TIA A+ and MCSA Advices + Recommendation

[jackluo923]

To Moderators: Please move this topic if it's in irrelevant because i cannot find a place to put it.

I live in B.C Canada and currently enrolling in Gr.9
My tech teacher gave me a brochure talking about Ace-it program http://www.itabc.ca/Youth-ACEIT.php

My current GPA is around 3.8 and my tech teacher said that if i apply for it, i'll be accepted into the program for sure. In 2 years, this program covers CompTIA A+ certification and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification.

I've tried the CompTIA A+ practice test today online, and i got 9.5/10 average on all the tests.

Should I enroll into this program and prepare for it a year beforehand? Are there any advantages in taking this course. IE, find better job. Advices or recommendation before and after completing the course? Good books/ cd -roms for studying?

Thanks in advance

 

[jackluo923]

I have no problem getting the 300$. I have at least 5k in my bank account. I worked for paper route 4 years ago and at my dad's friend's computer store last year and got some cash.

I'm just wondering if TIA A+ is as easy as the practice test on its website.
http://certification.comptia.org/resources/practice_test.aspx

If the actual test is similar to what is on the website, i don't think i need to take the course. I got 10/10 on most of the tests and a couple of 9/10.

 

[jajig]

The A+ 601 and 602 are dead easy if you know anything about computers. I passed both with only about 1 or 2 incorrect answers. I would say it isn't even necessary to buy a A+ book or do practice questions as the two books I flipped through had (can't remember the names) quite a few errors in them. The practice questions were from a compTIA learning partner, prep logic, and I found them to hinder more than help. If you answer the question with common sense and have a tech background nothing else is needed.

 

[jackluo923]

I was shocked after doing the test. I got perfect on A+ 601 and 602. If all of the questions on the test are that easy, i won't even have to go to classes. Just do a test and i could pass it. All i need to memorize are those rare connector such as the one used in the practice test questions: ( Whats the connector used in optic fiber? ) I wouldn't know because I've never touched, seen, or learned about it.
Is it possible to get a A+ certificate without taking the course. Can't you just go to a test center and just take the test?
By doing the above, I could save 1 year of time.

 

[jajig]

Register with Pearson VUE they provide the tests and CompTIA, then just find a testing centre near you. The actual exams are about 90 questions and you get 1 1/2 hours to complete it, you'll probably only need 30 minutes.

There is no need to do a course, if you want to get your CCNA, MCSA, A+ or what ever just find and book the test on Pearson they will be more than happy to take your money. If you want to study for the MCSA you can buy the self paced study books from Microsoft I have 7 of them from when I was studying for my MCSE and found them to be very good.

 

[Gary_Busey]

I'll be taking the A+ at the end of the summer and the CCNA at the end of the fall. I bought the latest A+ Certification for Dummies book, and as silly as it seems, it's actually a really good book. The CCNA is required by one of my classes, so that's why I'm taking it at the end of the fall. Try some other practice tests just to make sure. Here's one I use:

http://www.proprofs.com/certification/comptia/a-plus/index.shtml

 

[Mugz]

Get the certification. It's doubtful that the full course is necessary.

A lot of professionals down here tend to pick up the textbook (order online, or something), spend three or so days with it, hit the exam and get the certificate.

 

[Sengoku]

I am in favor of every nine year old taking the A+ cert exam.

I'd be a bit suprised if any longtime toms hardware readers couldn't pass the test without a class.

This doesn't address the question of what you want to do for the next 50 years of your life.

 

[deusex]

Ummm he's in 9th grade, not 9 year old..

 

[frenchsquared]

sorry to steal your thread, but...

Hi all.
Im currently a Graphic artist and a full time Web development Student at the Art Institute. I plan on completing a Bachelors with them, then moving into an IT field for my masters.

This is the first I have heard of these certifications. I have been googling them and will continue to do so.

But, I would like your input.
How useful is this certification?
What certification would be best for the web aspect?
I want to be able to maintain and develop web and application servers as well as PC's
I also want the Windows knowledge that you all have.

I am very good at self teaching so can you recommend some good training books? From what some have said a few are flawed.

To the 9th grader, good luck. I wish would have, had the drive to do something with my life at that age. i personally have found that if you have the ability to learn on your own, don't wast the money on the class. You generally get a deeper understanding when self taught. That goes for a class or two, not the entire college experience.

 

[Sengoku]

I know he's in ninth grade. I'm still in favor of every nine year old taking A+ cert tests.


If I had zero work experience, and nobody to vouch for me, I can see how having certs might be helpful.

Personally I feel most certs are too easy.


It has been my experience that employment is based on your ability to demonstrate you can do the job.

Hard experience actually getting stuff done consistently beat training, tests and soft experience.

To the best of my knowledge, when Tom's Hardware hires testers or freelancers, it's based almost exclusively on their ability to test and to write.

At least this is the case for any company I would want to work for.