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Anybody done comptia A+

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Old 25 June 2013, 12:41 AM
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kad 16v
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Default Anybody done comptia A+

As per the title really, what did you think of it?

My work are paying for me to go on a load of IT courses and comptia a+ is the first and probably the security one after.

If you've been there and done it where is best to go from comptia?

I'm not really looking to move into this world of work but they are paying for them so can't say no to a freebie
Old 25 June 2013, 07:41 AM
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Lee
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Perhaps not what you want to hear, but from an employers' perspective, CompTIA is considered pretty worthless. I've interviewed people who have this "qualification" who couldn't tie their own shoelaces.

Having said that, never turn down a free lunch and the security one can't be bad.

Anyone who wants a decent job in IT needs to specialise in a particular field and then take the qualifications in that field.

eg Microsoft have plenty of MCITP.
Cisco have CCNA/CCNP
VMware have VCP etc
Old 25 June 2013, 08:18 AM
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kad 16v
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No that's exactly the feed back I want, I'm only doing it as its free and I thought it best to start right at the bottom and work my way up even if I am going to be "getting taught to suck eggs" for the comptia course.

My work mate is on CCNA at the moment so will see how he got on once back and may give that a shot.
Old 25 June 2013, 09:03 AM
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I had to do that course and it was very simple! Spent most of the time helping the teacher/lecturer out with people who were struggling/stuck! It's like starting rock bottom
Old 25 June 2013, 09:12 AM
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Might even have the course books somewhere if you want them!! For an idea of the course!!!!
Old 25 June 2013, 09:59 AM
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I work in an FE College, we teach both A+ and CCNA as evening courses.

The A+ is only level 2 after all, pretty basic stuff. It is intended though as a course to get you started in a tech/help desk type role.

CCNA different kettle of fish completely, very difficult. I taught this for a few years and it's not the kind of course you can just turn up once a week without doing any work at home - it's tough, a lot to learn and if you pass our Cisco Academy (Year course, 4hr a week 30 weeks) you then have loads more work to do before you can contemplate attempting the CCNA exam.
Old 25 June 2013, 06:21 PM
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kad 16v
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Cheers for the info guys, will see what comes of it all.

Many other IT related courses I can get work to pay for so going to do what ever I can, even if I don't plan on doing that kind of work in the future.
Old 25 June 2013, 07:41 PM
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I did Comptia A+ a few years back with QA-IQ - really really basic course, pretty much an intro into everything and gives a basic understanding of terminologies and knowledge you will need, first line support stuff. If you're getting it free (as I did) then it's just a nice to have.

As mentioned, security one could be handy, ITSM courses based on ITIL can be quite useful depending on what you do (people tend to have a 'lightbulb' moment on those courses). Depends on your speciality and current ability I guess.

Last edited by Torquemada; 25 June 2013 at 07:43 PM. Reason: ...how many times can I squeeze the word basic into a sentence, lol
Old 25 June 2013, 07:56 PM
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jpor
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Originally Posted by Lee
Perhaps not what you want to hear, but from an employers' perspective, CompTIA is considered pretty worthless. I've interviewed people who have this "qualification" who couldn't tie their own shoelaces.

Having said that, never turn down a free lunch and the security one can't be bad.

Anyone who wants a decent job in IT needs to specialise in a particular field and then take the qualifications in that field.

eg Microsoft have plenty of MCITP.
Cisco have CCNA/CCNP
VMware have VCP etc
Seconded....

Also consider your specialist UNIX platforms if that's something that your work is needing.

Look at IBM AIX, HP-UX and possibly Solaris.

A lot of companies are now looking at LINUX as the platform of Choice so always worth investigating Red HAT LINUX Courses. A lot of jobs in there
Old 26 June 2013, 02:51 PM
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I've done this course and the Comptia A+ Certification book is a really good starting point for IT. Understanding (not remembering) everything in this book will really give you a good grounding.

As for the exam, well I reckon I can train the average person to pass it in a few hours. Its also worth noting that the answers to about 95% of the questions are out there.

I read book, did the past tests twice and scored 100% in both exams. Its a useful string to your bow as it proves you have started climbing the IT ladder. However, its not by itself actually going to get you a job.

Worth doing if you can....
Old 27 June 2013, 12:55 PM
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We had an apprentice who'd done this course and he didn't know one end of a screwdriver from the other

Scott.
Old 28 June 2013, 11:52 PM
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maybe it was one of those double ended screwdrivers with a flat on one end and a phillips on the other
Old 29 June 2013, 01:18 AM
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kad 16v
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Originally Posted by Luminous
I've done this course and the Comptia A+ Certification book is a really good starting point for IT. Understanding (not remembering) everything in this book will really give you a good grounding.

As for the exam, well I reckon I can train the average person to pass it in a few hours. Its also worth noting that the answers to about 95% of the questions are out there.

I read book, did the past tests twice and scored 100% in both exams. Its a useful string to your bow as it proves you have started climbing the IT ladder. However, its not by itself actually going to get you a job.

Worth doing if you can....
Cheers,

Yer it's just getting the tick in the box more than anything, didn't expect it to get me a job all on its own.

Once I've done this I'm going to get some more courses done as well, not decided what yet.

Well it's all booked so I'm off to Manchester at the end of the month, I've a feeling it will be a little boring but hey ho it's free
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