The local occupational center has both A+ and CCNA programs, but should I bother with A+ before taking CCNA?

[Bootron]

I did computers for the military, but the computer school was such a fast pace that it left some gaps in my knowledge (and the way the the worked, all I could do was troubleshoot but I wasn't allowed to get my hands dirty and fix the problems myself). I want to get a civilian networking job and the occupational center has a hands-on, 5 day a week programs at a reasonable price.

But I was wondering if I should bother with the A+ course, to prepare for the CCNA/Net+ course, or if it would be better to jump straight in to the networking course.

 

[Helldog26]

I think that you have to have A+ in order to get the Net+. CCNA is Cisco specific so I doubt you would need A+ for that but if you plan on doing compTIA A+ before Net+

 

[Helldog26]

http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/network.aspx

That for the Net+ I guess its just recommended I thought it was a pre-requisite for it but I guess not.

 

[Bootron]

I've taken and past Net+, but the Net+ class was was a week long information dump in which I didn't even have time to read the book and gained very little from the class (aside from learning how to get the right answers on the test). And if I can take and pass a class like that, I'd have no trouble completing a semester length class. I'm just wondering if before taking the networking class at the occupational center, if it would be a good idea to take the A+ class in preparation.

 

[Helldog26]

Maybe, all the A+ is gonna give you is basic PC knowledge. Operating systems and hardware make up the test so if you know that stuff then I would go ahead and just do the Net+ I wouldnt wast my money on a A+ test that you probably wouldnt use any way. Besides you can always go back and get the A+ if you need to later on.

 

[Bootron]

Maybe I'll just do the A+ on my own, before taking the networking course. After all, I have enough books and resources to give me what I'd need for A+.

 

[Helldog26]

Yeah the A+ is like 188 dollars so if you have the cash it probably wouldnt hurt to take the A+ then Net+. I went to the local book store and picked up an A+ and Net+ book for like 20 bucks total so that may be worth looking into for you as well.