Cert/Job

[Prototype]

What is the advantage and disadvantage of certifications? What age is require to the test? Does it look good in my college application or resume? Do people get payed more if they have a cert than someone that doesnt? How much will it cost? Do I need to go to specific school to take the test or study and go somewhere to take the test?

What is a good paying job to start with when Im 16?

[vernong1992]

I'm also working on a Cert [A+], I don't think theres a age limit because I can go in and take it..

Um I think it costs some amount of money per exam (My dad said $150)

Yes they pay you more, usually its a good to have before you get into college so you can work in the Computer Labs when you're in College

Geeksquad? Firefly?

[decibaL]

A+ certification requires you to take two tests. One of them is for essentials and the other is your choice of three. You have to pay for both of them, and that is easily $300 USD. I personally believe that A+ certification is not worth the trouble because the initial investment is too much for the potential benefits.

[Prototype]

What happen if someone fails? Does he/she need to pay $150 again? Do we get classes and discuss the stuff in the book oir we do it individual and go to the place and take the test?

[decibaL]

If you fail, you pay again. When you take the test, you go in and sit in front of a computer. The computer displays a question and if you get it right it will display a harder question. If you get it wrong, it displays an easier question. I suggest you pick up a study book if you are strongly planning on taking it.

If you answer no to most of these following questions, then grab a book or do not bother.

1. Do you know what a page file is?


2. How many pins does SO-DIMM memory have?


3. What is event viewer?


4. How can you clean up a toner spill?


5. What are the six stages of the laser printing process?


6. What is the file limitations of FAT16? FAT32? NTFS?


7. What class is a 255.255.255.0 subnet?


These are just a taste of what might be on the test.

[Keyboard Cowboy]

Originally Posted by decibaL

If you fail, you pay again. When you take the test, you go in and sit in front of a computer. The computer displays a question and if you get it right it will display a harder question. If you get it wrong, it displays an easier question. I suggest you pick up a study book if you are strongly planning on taking it.

If you answer no to most of these following questions, then grab a book or do not bother.

1. Do you know what a page file is?


2. How many pins does SO-DIMM memory have?


3. What is event viewer?


4. How can you clean up a toner spill?


5. What are the six stages of the laser printing process?


6. What is the file limitations of FAT16? FAT32? NTFS?


7. What class is a 255.255.255.0 subnet?


These are just a taste of what might be on the test.

My goodness. It's just that?
I really wish Australia would do some thing like that where there was some certification for becoming an IT Techie at that level. I am sick and tired of any jock with a screw driver putting an ad in the paper or up at the local shop saying that they do ultra cheap computer repairs.

[Dr. IP]

As for a quick answer to the age limit, there are no age limits for any certification. None of them. The youngest CCIE, I believe, got it when he was 17. I received my A+ at 16 in December of 1994

[Lexluethar]

Originally Posted by decibaL

If you fail, you pay again. When you take the test, you go in and sit in front of a computer. The computer displays a question and if you get it right it will display a harder question. If you get it wrong, it displays an easier question. I suggest you pick up a study book if you are strongly planning on taking it.

If you answer no to most of these following questions, then grab a book or do not bother.

1. Do you know what a page file is?


2. How many pins does SO-DIMM memory have?


3. What is event viewer?


4. How can you clean up a toner spill?


5. What are the six stages of the laser printing process?


6. What is the file limitations of FAT16? FAT32? NTFS?


7. What class is a 255.255.255.0 subnet?


These are just a taste of what might be on the test.

Not true on it being a harder question. The new exams (600) DO NOT adapt to how you respond to the previous question (the onld 300 exams did adapt, and you only had to take one large exam, now you take two). There is an outline of possible topics, and there is a percentage of questions taken from each topic depending on the route you take.

While some of the questions are specific, like what is an IRQ, DMA, how fast is USB 1.0 compared to 2.0. Which is faster AGP or PCI Express and why? Which can support 64 bit? Those are very specific, 3/4ths of the questions involve scenarios in which you have to solve problems, and how to fix certain situations given the circumstances. ANd while not all questions are wrong, you need to choose the best one for that particular instance.

