What is a good way to prepare for the A+ exams?

I guess what im wanting to know is are these practice tests and what im learning in school enough to take the A+ and Net +? I'm a first year student at ITT tech and ive had some hands on exp on my own PC tear down and rebuild etc and some of my classes this year have helped me too. I'm passing the practice tests with 86% and up. but im kinda nervous about going for the exam if im not ready.

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Slowhand

There are a few things we'd need to know before being able to answer your questions.

What vendor's practice tests are you using?
What book(s) did you read for the classes?
How much hands-on practice have you had with PC hardware & Windows 7 (for A+), and how much hands-on practice have you had configuring network settings on computers & networking equipment (for Network+)?
How much prior experience do you have troubleshooting, configuring, and administrating computer and networking technology? (Were you the 'family computer guy', for example?)

Charles0778

I have had a class on windows 7 and the text book for it is the study book from Microsoft for that cirt. same for server 08 both classes come with lab books that we do in class for hands on exp. And as far as networking just finished that class as well final project was designing a network layout for a 3 story building. other than the Micro soft classes ITT Tech publishes there own books so i cant say for sure how good they are but i got a lot of information out of my networking book Networking second edition by Jeffery Beasley. And yes Ive always be the family computer person LOL. And i was takeing the CompTIA practice tests.

Plantwiz

@Chareles0778,

I wonder if you are approaching your goal to obtain these certs in the best spirit. Perhaps it is best to identify why you want the certs? Are you looking to work as a professional in the industry? Or merely to say you are a cert holder for 2 of CompTIA's most popular certs?

The both exams are a seque into more meaningful exams for folks who wish to make a career in IT. So, the skills and definitions you learn and may find tedious today should make you more proficient in your career.

Now, some folks don't need the CompTIA certifications and jump straight into the MS or Cisco exams. Up to you, but take the time to learn the materail if this is your career track.

Charles0778

My goal is to become a Internet Security specialist I'm currently 1 year into my Associates degree in computer networking. The Bachelors program is geared more to the security part of everything. I think what I was asking got misunderstood with my schooling and the CompTIA practice tests is it enough to be successful in the test I just ordered the AIO A+ and NET + books from Amazon and the Sec+ book By Darril Gibson I think forgot name of it. I don't have a problem putting in the study's between work and school that's all I do is hit the books I'm getting to old to work 70 hours a week anymore time to use my head and not my back. My goal as far as the certs go is to obtain A+, Net+, Sec+, Linux+ then move on to the cisco ones CCENT, and CCNA. Once into the bachelors progran go for the MCSE ans MCSA. Im kinda undecided on Microsoft certs such as windows 7, server 03/08, etc they update so much just not sure if its worth it any info there would be much appreciated.

Darril

Charles0778 wrote: »

My goal is to become a Internet Security specialist I'm currently 1 year into my Associates degree in computer networking. ....snip....

Good clarification.

You have some ambitious goals, but they are certainly achievable. When pursuing the certifications, your best bet is to do them one at a time and th A+, Network+, and Security+ trio provides a solid foundation for whatever path you end up taking. I'm not discounting any of the other certs but do think it's a good idea to focus on one cert at a time.

It's generally a good idea to use more than one source when pursuing a certification. One gauge is to take a look at the reviews on Amazon to see what other readers are saying about a source and how useful it is for the certification. That may be how you found the books you mentioned. Another thing you can do is post the exact sources you're using and ask other people on the forum how useful they were in helping them pass the certification.

The quality of practice test questions vary so getting 86% may be a good judge of your readiness or it may not. You mention "these practice tests" but I'm not sure what you're referring to and can't speak to their usefulness.

HTH

N2IT

Darril wrote: »

When pursuing the certifications, your best bet is to do them one at a time and th A+, Network+, and Security+ trio provides a solid foundation for whatever path you end up taking. I'm not discounting any of the other certs but do think it's a good idea to focus on one cert at a time.

I agree it's critical to do them one at a time and not to even think about the others. It will only distract you and delay your results. I'm not saying don't make a plan but to dwell and ponder your next cert before you even begun the first one is wasted efforts.

It's better to have the knowledge of A+ and the certification to prove it than to have this elaborate plan with nothing to show for it except some high-level thoughts and dreams.

Charles0778

I agree totally I ordered the 3 books at once cause I just finished my networking and protocols class and that's still enbeded in my head I'm thinking net+ first I'm scoring 90s and up in the CompTIA practice tests then doing some touch up studying on the A+ my weakness is some of the motherboard and socket stuff Ive come across on the practice tests. But I most definitely will be focusing on 1 at a time. I think I'm going to read the AIO Net+ book and flash card port numbers so I can memorize all them I know the basic ones by heart but some of the others like L2TP, IMAP,FTP,TFTP, LDAP and few others I don't have memorized yet need to work on those. I appreacite all the comments and Info one thing Ive learned with IT is there's always some new to learn. As always any advise or information is always appreciated Thank You all.

@ Darril Yes I did read the reviews on amazon your Sec+ book was definitely the most praised book for that cert. All I read was it was the only book they needed to pass the test. As for the other 2 All in One A+ and Net + I'm gonna read them and use my school text book for The Net + and for the A+ Exam Cram has some nice reviews too may use it as my second source. I also have 2 of my school Professors helping me as well with getting study Information together.

