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I have just completed my PC install and maintience class with a A. I am taking the sofware part of the A+ test this weekend. I was wondering if any here has taken the test recently and has any tips for me. I feel confident but i still am nervous. Thanks alot

Sean

I've got the A+. Its piss easy. I read the book the night before the exam and got it. Don't feel nervous. If you know what you're doing you'll pass.

Mine was a while back, so I dunno if they've removed the need to know about 286/386 era hardware yet though...

Thanks for replying MYOB. Yea we need to know as far back as the 8086 and 8088. I know my hardware but im not sure about the OS part.


Sean

I'm thinking about taking this exam because A+ sounds cool. It's fairly elementary ( i.e.for people with less than 6 weeks PC experience) As I understand it it is almost mandatory for Support work in the USA. Good Luck and let us know how you get on

you'll want to take the Comp Tia test, many places won't hire techs who passed other tests, it's the most respected test in the field. when i took it, i found it to be mild and passed with a 'mastery' score. just watch out for those windows 9x questions!

Hey all

I was supposed to take the test last saturday, but because of the snow I took it on tuesday. (well at least the OS part) I was very suprised on the number of 9x question on the exam. But i used mike myers book in my class and it prepared me foe it. Now all i have os the HardWare on Sat. which i know will be easy. Thanks for the support and responses!

Sean

Hey guys

i am planning on taking the A+ really soon

can anyone tell me how much it costs and where to get CompTIA certified tests?

Thanx

The A+ cost me around 145 USD but im not sure on the exact amount. I would see if your area community college has it. If your in High school, it might also give the test, but i dont know how old you are so that may be out of the picture. Hope that helps

Sean

Hey

I am 14 and i dont think that my high school has the test

I think a community college near by has "a test" but not CompTIA certified

you're gonna want a comp tia test most places won't acknowledge any other test. here at a Techskills facility in chicago they wanted $150 (usd) for the test. the course was like around 1700 bucks, but i didn't need to take it. the thing practically pays for itself, a guy could start out making $25/hour easily.

25 bucks an hour?

what kind of store pays that much?

how much do u make?

Oh, and I'm from CA. Seems like no one on TechSpot is from CA, the GOLDEN STATE

well, this depends mostly on local employment, but here fry's and rent-a-tech are advertising said rate.

let me explain the current general situation here in chicago:

as far as employment goes, we're seeing an increase in private technicians and a decrease in company tech jobs here. companies would rather pay some individuals more money than to pay a contracted employee of thier company. so, as a private tech such as myself, we negotiate our own price and show up and get the job done. when the job is done, we take our tools and a check and leave. i like the lack of strict 9 to 5 work hours (sometimes the nights last forever though). how much i make depends on the price i negotiate for. like i said, this depends largely on local employment situations. either way, this job has a bright future that i can always look forward to.

hope this helps you understand.

Thanks for the info

Are you planning to go for any other certificates (i.e Network+)?

Do you know the benefits of any other certs?

B.T.W.- Do you have an employer? If not, how's your job without a boss?


Thank you,
Kevin

I live right outside of Baltimore, and unlike Zephead, the need for repair techs, private or working for a company is way down. There are just so many people that are getting cartifed that the compition is huge. My A+ certifaction deosnt get me a job, not even close. That means i gotta move if i want a job, but i hate it here so im fine with that!

Sean

yes, the sql and mcse, linux+, and others are on my to do list. the benifits are getting paid more and being able to do a wider variety of work.

working without a boss is great and allows me to choose who i want to work for and other freedoms. i am given a task/goal and i can choose to accomplish it any way i choose. the downside is no employee benefits or anything, such as medical things. mabye down the road i'll go 9-5 for a company, who knows what the future will bring.

just curious, what is your job status currently?

Do you think any major retails like Best Buy or Circuit City would take A+ certified people as repair/service techs?

I am 14 and are not eligible to work yet, if you were asking me

Im not sure if you are asking me or kevin. I am 16 and not currently working. I plan to however work with computers when i graduate, specficly PC repair. (im not that big into networking) and getting my A+ was only the start.

Sean

Oh...does anyone know the passing score to earn a certificate?

Is there a different between getting an A or a C?

Does your score appear on your certificate?

no score appears on your cert. it's more of a pass/fail type of test.

you bet they would. usually it's a requirement just to apply for the job.

if you want to make money i suggest you get into networking, it's where the work is. a company can buy all the dell optiplex's in the world without you, but they need a network and techs who can work with networks are valued.

most people don't care what age you are, just as long as you do a good job. you'll probably get paid less but your parents aren't charging you rent, are they. you don't need a cert to work for money either.

and, don't forget the high potential earnings for doing home networking/pc repair for local residents in your area. just do a good job and people will trust you. do you live in a suburb, city or rural setting?

Wow, no score huh?

So i can get a D and no one would know? hahaha

I live in the city btw