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View Full Version : A+ Certification, what's the best way to get certified. HELP!

william1971
07-25-2008, 11:11 AM
I have no IT or Hardware experience but I want to get A+ certified so I can break into the IT industry. I've looked into tech schools in my area but there all very expensive, and none of them will provide me financial aid. Are there any alternatives or other avenues I can take to become A+ certified or is a tech school my only option? Some people have mentioned just buy a book, but I think I might need more due to lack of experience with hardware.
jlreich
07-25-2008, 11:28 AM
If you have zero experience it may be best to take a beginners class on hardware and one on software just to get the basic concepts down. Then continue studying by yourself. Depending on your area you can often find free community classes on software basics. Once in there you may be able to prod the professor on hardware questions. :p

Do you have someone you know that is knowledgeable with computers? That always helps so you can go ask questions that you are having trouble with. Of course you can always come here and ask. :D

You can definitely do it yourself. If you are a good self learner and have a system you can play around with and not worry if you mess it up.

There are a ton of free practice exams out there. ProProfs (http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showforum=1) is a great site I used when I was studying for A+ and Net+.
PrntRhd
07-25-2008, 12:40 PM
I agree.
You should get some hands-on experience.

Do also look the free material on our sister site:
www.certiguide.com
Variable
07-25-2008, 01:11 PM
I would start by getting some junk machines from the Salvation Army or goodwill and taking them apart and rebuilding them. Then install an OS and get it to work. Any IT certification can be done with self study if you want to learn.
william1971
07-25-2008, 02:05 PM
"I would start by getting some junk machines from the Salvation Army or goodwill and taking them apart and rebuilding them. Then install an OS and get it to work. Any IT certification can be done with self study if you want to learn."

Thanks for the words of encouragement. This may be the way I go about it.
mjc
07-26-2008, 12:13 AM
"I would start by getting some junk machines from the Salvation Army or goodwill and taking them apart and rebuilding them. Then install an OS and get it to work. Any IT certification can be done with self study if you want to learn."

Thanks for the words of encouragement. This may be the way I go about it.

Not only is that a good way to get you 'feet wet' with hardware, but if you choose to go with a Linux distro (free is better than trying to jump through all the MS hoops to stay legit), then you will also pick up some valuable OS experience.