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Home > Archive > Server + > September 2001 > Passed today with an 89.
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Passed today with an 89.
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| Hi All,
Just wanted to let everyone know my experiences with the exam. After reading many of the earlier posts, I was concerned that this test was "unpassable" for me. While the exam was definitely harder than A+, Net+ or i-Net+, it was not "unpassable." Here are my thoughts/recommendations/study history:
WHAT I USED TO STUDY
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1. Bought the Sybex book by Govanus:
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/078...6742687-0326464
While I don't wish to personally trash the author in ths forum, suffice to say that I was not pleased at all with the book, and feel that Sybex owes me a refund. First time I have ever thought that about an IT book that I purchased. I would sell it on eBay, but I have a wife and child's security to consider... Enough said.
2. After the Sybex book, I bought the Server+ Bible by Trevor Kay:
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/076...6742687-0326464
Folks, I'll be looking for more books from Trevor. A very easy read, the books objectives are aligned with COMPTIA's objectives (which I like.) Also, the practice exams were OK (although there were MANY errors on the questions/answers, and I don't mean typos. This is a book that I will keep, and not put up on eBay!
3. I bought the practice exams from VN Publishing:
www.vnpublishing.com/serverplus.htm
At $16, there is a lot of material packed into these practice exams. First, let me give you a little history. I have used VN Publishing for each of my certifications. Cost factor was what attracted me to them, but the exams are an accurate measurement fof my preparedness, and that's why I keep going back. (Climbing up on my soapbox now...)
To clarify how I use practice exams: I study for about 3-4 weeks. Learn everything that I think I need to know (usually reading at least two books). Then I use a practice exam to identify my weak areas. Then, I restudy that area. And restudy again, etc.
I do not expect a practice exam to contain actual exam questions and answers. If I wanted that, I would be a brain dumper, and would gain no education from my studies, only a worthless piece of paper. BUT, I don't want to have a "holier than thou" approach, so I must say that there was some questions that were on VN Publishing's software that were also on the exam, and to be honest, it made me fee a little better during the exam. With the type of questions that they were, it is possible for that to occur. (IE. SCSI terminator type, etc.)
[back off my soapbox]
HOW LONG DID I STUDY?
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I studied 2 hours a day for three weeks, and this past weekend, the ENTIRE weekend. Morning till night.
WHAT IS MY EXPERIENCE?
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I work in a server environment, although not directly with servers. 6 Years experience as a hardware tech, etc...
All in all, the exam was tough. Not "unpassable" just tough. In a way, I am glad that I heeded all of the warnings on this site. I went in thinking that it would be the hardest test that I ever took. It was not, but by my thinking that, I was prepared.
Jutta
A+, Network+, i-Net+, MCP, Server+ | |
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| SNOWBALL 2001-09-04, 8:57 am |
| congrats a job well done | |
| vizard 2001-09-04, 9:42 am |
| congrats! | |
| PCGuy 2001-09-04, 10:30 am |
| Great job Jutta!
I've been putting this exam off until there are good resources out there. Sounds like you've found a winner. Thanks for sharing. | |
| bassackwards 2001-09-04, 11:18 am |
| Did you notice any "off the wall" questions or were they pretty much straight forward? | |
| Gareth Leung 2001-09-04, 11:55 am |
| Congrats!!  | |
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| I actually did not notice any out of left field type of questions. They all seemed fairly straight-forward.
Hope this helps!
JuttaB | |
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| JediKlampet 2001-09-05, 6:19 am |
| Congratulations!!!! | |
| Playboy 2001-09-06, 1:15 pm |
|  Outstanding Jutta!
Thank you for giving us your study method. I have been trying to decide on a book as well. Congratulations on obtaining Server+ and keep up the good work!  | |
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| COngrat! However, what kind of position or any job u can get for Svr+!!!
