Anyone know about Necom.com? 1

[pcnetgeek]

I had enrolled in a free A+ hardware workshop with netcom.com, it was free so why not. So i spoke with the rep today about a little bit more.

Let me know what you think of this all.

$799 for a the course on sunday's 9am-5pm
Nov 07 2004 - Dec 12 2004 Sun 9AM-5PM NY - New York

$145 for each A+ exam.

http://www.netcominfo.com/certifications/9/A+_training.html

I can make payments which fits my family budget

She said it includes books and other material. I am looking to do this, but dont know about the price; i have not shpped around. They also offer the Network+ and MCSE, which if its all fair, i will do there. They are an authorized testing center also, so i can take the exam there.

I know many have not attended school to take these exams, but with my schedule i cant force myself to become headstrong and do it on my own, with my wife and kids, there is always something else to do. At work, forget about it. I do get all my hands-on experience there though. no in-school class can teach me what i learn there, not to mention just my years of experience.

What do you guys think?

::.even if I dont know about it, I still approach it with confidence to figure it out::.

 

[pcnetgeek]

topic is completely wrong, its

*Netcom.com

::.even if I dont know about it, I still approach it with confidence to figure it out::.

 

[Wishdiak]

pcnetgeek,

These prices seem extraordinarily high.

First off, the $145 per CompTIA test is the full exam price. You'll have no problem finding these cheaper, but I suspect that if you sign up for the course, you'll be locked into the full exam price.

Second, $799 for the class? Where do I sign up to teach a course like this? I passed the A+ with no sweat, the first time, for the price of a $30 book (and paid $210 for both vouchers).

My cost: $240 including tests.
Their cost: $1089 including tests.
Difference: $849 including tests.

The book I used was A+ Certification, All-In-One by Mike Meyers. I saw one question on the test that I hadn't seen in the book, and I expect that the question was newer than the book. I took the test in June.

Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[pcnetgeek]

ok..

What are these vouchers and where can i get them?

Are all of these courses usually this high in price? the MCSE must be far higher, wow!

Hmm, im imagining that with this book, which i've heard alot about coupled with my experience; i should be able to pass. I think am making more of this test then it is. Haha!




::.I may not know it all, but I still approach it with confidence to figure it out::.

 

[pcnetgeek]

BTW what edition is the lateset? of that All-in-one

::.I may not know it all, but I still approach it with confidence to figure it out::.

 

[pcnetgeek]

Actually, I already have my answer..

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=843223

Wishdiak, thanks alot for your help. BTW which cd was it that you had ordered?

::.I may not know it all, but I still approach it with confidence to figure it out::.

 

[Wishdiak]

pcnetgeek,

These may not be the very best prices available anywhere, but...

I got the book from Bookpool.com. A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 5th edition, their current price is $36.95 (retail $59.99). This covers the 2003 objectives, which are current. Bookpool offers free shipping over $40.00, so find another title that you're interested in. I think I ordered Kevin Mitnick's The Art of Deception to save the shipping.

Discount test vouchers can be obtained from

http://www.getcertified4less.com/aplus.asp.

Currently, you can get 2 A+ Vouchers for $182.

This is what I'd do if I were studying to take the A+ today. Total cost $45.00 for the books + $182.00 for the vouchers = $227.00.

I wasn't confident that I'd pass the first time, so I ordered a CD of test questions, just in case. I ordered it from

http://www.totalsem.com.

The CD came with 1100 practice questions (which I've never looked at so I don't know how good they are) and two A+ vouchers. Current price: $198.99 + shipping, so around $210.00, give or take.

What I would suggest is that you get the book (or another book) and take a look at the topics covered. Some you'll probably know well and some you might not know at all. Use this to develop a plan to fill in the areas that you need help with.

You could read it cover-to-cover, which I did, but it's a long read that way, about 1500 pages of technical info.

Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[pcnetgeek]

Wishdiak, thanks. I did see your similar post in another thread . I did order that book; I will look into the vouchers now.

So total cost was approx. $230? to take the exam and get the books?

Just to make sure i understand..

::.I may not know it all, but I still approach it with confidence to figure it out::.

 

[Wishdiak]

pcnetgeek,

I think in my case the cost was a little higher than $230 all together, but this is what it would cost if I were doing it today.

There's another book in that Bookpool order to avoid being charged for shipping. Getcertified4less.com has the best prices that I've seen for A+ vouchers, and less than I paid, but I wanted to have the CD of test questions in case I didn't pass the first time out. I think my total cost was more like $250, give or take.

Getting your A+ Certification is not a destination, it's just a stop along the way.

Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[schase]

if I may comment, not on the prices cause I believe Wishdiak was spot on.

but on those types of classes. Myself also being one that finds it hard to set aside time (and stick to it) to study. I finally said - you know what i'll just goto classes, read a little and be good to know.

I got screwed, A+ consisted of 5 days (nights) each for Hardware and software, then 5 days for Net+. Don't get me wrong the instructors were very good, and normally you could use the schools computers and labs until you passed the test - plus the guarantee that they'll pay for the cert test again if you fail.

In my case I paid $2,000.00 for the three classes including books. Got a loan for 4500, payed off my existing business student loans - gave them the remaining $2,000.00. Two days later what seemed to be a very well established IT School franchise closed their doors.

They later provided training - out of a modular trailer at one of the hospitals close by. But even then - it is a ton of info to try to pass over in 5 days. So really you get a glossing of all the info with emphasis of what areas to really study.

Later on I studied for about 6-8 weeks with the last 3 weeks really hard for the Net+ test, got another big guide from getcertify with my Net+ voucher, few smaller guides, buncha online tests, and passed it with 840-something.

I know how hard it is to study on your own - but force the time - I did hour to 2 hours a night after work and a good solid day on sunday to studying - shut the tv off, no computer, it was hard - but it could be done.

I am currently doing my A+ hardware.

And oh yeah - sending a monthly check off to the student loan place.

"Never underestimate the power of determination"

Stuart
Net+

 

[schase]

btw - read my thread on the Net+ before starting, what worked for me may assist you in which path to look at for yourself.

"Never underestimate the power of determination"

Stuart
Net+