Thread: compTIA A+

1337z0r comptia h4x 4attackx

Originally Posted by BigDyl

1337z0r comptia h4x 4attackx

lol you write that yourself ?

Originally Posted by Richie1888

lol you write that yourself ?

No. Wish I was that 1337.



Anyways, if you're studying for a cert, the brand of book depends on the cert.

Syngress is generally decent, but the book is only a peice of the puzzle. For A+ you need to be building machines and understanding what you're doing.

If you're that far along, get the book, and also testing software like transcender. When you get into bigger certs you almost need mutiple software video/training apps to be able to cover all your bases.



Book + Transcender + Experience.

ive been reading a couple of books that are recommened on the website and have sat a couple of practice exams which were set out for the 2003 ciriculm.

whats actually in the exam i know u sit hardware/domains and OS. but there now saying u have to sit another exam that you decide on from a few choices.

whats the practical side of the exam like ?

Originally Posted by Richie1888

ive been reading a couple of books that are recommened on the website and have sat a couple of practice exams which were set out for the 2003 ciriculm.

whats actually in the exam i know u sit hardware/domains and OS. but there now saying u have to sit another exam that you decide on from a few choices.

whats the practical side of the exam like ?

I don't know how it is now. I took it back in like 99/2000. It has two parts, the harware test and the OS test.

well my finally question has to be then is it worth having ?

It's a good stepping stone, so yes.

cheers mate

I take it you have microsoft certifications then ?

Awesome thread. I was just thinking of pming a few friends about some questions, but I'll just post them here.

I switched my focus track from databases to networking. I didn't want to, but the classes I needed were not being offered because there went enough of us in the track, so now I'm having to do networking do graduate in December.
I like networking enough to try and get a few certifications. We have been programming Cisco switches and routers for labs, and the stuff isn't too hard imo.

So my question is what would be a some good certifications to have under my belt for a networking professional. I could probably work on a CCNA this summer, and later go back and get my CCNP if I like doing the work. I downloaded a bunch of torrents of CCNA training programs. Lawl I looked two of them up and they cost close to $700.00 a piece. I also downloaded a Cisco switch/router simulator program so I can practice the Cisco programming language. I also have an awesome professor who is willing to let me use the Cisco lab anytime I want over the summer.

I didn't think A+ is even worth the money that the certification exam cost.

What other certifications might I be smart to go on ahead and get before I graduate. Come on IT people, I know you are all out there. Help a fellow out.

Originally Posted by KelJu

Awesome thread. I was just thinking of pming a few friends about some questions, but I'll just post them here.

I switched my focus track from databases to networking. I didn't want to, but the classes I needed were not being offered because there went enough of us in the track, so now I'm having to do networking do graduate in December.
I like networking enough to try and get a few certifications. We have been programming Cisco switches and routers for labs, and the stuff isn't too hard imo.

So my question is what would be a some good certifications to have under my belt for a networking professional. I could probably work on a CCNA this summer, and later go back and get my CCNP if I like doing the work. I downloaded a bunch of torrents of CCNA training programs. Lawl I looked two of them up and they cost close to $700.00 a piece. I also downloaded a Cisco switch/router simulator program so I can practice the Cisco programming language. I also have an awesome professor who is willing to let me use the Cisco lab anytime I want over the summer.

I didn't think A+ is even worth the money that the certification exam cost.

What other certifications might I be smart to go on ahead and get before I graduate. Come on IT people, I know you are all out there. Help a fellow out.

MCSA/MCSE, CCNA/CCIE, Security+

those are solid certs for the networking/systems field.

Originally Posted by KelJu

Awesome thread. I was just thinking of pming a few friends about some questions, but I'll just post them here.

I switched my focus track from databases to networking. I didn't want to, but the classes I needed were not being offered because there went enough of us in the track, so now I'm having to do networking do graduate in December.
I like networking enough to try and get a few certifications. We have been programming Cisco switches and routers for labs, and the stuff isn't too hard imo.

So my question is what would be a some good certifications to have under my belt for a networking professional. I could probably work on a CCNA this summer, and later go back and get my CCNP if I like doing the work. I downloaded a bunch of torrents of CCNA training programs. Lawl I looked two of them up and they cost close to $700.00 a piece. I also downloaded a Cisco switch/router simulator program so I can practice the Cisco programming language. I also have an awesome professor who is willing to let me use the Cisco lab anytime I want over the summer.

I didn't think A+ is even worth the money that the certification exam cost.

What other certifications might I be smart to go on ahead and get before I graduate. Come on IT people, I know you are all out there. Help a fellow out.

lawl, don't diss A+. It may be easy, but I do know some people that have failed it. It's a good start. If someone is just starting out, I recommend it.

The A+ exam nowadays is a joke. I wouldn't waste the money because nobody cares about that cert anymore.

I took it back in the early 90's and back then it was worth something. Not to mention you actually had to know DOS.....

Kelju - Go for the CCNA! I would also consider MCSE if you think at all that you want to get into AD architectural stuff.