This is my plan I agree with both of you to focus on 1 at a time. I just completed My Networking and Protocols class so that information is still fresh in my head so I'm thinking of going with the Net+ first. I just bought
CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 5th Edition (Exam N10-005) and

CompTIA Network+ Deluxe Study Guide: Exam: N10-005

both were nicely recommended on amazon I also have my text book from my class. I order 2 books for the A+ after i complete Net+ I got the All-in-One A+ by Mike Myers and A+ Exam Cram. And for the Sec+ Darril You book was the best recommended book there Most posts said it was all they needed so I have it on its way as well. So I guess My plan is Net+, A+, then on to Sec+.

Also would anyone have the link to the free online videos I keep reading about I would like to check them out as well.(found them ty)

Plantwiz wrote: »

@Chareles0778,

I wonder if you are approaching your goal to obtain these certs in the best spirit. Perhaps it is best to identify why you want the certs? Are you looking to work as a professional in the industry? Or merely to say you are a cert holder for 2 of CompTIA's most popular certs?

I guess some people would do this but I can say for 100% certainty that that's not me I'm 34 and have a good knowledge of computers not great but decent I'm trying to get into the field but finding that a lot of places require one of these 3 certs At least A+ and Net+ for help desk jobs. I have a wife and 4 kids, work and go to school I live pay day to pay day. I don't have the $ to throw away just to say I have that Cert. Just wanted to clear that up. I'm 100% dedicated in to completing these Certs.

Plantwiz

One way to think of earning certifications is that is similar to a degree. If you want a degree, you'll need to pay a LOT for the classes, books and time of the clasas. The certification process (which doesn't replace a degree) is similar, except one can study on their own time, they don't pay for a class (or in many cases shouldn't) but investing in good materials is wise and still a lot cheaper than a degree. To only study via practice exams is a poor way to prepare and measure ones ability to understand the material...because, when I am called to work on someone's equipment/network they expect I know what I am doing and can fix their problem.

The way the initial question was posted had me concerned you might only be looking for practice tests and looking to skip learning the material. If that doesn't apply to you, fantastic! Unfortunately, many do look for an easy route and IT should not be seen as the 'easy' route nor the fall-back. A number of us have made this our profession and take it serious.

Charles0778

I can understand that and that's my fault for how I worded it. I have some study material on the way to help me along. My school don't offer or bring in the options to take any certs its all on our own they cover the material need to take them but don't offer them on campus. I guess that was what I was asking If My school studies alone would be enough but scoring 85s is not going to cut it with me I'm a perfectionist so the extra help will do me good.

Also I have found that a degree alone will only get you so far as well as just having the Certs and no degree they really go hand in hand now a days.

Plantwiz

Well, I've been in the industry for a long, long time and I can assure you that a degree means a whole lot more to employers than certifications. Likewise, ones ability to 'network' with people will get you much further than a piece of paper. Keep in mind if a job posting says 'x' it is a guideline HR-types can use to rule out applications. However, I know several of my colleagues still won't get a single certification and a few have only taken the ones to maintain the partnership status.

We hire people frequently without certications, so if it is a part of your goal, fine. However, don't get too caught up in rushing through certificaitons if you don't have the experience to back it up. That gets noticed too (and not in the favor of the candidate).

N2IT

Plantwiz wrote: »

One way to think of earning certifications is that is similar to a degree.....snip....

Some of the most brilliant minds in IT have been certless. This is not to say you shouldn't get 1 or 10, but the piece of paper shouldn't supercede the subject matter.

****Just agreeing with you Wiz

Charles0778

It should mean more than certifications they both take work but the degree is not as easy to obtain. I go to ITT-Tech I read a lot o mixed reviews on the school before I decided to go there but I figure the degree's i get from there should get me A job somewhere. I want to go to a community college after I'm finished at ITT to get my degree there as well just to cover both sides. I have Big dreams Got started alittle late made some poor choices when I was younger that took time to get inline but I'm on track now. I appreciate all the advise.

N2IT

Charles0778 wrote: »

It should mean more than certifications they both take work but the degree is not as easy to obtain...snip.....

Bang out N+ since you feel the most comfortable with this and it seems like that is the direction you want to go. I would then consider looking into the CCNA. But back to my main point, one at a time. Get N+ done.

And you don't need all the certifications to get moving in the right direction. 1-2 well chosen certifications will get the ball rolling. And to be honest you might not need another after that.

If security is your thing then N+, S+, CCNA and you would be rocking. You don't need all those other certifications. That's just my humble opinion.

Charles0778

That sounds like the plan I think ill take the A+ some time as well just cause I think it renews when I renew Sec+ could be wrong but that's what I been reading. Someone else may have more Info on that but from what Ive read if you have A+ and NET+ when you have to renew your Sec+ those renew as well.

quinnyfly

N2IT wrote: »

I agree it's critical to do them one at a time and not to even think about the others. It will only distract you and delay your results. I'm not saying don't make a plan but to dwell and ponder your next cert before you even begun the first one is wasted efforts.

It's better to have the knowledge of A+ and the certification to prove it than to have this elaborate plan with nothing to show for it except some high-level thoughts and dreams.

Rome was not built in one day, and neither are certifications done the right way. Stick to one at a time, these guys and girls on here know there stuff and like many of us have done the hard yards to prove it. Head down, hit the books, as often as you can, absolutely know your stuff before attempting any exam, and have realistic goals.

Do not pressure yourself into taking an exam too early, (having said that I am guilty!!) and keep your focus on your end goal, if you like security, stick with it, you may have to do a few certs and jobs inbetween to get the experience you need to end up acheiving your intial objective, Trick is, have passion, drive, motivation and never ever give up!!