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skacoreimplore · Apr 9, 2007, 03:16 PM

I was planning to take this test this month, but I have a problem. I need help figuring out which one/ones I need to take, I didn't realize there were so many of them. It would be greatly appreciated if some one with some experience with this could help me with this. I plan on being a PC technician if that helps.

macroy · Apr 9, 2007, 03:48 PM

Is this for work? self? get a job?

If its for work - you should get more info from work. Otherwise, I'd think a general technician would get the most out of the essential + 602 tests. I'm not an expert on A+ (I'll add my .02 in a sec...), but it looks like the others are more specialized....

Now, if this is for self - I'd save the money and just learn it myself. I don't see "TOO" much value in these unless your employer requires it for marketing purposes. Same for if you are getting a job, I'd think experience would be more beneficial .. of course, this could be that catch-22 scenario with having experience and getting a job.

The CompTIA tests seem a bit too basic to be of any value IMHO.

skacoreimplore · Apr 9, 2007, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by macroy

Is this for work? self? get a job?

If its for work - you should get more info from work. Otherwise, I'd think a general technician would get the most out of the essential + 602 tests. I'm not an expert on A+ (I'll add my .02 in a sec...), but it looks like the others are more specialized....

Now, if this is for self - I'd save the money and just learn it myself. I don't see "TOO" much value in these unless your employer requires it for marketing purposes. Same for if you are getting a job, I'd think experience would be more beneficial .. of course, this could be that catch-22 scenario with having experience and getting a job.

The CompTIA tests seem a bit too basic to be of any value IMHO.

I just turned 18 in March so I need something to "get my foot in the door". I was mainly doing this so I could maybe get a job at geek squad or something. As of now I have no job experience so I need to start getting some. My grandparents are paying for my tests, so the money is not an issue.

Peter · Apr 9, 2007, 05:46 PM

Ccna.

macroy · Apr 9, 2007, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by Peter

Ccna.

I don't think he'll pass a CCNA. That test has become a "real' test now. From what I understand, they dialed it up so much the passing rate dwindled down to less than 20%... forcing them to dial it back a bit again.

But whereas it was more of a TCP/IP, Routing/Switching basics test before, its now much more Cisco products based... meaning you'll need to know different syntax for OSPF, IGRP and EIGRP and really know a router and switch like the back of your hand. They still don't go into BGP and other routing protocols... but the ones they do cover is in much more detail. Not to mention the switching part has grown significantly...... You really need to have some good experience behind the equipment.. or have a medical doctor's ability in memorizing tons of commands.

But to the OP - I'm guessing you'll want the essential + 602 test.....

skacoreimplore · Apr 9, 2007, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by macroy

I don't think he'll pass a CCNA. That test has become a "real' test now. From what I understand, they dialed it up so much the passing rate dwindled down to less than 20%... forcing them to dial it back a bit again.

But whereas it was more of a TCP/IP, Routing/Switching basics test before, its now much more Cisco products based... meaning you'll need to know different syntax for OSPF, IGRP and EIGRP and really know a router and switch like the back of your hand. They still don't go into BGP and other routing protocols... but the ones they do cover is in much more detail. Not to mention the switching part has grown significantly...... You really need to have some good experience behind the equipment.. or have a medical doctor's ability in memorizing tons of commands.

But to the OP - I'm guessing you'll want the essential + 602 test.....

I think that seems like the proper conclusion, essentials + 602

I think i studied a pre 2006 book, when it was core hardware + OS exam. Should this be a problem?

macroy · Apr 9, 2007, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by skacoreimplore

I think that seems like the proper conclusion, essentials + 602

I think i studied a pre 2006 book, when it was core hardware + OS exam. Should this be a problem?

Sorry bud... Like I said, A+ is not my forte. I got that info directly from their site. My suggestion is to compare the book you have..and see if there has been significant changes (the test version should suffice). In addition, you can see if your book has a newer version, and if so, go visit your local B&N and see if the change is significant. If so, maybe just purchase it?

The other thing you can do is check out the outlines of some of the classes that are offered (trainings and bootcamps).. they usually are pretty much in line with the test objectives. Other than that, its just looking at the message boards of exam sites like examcram.com, brainbuzz.com or similar sites.

Best of luck to ya man.