Whats some good information to know before going for A+ cert?

[ozzlo]

I want to take the A+ test but what are some things I should know about?

I've had very little experence with SCSI, IRQ handling, older types of ram, AT power specifications, pci bus, and anything 16 bit..... saying all that make me feel like a newb...

I found a pratice test online and I only got 70% and it only had 25 questions though... the real test has like 100-200 questions...

I don't want to take a class because they are freaking expensive...

[the adam]

There is a outline on the web saying what is on the test so if you find that then you can go to the library and find some books on the stuff. There are also probally books that tell you exactly (or almost exactly) what you need to know. I have never taken it but my info systems teacher managed to pass it (didn't even know what a northbride was at the beginning of the year) but she did take a 1 week course (funded by the county). Thats all I can think of but other people in the forums can probally can tell you alot more. Im also thinking about getting certified but fairfax county pays for most of it and I have to pay if I have to retake the test or something like that.

I know there are two parts off the top of my head 1)Hardware 2)Software

[Rafjr00]

Ok...first question: Why are you taking the A+ test. I ran a computer shop for about 3 years and on a weekly bases the owner of the shop and I made jokes about the test and every time we had to go fix a screw-up that the other computer shop in town made (the owner of the shop had A+ Cert.).
I see it as a waste of time and money, but if you work for someone and they will give you a raise or something then it is worth it.
As for SCSI just read the SCSI sticky. Do find that list of what is covered on the test and just ask in the forums.
Good luck :clap:
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=238643

[__Game_Start__]

know your irqs, and know your bootdisk commands - its good to have if you do freelance work, i do on the weekends, i charge 65 bucks, its good to be able to walk in there and show them your certification card.

[Rafjr00]

True...very true. I forget that the average person knows nothing. But ozzlo makes a good point without knowing it... the test is outdated, unless it has been updated since I looked into it. Alot of the questions I saw on practice test have nothing to do with modern computers. But it is alot like what I do now... the piece of paper getts you more money, but it does not mean you know more or that you learned anything, but you are here so you are already ahead of the game. :)

[tenchi86]

Either way, wether it works or not. It shows the person who needs help with a PC you know(or atleast they think you know) things about a pc.

[shuiends]

I would say Exam Cram books. They are small and very very informative to what will be on the exam. For your guys info I took the exam last June and most of the stuff os wise was modern. Hardware wise not as much. Allthough most of the things we talk about on the forums here is more then what the common person has in a pc. The OS section asks alot of tricky questions on like how to get to exact points in windows. Those can throw you off.

[telexen]

The only thing you need to know...is that the A+ is 100% worthless

There is nothing in the A+ certification that you'll EVER use that an intermediate computer repair person doesn't already know. It's a complete waste of money.

[__Game_Start__]

^ that may be true, but it shows a non computer person that you do know what an intermediate or expert tech does know. How does a computer repair person in highschool in college prove he knows about computers ? A+ is the stepping stone. to us A+ is useless, but it gives us bargaining position, i've been making 60 dollars part time per visit, on the premise that i'm certified and I know what i'm doing - what could I possibly put in my ad ? college student that does repair doesnt sound as good as college student with A+ Comptuer Technician certification ..

[Sentential]

As my father sez with his avaition quals. "Son its just a check in the box". It doesnt matter how pointless it is, if you have a certification it is a check in the box proving that you are infact competent. I cant tell you the number of dumbass n00bs who think they know what they are talking about....they know ONLY enough to get themselves into trouble. That is what getting a cert is all about.

I know I could sleep thru this but Im still gonna get certified via a course.

[theMonster]

When I took the test 2 years ago, most of the questions were on printers and Windows 98. More than a bit outdated IMO. Best thing you can do is know your fusers and other printer parts. Heck I've forgotten that useless info in 2 years. Still it looks good on your resume.

[shuiends]

I am not sure if I am allowed to say this but one of my hardware questions was on what color a keyboard ps2 plug is. I mean my sister knows that and she is a moron when it comes to computers. Allthough there are some random questions that are really out there. Also the OS section is now mostl ME and XP.

[ozzlo]

Hmm I never thought about Printer parts... nowadays most of the parts and circutry is built right into the ink cartrage. I guess I gotta refresh my baud rates also if it is as outdated as you say... alot of stuff is all integrated into the motherboard... I've never in my life had to deal with riser cards and stuff like that... I know alot of stuff but I guess it's too modern for the test...

I think It will be easier to get a tech job with an a+ cert cauz I'm tired of doin dishes! In this town the tech jobs fill up pretty fast...

[Rafjr00]

Ya...tech jobs do fill up fast. I know afew guys that have more cert. then they can count and guess what, they all wait tables cause there are just no openings in the city for their level. Good luck with the test and it is a steping stone to taking the more advanced test whice equal more money if you get in with the right business.

[NewbiePerson]

I think they usually put a couple of questions reguarding the Itanium cpu in the test as well. Basic networking also. The main printer to know is the laser.
If i'm not mistaken the hardware requires a 515/900 to pass and the software 505/900 to pass. It doesn't take a whole lot to pass but you want to know your stuff before you go in there, unless you have $150 to burn.
Over 500k people have taken and passed the A+ exam.
However, it's worth it if thats something you wish to do, plus you get a cool certificate to hang on your wall.
examnotes.com has a great forum for certs of all kinds.
Once you start scoring 90% or more on the practice tests your ready for the real test. I'll throw in another vote for an exam cram book. With some books you get a voucher for 30% off the test.

[ozzlo]

ooo very nice... my school finals are done today so tomorrow it's off to find a cram book and then take the test eigther the next day or the day after....

well it's a cram book aint it? :p wow only like 60% needed to pass!!! :EEK: well this is going to be easyer than I thought....


look around spring break for questions from me regarding mcse cert test ;)

[shuiends]

Lol give yourself some time to take them. First off you need to register a couple of days in advance for the test. comptia.com should have all the details. Also dont take both on the same day. Thake hardware first and the software. It is easit that way.

[ozzlo]

I'm consistantly getting 70-80% on hardware pre-test questions and 60-90% on software questions...

I hate REGISTRY QUESTIONS... I usually stay away from the registry cause I usually CAN't make heads or tails outta it anyways so registry questions are going to be my weak point...

there where a few lazer printer questions in there too....


I'm downloading an 1300 question pretest for hardware and software at the momment...

the test is cool because it teaches you why the correct answer is the correct answer and goes over all the missed questions again and again until I get them all right...

I'm going to register tonite and go through bolth study materials until my scheduled test date comes up...

[PCGUY112887]

I'm downloading an 1300 question pretest for hardware and software at the momment...

Any chance you wanna send that to me as well? (or tell me where to d/l). I have been interested in the A+ for some time...

Where are you taking it at? Here I can only find 1 place, and they require you to have a GED or Diploma :/