A+ Certification

[henz0]

Is it worth it now at days? I REALLY wanna get into the IT field..and my neighbor works for an organization called per scholas and they have a a+ training course..but the course is 15 weeks..i don't wanna waste 15 weeks to come and find out that it's just a piece of paper..all opinions and help is appreciated..thanks

[GroundZero3]

Anyone who gets into the computer business usually starts off with PC repair. It wont get you a great paying job but it will help you understand the fundamentals. Do you have any experience with computers?

[henz0]

I have so-so experience..i've built 5 computers so far..

[GroundZero3]

Why not just get an A+ book yourself and do it then?

[henz0]

Funds are extremely low..and the course is free..

[GroundZero3]

You can get A+ material online for pretty cheap. Does the course some with material for you to study?

[henz0]

the books i can most def afford lol..but aren't the courses/tests like a couple grand? I'm in NY btw

[GroundZero3]

A+ exam is like 125 bucks if i remember correctly?

How well do you learn on your own? I don't think you will have much problems with the A+ if you built five computers on your own. Plenty of people have taken the A+ without going to a course.

[henz0]

i was told it was around 2500..guess i was lied to..i'm a pretty fast learner..i'm sure i can take the test and pass it with a little studying..the course being free raised a red flag so i figured A+ wasn't worth squat anymore..

[TrendyMartini]

If the course is free and you have the time, why not go? It certainly can't hurt you, plus you may pick up things that you wouldn't have grasped just you and a book.

[henz0]

If the course is free and you have the time, why not go? It certainly can't hurt you, plus you may pick up things that you wouldn't have grasped just you and a book.

i guess it was from reading the old topics on here with people saying it's not worth much now at days..while it is free..i wouldn't wanna waste 15 weeks and have a certificate that really doesn't do much for me..

[Endo13]

Given the low cost for the cert ($125 is about right from what I recall), I'd say it's worth it. It won't get you any really good jobs, but there's a decent chance it might help you get an entry-level position to start building the experience you'll need to get something better. Check your local library to see if they have a relatively recent study guide to help you on your way. If you go the DIY route, you'll most likely be able to study up for the test in 2-4 weeks.

But don't stop with this cert. Pick up everything you can afford (ie. Network+, Linux+, etc.), and try to get with a decent company that will help you advance yourself with other more expensive certs (like the MCSE).

[famosbrown]

Yeah...the A+ 2006 objectives are a little different from the 2003 objectives that most of us here went through back in the say as the material is a little different. It's overall much easier as well.

I do not understand how an A+ course is 15 weeks. Please ask for a course outline or schedule and post it here. I took a one week course back in 2005 and I learned a bunch of stuff I didn't know.

This course is free and like Trendy said...if you have time, go for it, but first get that course outline and schedule because I don't see why A+ would take 15 weeks...no way!!

EDIT: As far as value it is a good entry-level cert that never expires. It's also part of the DOD IA Required Certification list if you ever decide to go Federal and work for the DOD.

[nemowolf]

Yeah...the A+ 2006 objectives are a little different from the 2003 objectives that most of us here went through back in the say as the material is a little different. It's overall much easier as well.

I do not understand how an A+ course is 15 weeks. Please ask for a course outline or schedule and post it here. I took a one week course back in 2005 and I learned a bunch of stuff I didn't know.

This course is free and like Trendy said...if you have time, go for it, but first get that course outline and schedule because I don't see why A+ would take 15 weeks...no way!!

EDIT: As far as value it is a good entry-level cert that never expires. It's also part of the DOD IA Required Certification list if you ever decide to go Federal and work for the DOD.

I was just going to mention that certain employers will require you have or in the process of getting some certifications. This would be a great start for someone to walk into a mom and pop computer shop and see if they are hiring. Having that Cert tells someone that you may not have the experience on the job but you DO know something.

[henz0]

Here is the website to the program

Per Scholas :: Training

famosbrown..i do plan on getting the MCSE also and probably the linux

[nemowolf]

Here is the website to the program

Per Scholas :: Training

famosbrown..i do plan on getting the MCSE also and probably the linux

The Training
Our fifteen week, full-time program combines classroom and hands-on experience with an on-the-job internship. The 500+ hour curriculum covers the assembly, configuration, installation, upgrade and repair of personal computers, printers and copiers as well as the design, installation and troubleshooting of networks. Instruction in Microsoft Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office productivity software are also included. You can read more about the Per Scholas curriculum here.

This is an AWESOME training. Do it. I would doubt many of the:

What makes the Per Scholas program different?

• All tuition and materials are free (a $7500 value)
• Graduates double their salary after graduation with the training and certification
• We provide you with your own Pentium III computer to refurbish and keep at home
• Nearly 80% of graduates have secured employment
• Over 72% have remained employed a year or longer
• You'll build a lifetime support network of trainers, former graduates, and peers
• State of the art training facilities with fully equipped classrooms and labs

Now if they mean your going from your internship pay to double that once you graduate, then yes i can understand. This sounds like a good deal either way.

[henz0]

Guess im gonna be doing it lol..thanks alot guys

[aRIfA4]

why dont you go with windows certs?

You can get 3 exams and 3 certs.
271,272, and 620.

pass 271 and you'll be MCP (Microsoft Certified Professinal)
pass 272 and you'll be MCDST (Microsoft Desktop Support Technician) XP
pass 620 and you'll be MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist) Vista

Then if you get 290 and 291, you could be MCSA (Systems Admin)

I was planing to get A+ and Security+ then I switched to M$ certs.

[nemowolf]

why dont you go with windows certs?

You can get 3 exams and 3 certs.
271,272, and 620.

pass 271 and you'll be MCP (Microsoft Certified Professinal)
pass 272 and you'll be MCDST (Microsoft Desktop Support Technician) XP
pass 620 and you'll be MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist) Vista

Then if you get 290 and 291, you could be MCSA (Systems Admin)

I was planing to get A+ and Security+ then I switched to M$ certs.

A+ is broad hardware and isnt based on any specific OS per say.

MS certs ALL deal with MS OS/Software so its a bit more specific and often times not the best for entry level. Being MCP isnt exactly a big winner sign, any Cert exam you earn gives you this, even MOUS. MCDST is more of a customer service certification showing that you know enough about the OS/Software and how to use it to instruct in its proper use to users. MCSA may not be what he wants to do once he gets a job and realizes he really enjoys working on Cisco Gear and not the general Admin work.

As for Security+ and the rest of Comptia certs, they are more general and give you more principle then actual information which might help more as it provides flexability.

[henz0]

why dont you go with windows certs?

You can get 3 exams and 3 certs.
271,272, and 620.

pass 271 and you'll be MCP (Microsoft Certified Professinal)
pass 272 and you'll be MCDST (Microsoft Desktop Support Technician) XP
pass 620 and you'll be MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist) Vista

Then if you get 290 and 291, you could be MCSA (Systems Admin)

I was planing to get A+ and Security+ then I switched to M$ certs.

Don't i have to get A+ before i get all of those?