Should I get CompTIA A+ in UK?

[anglian]

Hi,

I am about to start a PC repair business, and although I do not have any qualifications for this I have been fixing PC's & laptop's. setting up networks and when I had a webhosting company in 2006 had 60 servers online.
So, should I study for and get CopmTIA A+?
Home learning center has courses for £1800 which although the price includes the final examination is a bit expensive for me as I am currently unemployed.

Would like to hear your views on if it is worth doing on not.

Thanks

Tony

 

[Encrypted Existence]

I think you should go for it. If you have a decent amount of experience (and it sounds like you do) then you should be able to pass the test by reading a book and watching some videos. I just passed my A+ back in August and I am glad that I have it.

recommended study material:

book: http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=xu0zT4uCDerY0QHY27ngAg&ved=0CGUQ8wIwAA# (this is the book that I used)

videos: www.professormesser.com(free)

 

[Martyn]

I agree study for it at home, those courses are expensive.

 

[joydivision]

I wonder if this is something I might want to study, is there much point for an experienced tech? I have a computing related degree although it covered more the computer science aspect of things rather than any real hands on skills.

Currently studying a PTTLS course at my local college but once that is finished I would want to keep studying.

 

[Encrypted Existence]

I wonder if this is something I might want to study, is there much point for an experienced tech? I have a computing related degree although it covered more the computer science aspect of things rather than any real hands on skills.

Currently studying a PTTLS course at my local college but once that is finished I would want to keep studying.

I enjoy being able to put the cert logos on my business cards and website (eventually). I feel that when a potential customer sees those logos it gives them a bit of piece of mind. Go for it!

 

[anglian]

Seems like "Go for it" is the popular answer!

Just have to work out if I can afford the £80/month/24months at the moment

Thanks for the answers

 

[TLE]

I wonder if this is something I might want to study, is there much point for an experienced tech? I have a computing related degree although it covered more the computer science aspect of things rather than any real hands on skills.

Currently studying a PTTLS course at my local college but once that is finished I would want to keep studying.

Teaching Adult Education, Nice choice Joydivision. I did this back when I was 20, but I never finished the course, although I was already teaching 2 classes at the time. Rather than A+, you might be better off sitting some MS certifications.

As for the OP's questions, I agree with the other, I think you would be better off buying the books and studying at home. A+ is really quite simple, and only demonstrates a basic understanding.

 

[Martyn]

You can get the logos without paying an arm and a leg.

 

[anglian]

I think you would be better off buying the books and studying at home. A+ is really quite simple, and only demonstrates a basic understanding.

Do you think it would be possible to learn A+ from books and then just to book the examinations myself?
Sounds a lot cheaper

 

[TLE]

Do you think it would be possible to learn A+ from books and then just to book the examinations myself?
Sounds a lot cheaper

Thats exactly what I did. If you ran a hosting company you must have at least have a basic understanding of components, operating systems and networks so I really do think a book is the best way to go. I bought one of the courses and it was a complete waste of time.

I found the Mike Meyers books to be best for the A+. Have a search around on the internet for practice tests and try them. They should at least point out if you need to simply brush up, or if you need to study a bit more in depth.

 

[anglian]

Hi,

So would I just need to take exams 220-701 & 220-702 to gain the certification?

The exams are £114 each, so I could spend a bit on books and still save a fortune!

 

[Martyn]

Hi,

So would I just need to take exams 220-701 & 220-702 to gain the certification?

The exams are £114 each, so I could spend a bit on books and still save a fortune!

That's the way to go. With the internet there is plenty of online resources plus your hands on.

 

[TLE]

The other thing to remember is that the Compita certifications are now only valid for 3 years. After that you will need to re-certify if you wish to continue using the logo.

 

[anglian]

That's the way to go. With the internet there is plenty of online resources plus your hands on.

I found this
http://www.e-learningcenter.com/general_it.htm

Anyone have any experience with them?
at $179 (I guess thats £100ish in real money) doesn't seem to bad

 

[NWPhotog]

Seems like "Go for it" is the popular answer!

Just have to work out if I can afford the £80/month/24months at the moment

Thanks for the answers

If you have experience there is no reason to take the course. Get Mike Myers' or a comparable book, brush up on your knowledge and take the test. I wouldn't say it is easy but it isn't overly tough either.

 

[anglian]

Would someone that has taken their CompTIA A+ please check out this link

http://www.freepractice.com/Aplus/aplus_1.htm

and let me know if the questions (a bit out of date) are realistic of the actual exam.

Thanks

Tony

 

[TLE]

Would someone that has taken their CompTIA A+ please check out this link

http://www.freepractice.com/Aplus/aplus_1.htm

and let me know if the questions (a bit out of date) are realistic of the actual exam.

Thanks

Tony

Yes they are very simliar, if you get one of the Mike Meyers books it comes with a cd and lots of test questions which are simliar to the real exam.

 

[Rosco]

professor messer free a+ training course.... Very good and informative plus free! I have watched them all and they are great!

 

[Dameize]

Logo wise theres a guy on fiverr called thetwo cant reccomend him enough.. ive had lots of logos from him other technibblers can probs back him up to. In regards to the A+ Just watch some vids and take some mock exams etc.

 

[goldmercury]

Waste of money if you ask me - focus any money you have in generating business you'll soon learn how to repair as you go

I had a great understanding of desktops a few years ago - then I started working on laptops - self learnt with old faulty ones off of ebay