I am still A+ Certified correct? Picture attached...

Matt_Smi

So this may sound like a dumb question, but I recently logged into my CompTIA page to view my certs and I realize that CompTIA has changed their test format around a bit, so instead of Hardware and OS to pass, you need to pass A+ Essentials and then one of three elective exams.

I am assuming that I am still certified and don't have to worry since from what I understand all CompTIA exams never expire. But I was still thinking of maybe sitting the IT Technician test (220-602), but is there really any point?

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rfult001

That blue box is filled in completely? Yep, I think you'll be okay.

ULWiz

All CompTIA exams are for life and do not expire

Andretii

1. You are certified.

2. Very dumb question.

Matt_Smi wrote:

I am assuming that I am still certified and don't have to worry since from what I understand all CompTIA exams never expire. But I was still thinking of maybe sitting the IT Technician test (220-602), but is there really any point?

You achieved that certification 2-3 years ago, haven't you gain any higher experience in this time? I wouldn't recommend that you take it.

dynamik

Andretii wrote:

2. Very dumb question.

You achieved that certification 2-3 years ago, haven't you gain any higher experience in this time? I wouldn't recommend that you take it.

That seems a little harsh...

To the OP, there's no point for you to take the exam. As others have stated, your A+ is good for life. However, if you feel your knowledge is a bit lacking, pick up a book and go through it. Believe it or not, you can study just for your own personal satisfaction; you don't need to take an exam afterwards.

Plantwiz

If you are aching to take another CompTIA exam then look into Server+ to elevate your "A+" status.

There is no point and no need to retake A+ exams just because a new set of objectives is released.

A person either works in the field and grows as this material grows. Or they are soon unemployed....too many people with hardware skills to waste time on employees who refuse to grow.

It is presumed that as a member of the IT world, one continues to read, research, test themselves and generally make improvements....again, those who do not....tend to find themselves easily replaced.


Since you have your A+....time to move along then. And as dynamik posted, get the books and read them for yourself. Never hurts.

Matt_Smi

Ok thanks guys, I have been working in the IT field for 3 years now and I am currently working as a desktop support/jr. Admin for a small company and have learned tons. I am planning to take Server+, I have been taking some practice tests for it and I always score 80's and find them easy, it is like a mix of A+ and net+, then after than I may do security+ but that is it as far as Comptia goes. It seems to be that A+, Net+, Server+ and Security+ are the big four (CompTIA wise) that are the most recognized in the IT world.

undomiel

Be careful when you get around to the Security+! I found that one to be a bit on the harder side.

Plantwiz, do you find lots of service techs and help desk people coming unemployed because they refuse to update their skills? All of the places I've worked at so far have had hordes of people with out of date skills that have been working for quite a while. Or maybe I'm just too harsh on their skill sets.

Plantwiz

undomiel wrote:

Be careful when you get around to the Security+! I found that one to be a bit on the harder side.

Plantwiz, do you find lots of service techs and help desk people coming unemployed because they refuse to update their skills? All of the places I've worked at so far have had hordes of people with out of date skills that have been working for quite a while. Or maybe I'm just too harsh on their skill sets.

Yep.

Seen several 'downsized' and they did it to themselves. The co-workers who refused to improve their skills, the technology advanced and fewer calls came in for the technologies they knew and those of us who kept up-to-date as well stayed refreshed with the older items easily picked up the clients.

Clients would refuse to have those 'techs' service their accounts, so they had to be pulled off and eventually, they couldn't cover their own wages. So they were set free

Are you talking about retail? Or Consulting based? I've seen both, but retail tends to keep warm-bodies around because it's more critical to have staff on the floor then most other things (though that may be regional).

mamono

Plantwiz wrote:

If you are aching to take another CompTIA exam then look into Server+ to elevate your "A+" status.

Since you have your A+....time to move along then. And as dynamik posted, get the books and read them for yourself. Never hurts.

I agree. By moving on and studying newer higher level material, you will most likely update your knowledge that the newer A+ objective touch upon. Those are usually the sections that we read where we get that sense of already having learned that material and it feels as if its just a review.

Both dynamik and Plantwiz make valid points and I would encourage moving on. There are many other certifications out there, no need to just stay with CompTIA. Though, I also agree that the material covered under CompTIA Server+ is worth while, IMHO.

Daniel333

3 years experience and still thinking about A+? Leave it behind. There are so many certifications that take just as much effort and give much greater rewards both in studying, resume impact and real world skills which will help recession proof you.


Read on these and dive in...

CCENT - Cisco Entry Level Technician
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le45/learning_certification_level_home.html

CCNA - Cisco's most popular entry level certs
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html

MCTS - Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcts/vistaconfig/default.mspx

MCP - Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-270.mspx

MCDST - Certified Desktop Technician
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdst/default.mspx

ACSP - Apple support
http://training.apple.com/certification/

Linux+ - Comptia's Entry level Linux cert
http://certification.comptia.org/linux/default.aspx

LPIC1 - Another entry level Linux cert
http://www.lpi.org/eng/certification/the_lpic_program/lpic_1

All of these certs provide growth for you and lock into larger certifications that are good paying and lead to very rewarding careers.