Question - skip A+ or not?

Jajuka89

I'm not new to computers but if I were to open up a PC I probably wouldn't be able to tell you what each part was. I was/am looking to get into IT currently studying for my Network +. A friend of mine at my church(navy IT guy) told me that I would be alright skipping my A+ cert but I'm wondering if that is a good idea or not ? I also don't want to drop my N+ to focus on an A+ since I'm already started on the N+. My goal is to be able to get an internship or an entry level job once I get certified for the N+. What do you guys recommend ?

ande0255

I just went right to CCNA no prior pc troubleshooting experience, and learnt all the PC troubleshooting stuff working my way up the IT ranks. Worked well for me, the network field is a pain to get into, but work hard enough and you'll get there.

stryder144

I agree that getting the A+ may be a waste of time and money. That being said, if you want the knowledge and experience, grab an old, used computer and either an A+ study guide or a copy of Upgrading and Repairing PCs. That book has a ton of information (the book is so big you could break your toe if you drop it) that will be of more value than most A+ study guides. It is, quite literally, encyclopedic in nature.

Cheers

dpsmooth15

I would suggest skipping A+ and Network+ .…But since you started, continue with Network+ …The Security+ exam is probably easier and more straight to the point than A+ and Network+, you dont have to remember a bunch of numbers and lengths and cables and stuff zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz plus it will benefit you down the road for Gov Jobs…..then JUMP really really really fast to the Cisco Bandwagon, you will not regret it !

DoubleNNs

I went Net+ -> Security -> A+. I don't think you necessarily have to stop the Net+ to get the A+. However, i will say I didn't really see any ROI on my Net+ at all. No one mentioned it in interviews, gave me a call when that was the only cert I had, or cared about it once I started working in the It field.

I honestly wasn't able to pull an entry-level job until I got the A+.

I think the best thing you can do in the short term is to work hard on your resume and start applying now, while working on your Net+. The most important thing is getting that entry-level gig, where-ever, however. While applying, finish up your Net+. When you're finished, if you still don't haven't landed a gig, there's 2 paths you'll probably have to decide to go down for that entry-level job - A+ or CCNA.

izatt82

skip it.

Cert Poor

Skip it in the short-term (at least go for Security+ after your Network+) and focus on getting a real IT job and starting your career. That being said, I still think the A+ was worth studying for -- even though I had considerable ~15 years of desktop experience/power user), it still filled in a few knowledge gaps and was good review material.

If you honestly can't open up a PC and feel your way around comfortably, then it's definitely worth learning the content of the A+. And it probably has more entry-level value on your resume than Network+ does. It's worth it in the long run.

M3Cody

The A+ opened doors for me. I was 18 when I got it, right out of high school. It got me IT experience and I kind of went from there. unfortunately I didn't get anything past that, so I didn't excel too much past that level, but I did end up making 60k for a few years when I was 23. So that's my take on it, it opens doors. Small ones, but if you kick ass and are ambitious you will go somewhere. Its not hard, study it and pass it, buy some old PC parts and put it together, install an OS, connect it to your network and you got a jump already.

SixtyCycle

I'm currently studying the A+ because I don't have an IT degree nor any experience and I hope the cert will be a step into getting employed. However, I've built my own computers before and know my way around it. I have the Meyers book and while I already know the general overview, it delves deeper into the history and the types of every component which I'm lacking. I will continue it as a bedside reading but I will concentrate more on CCNA and Linux+.

Xyro

I would advise you to look at job ads in your area for this answer.

I see A+ required or at least preferred for most entry-level helpdesk positions in my area. I would definitely not abandon the idea of obtaining A+ because of this. In fact, I have put my CCNA studies on hold to be able to renew my own A+ for precisely this reason.

Tyb

I wouldn't stop the N+ to focus on the A+ but as previously said I wouldn't rule it out. I've seen many employers expect that for an entry level position and if you're not up to speed on the PC hardware you probably won't make it past the technical questions.

Priston

Because you can no longer take the A+ exam and become lifetime certified, I don't think it's worth it to take the exam. I do think it's a good idea to have the knowledge required for the A+ exam though. If you don't know what a stick of memory looks like and your working in IT there is something wrong.