. Many people do not pass the operating system part the first time even though it is easier than MCSE. You must know DOS through Win 2000. As far as the hardware stuff goes, only their blotchy CompTIA drawings makeit difficult - especially if you can memorize the important port numbers, interrupts, and al little memory and cpu stuff. Remember that CompTIA is two exams, not just one. You must also know a little internet protocol information. It is tougher now than with the previous version.

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