Each exam is 150 and you have to take two. IF you fail, you have to pay again to take the exam. I would suggest picking up a book from Mike Meyers, and make sure it is the 600 exam version. I've still seen some 300 exams out there and those are obsolete. In 2009 i'm sure they'll come out with a new exam too - and they continually update the current exam w/ some new technologies. Once you pass and get your certification, you are certified for two years, then it expires and you have to take the exam again.

With well recognized exams, it is always good to be certified. The A+ is one of the more expensive exams (on a per exam basis), but it is also one of the easiest. Try going out and taking a Microsoft exam and compare the difficulty of the questions. I would definately suggest getting your A+, at your age it will help you get into jobs like Best Buy, possible computer support at your school, etc. You really need to get a degree first, then work on getting certifications. Just my opinion. If you don't have a degree an A+ exam WILL NOT get you into any place or position higher than say 40k. If you decide not to go to college and get a degree (doesn't even have to be in IT) then you would need something like an MCSE or other MCP certificaiton to really have some say over your career path.

[surgeVel]

I really don't think certifications are worth it. You MAY get paid more in certain circumstances, but usually you don't. The things that look best on a resume is school, job experience, and good references. Big companies could care less if you have passed every certification available. They will choose you based on your people skills and your experience level, NOT on your ability to pass tests.

Now for the other questions. For my first starter IT job, I worked at my High School getting paid $6.50 an hour and gaining TONS of experience. I worked with servers, network software such as Novell and Zenworks, easily had hundreds of different troubleshooting issues, repaired broken system parts, used imaging software. All of which gave me enough experience to get the job now at my university. I'm a freshman and I work in the math department as the HEAD of their technology section (yeah, sure it's only about 200 computers as compared to my high school which easily had over 1000). I only make $14 an hour but that is because I am still a student and I don't have to pay a lot of federal taxes because of it. If I were to graduate and want to keep this job, I would undoubtedly be making closer to $20 an hour, which in my eyes for only my second job in IT is a great amount.

Once I receive my BS in Computer Science, I will obviously find many more jobs out there that pay better and are more challenging, but having two long term employments at a notable high school and then a Division 1 NCAA university will look great on my resume. (oh by the way, if you haven't already, make a resume and keep it updated. I've had mine for 4 years now)

[Lexluethar]

Originally Posted by surgeVel

I really don't think certifications are worth it. You MAY get paid more in certain circumstances, but usually you don't. The things that look best on a resume is school, job experience, and good references. Big companies could care less if you have passed every certification available. They will choose you based on your people skills and your experience level, NOT on your ability to pass tests.

Now for the other questions. For my first starter IT job, I worked at my High School getting paid $6.50 an hour and gaining TONS of experience. I worked with servers, network software such as Novell and Zenworks, easily had hundreds of different troubleshooting issues, repaired broken system parts, used imaging software. All of which gave me enough experience to get the job now at my university. I'm a freshman and I work in the math department as the HEAD of their technology section (yeah, sure it's only about 200 computers as compared to my high school which easily had over 1000). I only make $14 an hour but that is because I am still a student and I don't have to pay a lot of federal taxes because of it. If I were to graduate and want to keep this job, I would undoubtedly be making closer to $20 an hour, which in my eyes for only my second job in IT is a great amount.

Once I receive my BS in Computer Science, I will obviously find many more jobs out there that pay better and are more challenging, but having two long term employments at a notable high school and then a Division 1 NCAA university will look great on my resume. (oh by the way, if you haven't already, make a resume and keep it updated. I've had mine for 4 years now)

I agree with you to a certain extent. It really depends on the certifications and the field you are in. My step mother did not graduate from college, but got an entry level position at EDS. With experience and getting certifications she's worked her way up the ladder over a 5 year span and now makes really good money because of the experience AND certifications (MSCE). I agree with you, certifications are not a magical key to not getting an education or experience and making a lot of money. Unless you are getting extremely good certifications (MCSE), the A+, Network +, MCST alone are not get you a good paying job or even a foot in the door at some places.

Work on your education first, then decide where to go from there. A+ is a good starter, as well as the other CompTIA (check out their website) exams. Education (formal) and experience superceed most (99%) certifications, certifications are good to keep up on current technology and have the ability to prove you know what you are talking about (to an extent).

I have my BS in Human Resource Management, although i have tons of IT experience if i wanted to get into an IT field, i really would need a certification to show them i'm not just a manager, but i know IT as well.