Is an A+ and Networks+ certifications hard to get?

Question

Whats the best way to obtain them and how long will it take?

Answer 1

No, these certifications are not hard to get if you have properly prepared yourself. The CompTIA certifications are classified more as "entry level" certifications, and having an A+ or Network+ shows that you have a good baseline level of knowledge in PC hardware/software and computer networking. With both of these certifications you can qualify for many types of job descriptions from PC support to help desk to network administrator, etc. The next level would be "professional" level certifications that usually get you into titles like "engineer" or "architect" or "consultant".

The A+ requires 2 exams, 90 minutes max each, and about 100 questions each. Depending on your preparation method, you might take both on the same day or maybe a week or two apart. The Network+ is one exam, also 90 minutes and maybe around 90 questions.

As Ms-small-biz-specialist answered, they're not too hard but also not exams that anyone could just walk in off the street and pass, you have to know your stuff. I have 5 of the CompTIA certs myself, including A+ and Network+, but in my case I got them not to further my career, but because I teach part time and I have many students who go for these certs. I got them myself so I could better understand what's invloved and provide good advice to students.

For your reading preparation I would suggest the Sybex and ExamCram books, I have used both and they've always been very good and you will be well prepared. Get a book that comes with a CDROM so you can generate your own practice tests. When you are scoring 80% or better on the practice tests, you are ready for the real thing.

As for the best way to obtain them, you can do self study or online courses or instructor-led courses. Each has its obvious pros and cons, like time versus expense versus convenience. If you have no experience at all, consider taking a course, preferably instructor led. Schedule the exam right after the course is done. If you have some experience, consider self study, be prepared to spend a few hours a week for a few weeks and read the book cover to cover and do the practice tests many times.

As for timing: Some people I know did it in a month on average, they spent 3 weeks reading and studying from the book, just divide it up, if 12 chapters then do 4 chapters per week, and then a week doing 1 practice test each night. Your own level of experience will dictate how much time you need to spend hitting the books, some chapters you might breeze through, some chapters you might have to read three times. The practice tests are pretty good at hilighting which chapters you need to go back and read again.

Finally, keep on top of the CompTIA web site and be familiar with the info there, links below. They have all the information on the exams themselves, the exam objectives, studying tips, etc.

Answer 2

Depends on your background and knowledge. If all you have ever worked on is Windows XP then you need to get some books and do some real studying on other platforms and hardware. Not the hardest exams but certainly not something any putz can go in and take and pass.

There are assesment test out there for both. Give those a try and unless you score 100% in a matter of mins then your not ready as they tend to be easier than the exam and obviously shorter.

Answer 3

Prepnerds can provide you the exam preparation material for CompTIA A+. My friend has passed with a very high score. You can have a try. Theirs are almost the same as the real exam questions!

Answer 4

These are the begininng certifications for networking courses so if you have a basic knowledge of networking they are not hard to get.