About to venture into A+

[gray19lfc]

Right decided I'm going to self-study the A+, using the Professer Messer videos and Boson/ProProfs practise exams and also the Mike Meyers "CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Sixth Edition" book (think that's the right one?).

Is there anything else can recommend that will help me?

Having no IT experience other than a high grade pass at GCSE and general tinkering with my own/friends PCs and laptops, is this the best certificate for me to aim for to make a start in a career in IT?

[beaumontdvd]

Its a good starting point, have you heard about the new rules of the a+? Also I always tend to get two study materials just incase theres something in one that isn't in another as after all your not just studying to pass the exam your studying to learn. It takes a lot of dedication and work so you need to be focused that you want to start your career in I.T. Hope it all goes well for you mate

Dave

[gray19lfc]

You mean the recertifying rules? That comes into place in the UK as of Jan 1 2011 I understand?

[beaumontdvd]

Originally Posted by gray19lfc

You mean the recertifying rules? That comes into place in the UK as of Jan 1 2011 I understand?

Yeah, I might start to study the A+ as from what I've been told its a good entry level cert. Also if you certify before that you will have a lifetime qualification form what I have read. Get many study materials and take practice questions before the exam. I can't really help much as I havent taken it yet. But hope it goes well.

Dave,

[gray19lfc]

Thanks.

Hoping to have it passed before the year is out.

Is the Mike Meyers CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide Sixth Edition the book people recommend the most? Seems to be a lot on Amazon with similar names.

[beaumontdvd]

Originally Posted by gray19lfc

Thanks.

Hoping to have it passed before the year is out.

Is the Mike Meyers CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide Sixth Edition the book people recommend the most? Seems to be a lot on Amazon with similar names.

I have the Comptia sybex a+ study guide but that was what my mate used and he gave me the book. II guess thats the equivilant of the Ms pres for the microsoft exams? Correct me if I'm wrong people. But yes a lot of people talk about the Mike Meyers book saying its good ect. I wouldn't just buy one book mate just incase it doesn't cover say a few questions. That could make the difference between a pass or fail.

Dave

[miflandia]

Beware!!!

Depends on where are you the current exam expires, usa, canada this month, the rest in august.

For facts:
Check the comptia.org website.
Mike Meyers:
http://www.totalsem.com/
So if you want to take 220-601, 220-602, etc way you still need the 6th edition
But the new 7th edition book is out,
http://www.totalsem.com/products/aplus/ap_7ed.php
so i would go this way, i think the 220-701 220-702 exams are available already everywhere.

[gray19lfc]

Originally Posted by miflandia

But the new 7th edition book is out,
http://www.totalsem.com/products/aplus/ap_7ed.php

7th edition not released in the UK until 1st March. Is it worth waiting a few weeks and buying that one or would the 6th edition suffice? Only I could do with making a start on my studying ASAP.

[miflandia]

Originally Posted by gray19lfc

7th edition not released in the UK until 1st March. Is it worth waiting a few weeks and buying that one or would the 6th edition suffice? Only I could do with making a start on my studying ASAP.

I would go for the most recent one.
You need to study asap anyway, we talk about a big book, a very big book.
I would start with Professor Messer, online. And when the book arrives jump on it.

[greenbrucelee]

If you are in the UK I would suggest trying to get the current A+ exams out of the way before they retire in August. That is because the best material for it is already out. Mike Meyers 6th edition.

[gray19lfc]

Originally Posted by miflandia

I would go for the most recent one.
You need to study asap anyway, we talk about a big book, a very big book.
I would start with Professor Messer, online. And when the book arrives jump on it.

OK, I'll pre-order the 7th edition.

Originally Posted by greenbrucelee

If you are in the UK I would suggest trying to get the current A+ exams out of the way before they retire in August. That is because the best material for it is already out. Mike Meyers 6th edition.

August? Don't they retire before Jan 1 2011?

[miflandia]

Originally Posted by greenbrucelee

If you are in the UK I would suggest trying to get the current A+ exams out of the way before they retire in August. That is because the best material for it is already out. Mike Meyers 6th edition.

Guys.
I am not sure, and i have no time today.
But think it is out..
http://www.totalsem.com/products/aplus/ap_7ed.php

[gray19lfc]

Originally Posted by miflandia

Guys.
I am not sure, and i have no time today.
But think it is out..
http://www.totalsem.com/products/aplus/ap_7ed.php

$42 is about £26 and that's before postage.

It's only £20 delivered on Amazon UK.

[greenbrucelee]

Originally Posted by gray19lfc

OK, I'll pre-order the 7th edition.


August? Don't they retire before Jan 1 2011?

no that tis the recertification date.

In the US they have retired the 600 series now but it doesn't retire here until August. if you do not pass your A+ by december 31st then if you pass it after that you will be required to recertify every 3 years if you want to keep it.

[gray19lfc]

Originally Posted by greenbrucelee

no that tis the recertification date.

In the US they have retired the 600 series now but it doesn't retire here until August. if you do not pass your A+ by december 31st then if you pass it after that you will be required to recertify every 3 years if you want to keep it.

So, in September, for instance, I'd be doing the 700 series exams and have no need to recertify every 3 years?