Originally Posted by BigDyl

MCSA/MCSE, CCNA/CCIE, Security+

those are solid certs for the networking/systems field.

That is perfect. I am doing windows server right now. It is my first exposure to it, but it is a lot easier than apache.

Originally Posted by Jodi

The A+ exam nowadays is a joke. I wouldn't waste the money because nobody cares about that cert anymore.

I took it back in the early 90's and back then it was worth something. Not to mention you actually had to know DOS.....

Kelju - Go for the CCNA! I would also consider MCSE if you think at all that you want to get into AD architectural stuff.

in the uk its a requirement for any decent IT related job

Originally Posted by BigDyl

lawl, don't diss A+. It may be easy, but I do know some people that have failed it. It's a good start. If someone is just starting out, I recommend it.

If someone fails the A+ then I think they should find a new career. That exam is so pathetic.

Originally Posted by Jodi

If someone fails the A+ then I think they should find a new career. That exam is so pathetic.

There are alot more technicians out there than network engineers.

So to completely discount a certification because it's "easier" is ludicris

It is a little different nowadays. The old test constisted of two parts, Hardware and Operating System... this test can only be taken through mid 2007. The new test cosists of three different specailized paths, each of which consists of 2 tests. For each you take the "Essentials" test and a specailized test. The different paths are: IT Tech(the most rounded), Remote Support Tech(help desk), and Depot Tech(more technical with Hardware). A+ Cert. is essentail for a good Tech postition but nothing more, so if you aren't looking for a Technician or Help desk job then it isnt very useful.

Originally Posted by BigDyl

There are alot more technicians out there than network engineers.

So to completely discount a certification because it's "easier" is ludicris

No I discredit this test because it's a joke and no reputable company out there will hire someone solely on this test. Actually I don't know of a single company that requires this cert anymore. Anyone that needs a GUI to be a tech doesn't deserve to be a tech. That's just my opinion. I did/do a lot of hiring of my own throughout the years, and at one time was a help desk manager. The OLD A+ was decent, now I wouldn't give it a second glance.

Originally Posted by Jodi

No I discredit this test because it's a joke and no reputable company out there will hire someone solely on this test. Actually I don't know of a single company that requires this cert anymore. Anyone that needs a GUI to be a tech doesn't deserve to be a tech. That's just my opinion. I did/do a lot of hiring of my own throughout the years, and at one time was a help desk manager. The OLD A+ was decent, now I wouldn't give it a second glance.

I did some hiring in the past as well. Most of the people that had A+ (or even MCSE) certs didn't know jack.

Originally Posted by DOMS

I did some hiring in the past as well. Most of the people that had A+ (or even MCSE) certs didn't know jack.

My point exactly!

For those learning, it's a base but to expect a career off of it is another thing.

Originally Posted by Jodi

My point exactly!

For those learning, it's a base but to expect a career off of it is another thing.

I think that, over time, almost every (if not all) technical tests ceases to be about the technology and more about passing the test. In the end, all you get are good test takers.

I swear to this day it was these "paper techs" that ruined the IT industry 5 years ago.

These people study the answers and not the problems. Put them in a real world situation and they haven't a clue. Not every answer is in the textbook.

Well luckily for me, networking is highly specialized, so my professors tell me to devote my time learning Cisco. They are telling me that I would find a good job if I get the CCNA. Then once my foot is in the door, I will learn the other things that will help me be a well rounded IT professional.

Anybody agree or disagree with this?

Originally Posted by KelJu

Well luckily for me, networking is highly specialized, so my professors tell me to devote my time learning Cisco. They are telling me that I would find a good job if I get the CCNA. Then once my foot is in the door, I will learn the other things that will help me be a well rounded IT professional.

Anybody agree or disagree with this?

The CCNA is one of the few certs that's still respected.

Don't get me wrong, having a cert is better than not having one. I don't place much stock in them, but that doesn't mean that everyone else feels the same.

When you're getting into the field, you need every bit of help you can get.

Oh, and you should at least trim your beard down a Riker-like style before you interview. It'll make you look more professional.

Originally Posted by Jodi

I swear to this day it was these "paper techs" that ruined the IT industry 5 years ago.

These people study the answers and not the problems. Put them in a real world situation and they haven't a clue. Not every answer is in the textbook.

agreed.

Originally Posted by DOMS

I think that, over time, almost every (if not all) technical tests ceases to be about the technology and more about passing the test. In the end, all you get are good test takers.

I am really scared that I am in this group. Too many of my teachers have been theory teachers. You know right off that some of these teachers taught because they couldn't do. I ask them a basic question about the application of a technology, and they say they will get back to me.

Luckily, I have 2 professors that know their shit. I try to always take them for important classes, but my department is watered down with a lot of bullshit classes taught by institutionalized teachers. I have an HCI teacher that couldn't code his way out of a brown paper bag.

I agree on the Cisco certs! They are beneficial.

What is your degree Kelju?

Originally Posted by DOMS

Oh, and you should at least trim your beard down a Riker-like style before you interview. It'll make you look more professional.

Give me a little credit, lawl. I will have a good barber trim up up perfect before any and all interviews.