Nothing! ... I wonder it is worth for the money and time to take the exam... | |
| bassackwards 2001-09-08, 8:18 am |
| Without experience, NO cert will get you a job! But it does help to advance your current position. | |
| darthw 2001-09-08, 9:52 am |
| It is a bit of a pricey exam. However, I plan on taking it soon. Continuing with any certs increases knowledge, pads your resume, and shows continual commitment to educating myself. (A plus for most employers I've worked with.)
Another "plus" on the CompTIA exams is that once you pass, you pass. You don't have to keep choking over more money to "upgrade" like most of the vendor certs.
Just yesterday I was talking to an regional HR director who I ran into. He knew my name from the hiring process 4 months ago, although I'd never met him before. He stated that there had been "tons of people" that applied for the position, but the hiring manager chose to interview only a couple. My hiring manager had spoken with him specifically regarding me, prior to the interview, because my resume showed a continual commitment toward growth. In my current position, I work with several other techs who are talented and capable, but unmotivated to learn new technology (and mostly hired by a previous manager). My manager said she is interested in hiring "go-getters" for future positions. To me all this affirmed my thought already that continuing ones growth, and having something to prove it (a cert or degree, for example), can give one a necessary edge.
A long answer to why I will take Server+, then eventually Linux+, Project+, and EBiz+. | |
| bassackwards 2001-09-08, 4:52 pm |
| Well Said! I am the same way. On my last one on one with my manager I got a perfect score on "continuing education". He said he always sees me with a book, taking online tests or spending time with our network admin and systems integration anaylist learning new technology.
However, for those people that think getting a certification (with no experience) will get them a high paying job are sadly mistaken. Sure the "fancy" certs will grab their attention and probably get you a first interview.BUT, when their network/systems administrator interviews you and they find that you are only "paper" certified, it's "don't let the door hit your XXX on the was out!" | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by bassackwards
However, for those people that think getting a certification (with no experience) will get them a high paying job are sadly mistaken. Sure the "fancy" certs will grab their attention and probably get you a first interview.BUT, when their network/systems administrator interviews you and they find that you are only "paper" certified, it's "don't let the door hit your XXX on the was out!"
So how does one gain experience? We have to get in the door first. The jobs we apply for will have to show or train in some form on how they operate day-to-day any way.
Should we NOT try to get the jobs we seek even though we have little or no experience?
Should only those who have experience take these certs?
-- UkBoy
We have to apply for these jobs so we can gain experience. No if, and's, or but's about it. quote:
Take A Risk And Expect the UnExpected
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| bassackwards 2001-09-19, 9:48 pm |
| Applying for an entry level position is the best way to get your foot in the door and get the experience you need for the "high paying jobs". Spend about a year learning everything you can. Then when you want to apply for the better position you'll have the cert PLUS a year experience! Trust me this looks MUCH better on your resume. | |
| UKboy 2001-09-20, 11:18 pm |
| Here's my problem:
I'm not an entry-level guy. I know computers and computer technology like the back of my hands. I have a degree in Electrical Engineering. I work as an engineer as a career. But I never worked in an IT position. Why can't I find an IT job.
Recuiters keep saying, oh you need to have experience in an IT position...I say to them well here I am.
I know more than the MIS guy at my job and he always asks how I know so much. I think there are positions out there that can be filled and it doesn't have to be an entry-level position. That would cut my salary in half....and I'm not prepared for that. | |
| bassackwards 2001-09-21, 7:58 am |
| First of all there's a difference between experience and professional experience. As for professional experience most companies could care less where you got it as long as you know your stuff. Before I got into IT I had 12 yrs. experience but no "professional" experience. They asked me things like "what kind of protocols have you worked with?" "How many times have you installed Windows?" "Have you done any troubleshooting with laptops and servers?" Things like that. Of course I had so I was able to answer all their questions.
Since you have an Engineering degree with experience you should have no trouble getting into IT. What exactly are you wanting to do in IT? |
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