Is it worth it to get A+ certified?

Question

I have a BA in computer studies with a concentration in networking. I want to get into my field of study, but I have no experience. My experience is all in sales. Where do I begin? I was thinking about getting some certifications to make up for lack of experience. Any suggestions? I make around 45K right now, can I at least get close to that?

Answer 1

It's a start. Also, look into the Cisco CCNA. Much more valuable than the A+ especially if you already are network focused. The Network+ and Server+ certs are also of some value. Don't discount the value of Microsoft certs as well.

The A+ cert is worth something for an entry-level position as a PC tech. I won't say that it's worthless for a network position, but as manager with hiring authority I don't put much weight on it at all. It's not even a tie-breaker. Contrary to what another poster stated, it will NOT get you anywhere near $30.00 an hour, let alone $60.00. All by itself, your BA might get you close to $30.00, however, depending on where you live or want to work.

Certification is not a panacea. Experience is more valuable in the long run. You may not be able to flip from sales directly into a position making what you're making now, but in a couple of years you could easily exceed that.

The exception is the Cisco CCIE. That is the gold-standard by which all other certifications are measured. CCIEs easily earn well into six figures. It's also the must grueling cert on the planet. It can take well over a year of intensive study and requires an investment of several thousand dollars in Cisco equipment for practice and study.

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I tried to reply to your message but your e-mail address has not been verified. Please post me a valid e-mail address off the forum or verify your e-mail address. Here's what I sent you:

First off, it's NEVER too late for a career change! I retired from the Air Force about 8 years ago when I was 45. While on active duty, my primary job was in airport operations and aviation maintenance prior to that. I had picked up computer skills along the way as an additional duty. When I retired from the AF I was planning in going into airport security but landed a job at IBM providing deskside support. I worked on my computer skills and education and have more than tripled my pay since then.

You do not need to be in the field to study and get certified. It helps to be able to apply what you are learning in day-to-day situations but not absolutely necessary as long as you have equipment to practice on or access to a simulator.

You shouldn't have to take an extreme entry-level position to get in the door. You're over-qualified for that type of work (PC Tech or Help Desk) but it might take a while to locate a position. Only about 20% or all IT openings are ever advertised publicly; most hires come from referals. If your current sales position is comptuer related, you should already have network contatcts that are a gold mine. Even if your current position isn't computer related, you still have a broad network of contacts that will help. Just get the word out to your customers that you're looking for a career change and pass around copies of your resume.

Good luck!

P.S. I got my current position through HotJobs.com, a Yahoo company. ;)

Answer 2

Yes it is! A+ certification is an international industry credential that validates the knowledge of computer service technicians with the equivalent of 500 hours of hands-on experience. And its widely recognised.

There are courses all around that you can attend that help you along with getting certified. The test is rather easy. You just have to make sure you read the questions carefully, as they try to trip you up.

There are two parts. Hardware and software. For the hardware part, you'll have to know things about printers. How they work, and produce the image. Different types of cables and how fast the data travels along them (Cat5, IEEE1394) And the max lengths at which you can have these cables before transmission rate slows down.

The software part basically asks you about where you can find differnent things in the Windows operating system. Also a few things on how Windows boots and the main files it neeeds to do so. There are also some questions that require more than one answer.

I suggest taking some courses to get up to speed if you have not done any hands on work. I have been doing computer repair for 4 years before I took the test. So alot of the things were like second nature to me. I live in the Virgin Islands and did the test in nearby Puerto Rico. You usually get 1 and a half hours for the test, but CompTIA's rule since the test is in English, to give takers of the test in spanish speaking countries an extra 30 minutes. (So i had 2 hrs)That was too long for me, and fell asleep during the test. But I still passed. It was that easy.

Another thing, unlike Microsofts Certified Systems Engineer certification, there is no need to renew your status. It is with you for life!

***SAMPLE QUESTIONS***

What tool can be used to fix cross linked files in Windows 9x?
A. CHKDSK
B. DEFRAG
C. SCANDISK
D. DriveSpace

Which key can you hold down after seeing the Windows logo to stop the application in the Startup folder from executing?
A.
B.
C.
D.

An end user calls and says that the monitor has a hazy, blurred output. What is the most likely solution?
A. Recharge the color guns
B. Replace the damaged power cable
C. Replace the video card
D. Degauss the monitor

Answer 3

I also have a degree in computer studies and I make pretty good money now but if you get the A+ it can up your pay to anywhere from $30 to $60 per hour.

Answer 4

I fell into a position at my company as the computer administrator. I am now getting certified so I can ask for more $$$. I am now at 40k and when I am finished, I would think I could get another 20.

Answer 5

My oldest son got a job in IT with Lion's Gate and Jet Propulsion Labratory without one. He knew his stuff. You could get one easy though with just a couple days study if you know computers and networking. It would legitamize whatever postion you go for.

Answer 6

Yes, A+ is not a difficult cert to get and for the pay increase and job availibility in today's market one who is interested in the IT field would be a fool not to get it.