A+ Advice

[VCM]

Hi,
I am new to the forum and I realise my questions may have been answered many times before, but I would really appreciate some advice from you guys.

I want to take my A+ certification exams but I'm not sure how to go about doing so. How many of you actually paid for tuition for your exams and how many of you taught yourself from books and the internet? I have been informed that I could be paying up to £600 for private tuition. I would rather spend £100 on books and teach myself. What do you recommend?

Also, I am a competent home user but I have no experience working with computers. I can upgrade and do basic troubleshooting and repairs. Is this enough for me to start studying towards A+?

Any advice you can offer me will be greatly appreciated.

Craig

[pave_spectre]

Welcome to the forums.

I havent taken the A+ myself but a lot of the reference material that I have looked into doesnt really assume extensive knowledge, and teaches the basics before moving into the really technical stuff.

If you dont really want to fork out for tuition then others may be able to recommend some really good books, including one by Mike Myers(I think thats right), and you should also look into the free practice exams that are available. If you do a search on this site you should find various links.

[dailey]

Welcome VCM!

For information in general about the A+ Certification visit here (http://www.comptia.org/certification/a/default.asp). You can learn about how they test for A+ and you can also download the latest test objectives.

Search the PC Guide topic index (http://www.pcguide.com/topic.html) for all kinds of information about how computers work and how to fix them. Also check the forums for all kind of information on computers. Search through the Certification, Technical Careers (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=11) forum for information on A+ books and pratice exams on the internet. I personally like the Mike Meyers All in One A+ Certification along with this site. I hope this helps.

[Beta Geek]

Check out what is available at local libraries in your area.

Here's (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26168) a thread regarding choosing a book to use.

If you want to try your hand at some practice tests check out
http://www.mcmcse.com/forums/exams/

I know of a couple others but can't seem to dig up the URLs. Try running a search on google for things like "free A+ tests" and the such.

If you have the time, hang around these forums as much as you can. There's enough collective knowledge here to fill in any gaps that may be left out of whatever means you take to get certified. You can gain experience with real-world problems and their solutions. Although, nothing is as valuable as first-hand experience, of course, this is a close second. :cool:

[VCM]

I would like to thank everyone for their advice. I am currerntly going through some A+ test questions and hunting through the PC Guide forum for hints and tips.

Thanks again,

Craig