494 replies to this topic

[gamon]

I took the A+ exam in 1995 and since then have had a number of other certifications (N+,CCNA, MCSA 2003) When I went to a job interview today the manager still was looking to see if I had an A+ cert. Its funny how after all these years  of experience that he would still be interested in that certification. just goes to show how much emphasis employers put on certification and not just experience with the technology.

[kingblake]

I took the A+ exam in 1995 and since then have had a number of other certifications (N+,CCNA, MCSA 2003) When I went to a job interview today the manager still was looking to see if I had an A+ cert. Its funny how after all these years  of experience that he would still be interested in that certification. just goes to show how much emphasis employers put on certification and not just experience with the technology.

I definitely needed to hear this, I am currently in a desktop specialist position (lucky to have already been working for the company prior to getting) with no certs. I do have plenty of exp but I am looking to get my certs to make my future here much more profitable.

[TomOgden]

I took the A+ exam in 1995 and since then have had a number of other certifications (N+,CCNA, MCSA 2003) When I went to a job interview today the manager still was looking to see if I had an A+ cert. Its funny how after all these years  of experience that he would still be interested in that certification. just goes to show how much emphasis employers put on certification and not just experience with the technology.

I have been in the IT business since 1984 and have never gotten this certification.  I'm curious, how often if at all you need to recertify?  Do these companies who request or require this certification check to see when you were certified?  I would think that a 2007 A+ Certification is quite different than a 1995 A+ Certification.

[basil81]

You never have to recertify with A+. It does help that you have other certs under your belt and loads of field experience, but think of the A+ as simply a starting point.

[Javii]

Well, I was taught differently; I was told employers didn't really look at these qualifications for the simple fact that there are many tools that make the certification an easy process (such as this website for ex.) Thanks God I was wrong in believing that, as I was beginning to think I paid a big amount of money for nothing.

[jsr717]

I am glad to hear that employers are looking for the a+ cert, I am in the middle of studying for it now, and I am hoping that it will get my foot in the Door.

[CLBeilby]

I am glad to hear that employers are looking for the a+ cert, I am in the middle of studying for it now, and I am hoping that it will get my foot in the Door.

Likewise.  A friend of mine told me that there are some jobs that, if I have the A+ certification, I will almost be hire on site (usually things like Geek Squad and comparable.)  On the other hand, I'm actually hoping to go into business for myself.

[bikerk]

Thanks for the heads-up since I am now enrolled in an A+ class at the local community college and want to know that my time is not being wasted?

[bikerk]

I took the A+ exam in 1995 and since then have had a number of other certifications (N+,CCNA, MCSA 2003) When I went to a job interview today the manager still was looking to see if I had an A+ cert. Its funny how after all these years  of experience that he would still be interested in that certification. just goes to show how much emphasis employers put on certification and not just experience with the technology.

My hat is off to you for taking so many certification tests and coming out alive. These tests are hard for people like myself who are not born test-takers.

[kong614]

I took the A+ exam in 1995 and since then have had a number of other certifications (N+,CCNA, MCSA 2003) When I went to a job interview today the manager still was looking to see if I had an A+ cert. Its funny how after all these years  of experience that he would still be interested in that certification. just goes to show how much emphasis employers put on certification and not just experience with the technology.

I am new to this forum (and this site for that matter) and reading successes like this encourages my study for the A+.  Also I am glad employers still look at the fundamental exams (although there is nothing fundamental about A+) for prospective employees.

[rac033]

I agree, its nice to know that employeers still look at this.

[nyysnoopy]

I worked for as a windows admin for 6 years before being laid off and was never certified.  Now when I go to apply for a new IT position, they are now requiring certifications and are not even looking at my previous experience.  I think the having these certs will get you to the interview when you will have the opportunity to discuss your experience.  

I guess it's time to get certified.

[stroupe12]

I am new to this forum and site and was just wondering about how long it took some of you to get  
certified?

[playingwithlegos]

Can this be done in only 2 weeks.  I've just started a new job and this certification is required.  I know it will be useful not only with this employer, but also with my primary employer.   I'm just not sure that it can be done.

[dueloverdrive]

I took the A+ exam in 1995 and since then have had a number of other certifications (N+,CCNA, MCSA 2003) When I went to a job interview today the manager still was looking to see if I had an A+ cert. Its funny how after all these years  of experience that he would still be interested in that certification. just goes to show how much emphasis employers put on certification and not just experience with the technology.

Thanks for the encouragement, I've been in IT for a few years, but since I'm not certified I've hit a roadblock.  Time to study and get things moving in the right direction.

[bm55]

It's true that employers do care about the certifications. If you already have experience or just wanted start your career in IT-HelpDesk, A+ certification is good to have.

[derelict]

Heck, yeah an A+ Cert is worthwhile!

I currently work for a government agency [MN] and, while it is true you can get a helpdesk position with minimal experience, you are also going to get minimal pay [I believe it tops out at just under $20.00] The IT positions [and IT apprentices] start out at around $23.00 an hour and go up to $34.00--and all they require is A+ cert [although they would like MCDST/MCSA/MCSE or any of the other Microsoft certs] but they aren't required.

So don't you go thinking that you are wasting your time, efforts, and $ in obtaining a certificate.

I've also found that if you are looking for easy experience, after you obtain your cert, especially with the holidays coming, places like Geek Squad hire Seasonal employees.

Just a tip for those having a tough time breaking into the field for lack of experience

[Ghost Writer]

Thanks for the encouragement, I've been in IT for a few years, but since I'm not certified I've hit a roadblock.  Time to study and get things moving in the right direction.

I'm in the same boat as you. Currently on the job-hunt and finding my lack of certifications to be a hinderance. One guy who interviewed me actually said he thought certifications were meaningless, but it's good hear to the contrary from others on these forums.

[Shadowman]

I think certifications are a good thing and give you a good path to follow for learning. However, I think certifications as a result of people using brain dumps, etc. has hurt the status of certifications. Most businesses look for experienced people because they can't afford the training. However, you have to start out somewhere. I think certifications are a good place to start.

Saying that, I will give you the below link to read. I'm a little skeptical about the article, but experience does go a long way. On the other hand, like I said before, we all have to start out somewhere. I say learn the material and get the certifications. If you have the certification, you will probably be ahead of the people who don't have one. Actually, I know some government organizations won't even hire you without A+, Network+, Security+, and MCSE if going for a networking job.

Here is the article: Noncertified IT pros earn more than certified counterparts: survey

[DGress]

Can this be done in only 2 weeks.  I've just started a new job and this certification is required.  I know it will be useful not only with this employer, but also with my primary employer.   I'm just not sure that it can be done.

From everyone I have talked to it depends on how much experience and knowledge you have. If you have been working in the field it will be much easier than trying to learn from books or CDs. I started my job with very little experience and have been studying for the A+ exam as I learn my job. For myself, I don't think I could ever pass the exam without the experience to put it in perspective. Good luck! Let us know how you do.