CompTIA A+

I have to disagree with Tim_K.  You need to learn to walk before you can run.  You need a steady foundation to build upon and the A+ and Network+ give you that foundation.

I have to disagree with Tim_K.  You need to learn to walk before you can run.  You need a steady foundation to build upon and the A+ and Network+ give you that foundation.

I do like this advice and kind of what I was thinking after I posted. I have since opted to learn the fundamentals which also open up some good career opportunities. 

I have been learning CompTIA on some online tech schools now as well as well as reading some e-books and tinkering around with building my own PC. I feel I am fairly competent now with the 802 but will still need a bit more time on the 801. I was thinking about booking myself the exams to take in about three months time. What are your thoughts on this?

Also am I right in thinking you must pass both the 801 and 802 at the same time or can you do these at different times? I understand though that you must pass both of these for the CompTIA A+ accreditation.

One more thing is do any of you have any idea about the fees of the exam/s?

Thanks.

You can pass the exams at different times, but will not be certified until you pass both.

I can only tell you what I've done in the past for certifications.  I study with an Exam Cram style book, just the want you need to know, without the fluff.  I take the Transcender practice tests until I'm getting 90% on a consistent basis, then I schedule the exam within a week and continue to cram until that time.  I took both my hardware and software A+ exams on the same day.

All of that said, I'm a test taker and have always done well on tests.  Others may need a different method if they do not test well.

You can pass the exams at different times, but will not be certified until you pass both.

 

I can only tell you what I've done in the past for certifications.  I study with an Exam Cram style book, just the want you need to know, without the fluff.  I take the Transcender practice tests until I'm getting 90% on a consistent basis, then I schedule the exam within a week and continue to cram until that time.  I took both my hardware and software A+ exams on the same day.

 

All of that said, I'm a test taker and have always done well on tests.  Others may need a different method if they do not test well.

Hi, sorry for the late reply. Firstly thanks for this information. This is probably how I will try and do mine too. I bought a book but that was on a kindle but I now think that a paperback with media cd would be better.

Secondly I have noticed recently the 900 series come out. I think this might just be some added info built on the 800 series and so I am thinking I might have to look into that before scheduling the exams.

Also even though I have had a bit of practical experience such as making my own PC and taking things apart etc I also think now that I will try and get some hand's on experience in some computer repair shops, IT companies etc either voluntarily or with low level pay.

What are your thoughts on this?

Thanks.

Just picked up the CompTia A+ Complete study guide, 3rd Ed. 901&902 as the 800 series ares going as the previous ones.

hi again, I am not sure I am going about my studies the right way. What I am currently deciding on doing is finishing the information library course online that I am on and in addition reading Mark Meyers CompTIA A++ study all in one guide as well reading the pearson exam cram book. What I do is finish one section online and then read the same section again on the books and then move onto the next section online and repeat the process. Does this seem like a good idea, too much or maybe something more I could do?

Thanks.

hi again, I am not sure I am going about my studies the right way. What I am currently deciding on doing is finishing the information library course online that I am on and in addition reading Mark Meyers CompTIA A++ study all in one guide as well reading the pearson exam cram book. What I do is finish one section online and then read the same section again on the books and then move onto the next section online and repeat the process. Does this seem like a good idea, too much or maybe something more I could do?

 

Thanks.

I actually just finished taking an A+ class that is offered locally in my area and my instructor cant speak highly enough about the Mike Meyers CompTIA A+ all in one study guide and the Pearson exam cram A+ book. For myself, I just started reading chapters from the Mike Meyers CompTIA book that corresponded with the topic I was learning from in class, but personally, I dont think there is a correct order of reading them, I just feel what ever seams more comfortable for you. It seams like your doing the same thing I am though and its working for me. Hope this helps, and good luck !

@ufc2084,

Completely agree with your instructor about the exam cram series of books. David Prowse' Exam Cram A+ book is incredible. Whenever I am helping other people with the A+ objectives I suggest watching Professor Messer's videos and reading the Exam Cram book. I normally say read the book sections first and then watch Messer's corresponding video.

 Am currently studying for the A+ as I wish to follow a career into computing.

 My current studying material is the Comptia A+ Ninth Edition by Mike Meyers and some 901/902 Practice Tests on examcompass.com

 I've seen people mentioning Professor Messer's videos often so will look into giving that a try as well.

 Any tips as in when should I know that I am ready to take the exam ? I plan to take it sometime before Christmas if studying goes as planned.

 Am currently studying for the A+ as I wish to follow a career into computing.

 

 My current studying material is the Comptia A+ Ninth Edition by Mike Meyers and some 901/902 Practice Tests on examcompass.com

 I've seen people mentioning Professor Messer's videos often so will look into giving that a try as well.

 

 Any tips as in when should I know that I am ready to take the exam ? I plan to take it sometime before Christmas if studying goes as planned.

Review this materials from www.exam-labs.com  website, I did the 220-801 exam a month ago and prepared only from the materials in this website, 70% of the questions appeared in my exam.
Hope it helps. 

got my A+ back in 08. thought it would open career doors. never happened. few interviews I got I was told "you don't have any experience". how do you get experience when no one will hire you?  then again, I know at least 3 friends that have high paying computer jobs with less formal IT training than I have and no certs. boils down to connections I guess, who you know!?!

Edited by macuser, 15 January 2018 - 04:24 PM.

About the only jobs you're going to get with just A+ are the Level 1 Help Desk jobs.  Realistically you don't even need A+ to get those jobs, but it will put you higher on the list than those without.  If you want to break into the IT field use the A+ to get some short term, 30 day to six month, contract jobs so that you can get the experience.

thanks for the tip. not sure id want to sit at a desk and answer calls all day. Id rather work on the computers in the field or at a work bench. not sure if such a job exists or what the title of that job would be.

macuser, very few people want to be on the help desk, but that's how you get the experience to become either a bench tech or level 2 support.  By going the contract route you know how long you're going to  be there.  You can either choose to extend if it looks like you might be able to move on with the company or use the experience gained to move up the IT ladder.

A bench tech is a lot like help desk without having to deal with people.  You work on hardware issues and repair machines.  Might also be called depot tech.

Level 2 being the better deal in my opinion.  Level 2 is desk side support, the people who go to user's desks to fix problems.  Even though it is called desk side support these days a lot of the support work is performed remotely using things like Dameware, Team Viewer, Windows Remote Assistance and such.  Level 2 normally handles anything that plugs in or runs on electricity, computers, desk phones, printers, network equipment, mobile devices, conference room equipment.  Boredom is rarely an issue in Level 2 as there is always something new happening and there is no routine day.  A lot more finding the issue and fixing the issue.

Edited by Kilroy, 17 January 2018 - 12:11 PM.