How many passed A+ by studying independantly? 1

[trudawg]

I've been working in the computer hardware/telco/network feild for about 7 years now, and I'm going to finally take my A+ exam. (requirement for new IBM project)I always figured why bother because I thought I knew everything anyway. ....Well after studying independantly I've figured out theres alot of technical things I don't know. After reading endlessly through my 6" A+ book, I found it hard to sort through what's just FYI, vs. what's really needed. I finally broke down and paid $1700 to take a class at New Horizons. I guess I didn't have the disicpline to do it on my own, but I know now after shelling out big $$$ I won't let myself slack off.
How did you do it?

 

[tfg13]

When I took the Network + and Security +, I used the exam objectives as things I needed to know, and they normally get rid of all the "fluff" that books have in them. Don't get me wrong, as the "fluff" is usually stuff you need to know in some detail in the real world, just not by the Comptia test.

I used more than one source as a study guide, which had strengths in one or more of the objectives, which of course were supplemented by books with strengths in other objectives.

Also, to make myself study, I set a date in which I would be ready. The easiest way to do that is to sign up for the test with a specific date. This forced me to study, or attempt to go through the hassle of trying to reschedule a test (if you've ever tried to do that, you'll know it's just easier to take the test).

 

[CCns23]

I took the New Horizons course here in Philly to suppliment my Sybex book reading. Had the same philosophy as you, I knew if I spent big $$$ that course that I would make sure I do my work and study hard. The course wasn't too bad, 2 weeks long all at night. I used a combination of the Sybex book, classes at NH, Measureup (which was included with the NH class), and transcenders practice tests to pass. Some might say overkill, I say it's what I needed to get the job done.

Good luck


A+, Net +, Security +, onto the CCNA

 

[glister]

I have attained all my certs through self study. The upside is developing a self discipline so that now I can learn anything. It takes a great deal of self discipline and control. I strongly suggest you get rid of your television (it rots the brain anyway).

ps. I'm working on my Masters now.

A+,N+,S+,L+,I+,HTI+,e-Biz+,Security+,CETma,CSS,CFOS/T,CCNT,CCTT,ACSP,ISA CCST3

 

[CJarman]

After working in the tech field for more than 8 years, I was required to get the A+ certification for a project. Most of my study time was spent on the Net and reviewing a couple of books. Took a few practice tests, then the real deal. It wasn't too hard, but I'm glad I studied some of the hardware details stuff that you don't always use daily.

I wish you the best trudawg!

 

[gwinn7]

Self-Study

Gary
gwinn7
A+,L+,N+,I+,P+

 

[Wishdiak]

I finally broke down and paid $1700 to take a class at New Horizons.

I hope that $1700 includes exam vouchers, or better yet, multiple exam vouchers if you fail one of the exams.

I was able to pass A+ through self-study, but everyone's style of learning is different.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSE: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[trudawg]

Whats funny is since i started I have learned the most through self study, and when I get to class it's mostly review. But I couldn't afford to take a chance. I wanted to arm myself with all the tools I needed to pass. And I know that after paying $1700 I won't allow myself to do anything but pass. My job depended on it, and I have a really good job

 

[MITPRO]

I learned a lot from self study, but if you mix it with a liitle hands-on experience it helps. What's funny is i busted my ass study for the exam, but the test was easy. I did not see any question that were hard. That does not mean that i A'd the test, but i knew i passed before the test was over.

 

[CCns23]

The only thing that tripped me up on the exams were the silly questions about ports in Hex.

Other than that, it was a pretty easy exam. Good luck!!

A+, Net +, Security +, onto the CCNA

 

[MDW19873]

Everything I have done has been with self-study. It takes a bit of work to develop a self-discipline.

A+, Network+, i-Net+, CCNA, CCNP

A+, i-Net+

 

[SUSANVV]

Self Study using SelfTest Software. Read the explanations thoroughly and make sure you understand all the answers as to why something is or is not right. Same way for CNE, MSCE, MCDST.

 

[1LUV1T]

I'm interested in attaining my A+ as well. I have 5-6 years of experience with "technical support" . I'm a network admin now and I know I need certs to justify any type of raise. My study habits are not the greatest but I figure if I register for an exam that would motivate me to study. I have a ton of Sybex, MS Press, Troytech materials. Would that alone suffice? It's mostly reviews, Q&A's, etc. etc.

 

[trudawg]

check out these forums, and practice test info. Tek-tips is great, but these forums are alot more in depth.

http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showforum=1

 

[CiscoRC]

I use Testking, they provide excellent resource but are very expensive a nd a rip off these days. I now go to

http://www.chinatag.com

they have similar and much cheaper materials, besides ones you buy it, it's yours. No 90 days after that locks up.

I have my A+, N+ all of which attained by self Study. I'm currently working on CCNA, and my self discipline is horrible these days. I am a Network Admin, Cisco Engineer, HP, and Nortel Networks, and I can do everything but taking the test gets me all worked up, plus I run out of time. I already failed it twice. I know some of ya going think I'm an idiot, but at least I'm honest about it. I do amazing things on Cisco Products, to really develop a strong discipline is the key. Or better yet take the course. Many people have different style of learning.

 

[Lilliabeth]

Testking has a reputation for providing wrong answers. I certainly would avoid anything with that name on it.

Lilliabeth
-Why use a big word when a diminutive one will do?-

 

[SteveLord]

I second going to Proprofs.com I just stumbled upon it last week and its getting me motivated to knock out the A+ in the very near future.


IT Admin (PBX Newbie)
Nortel Option11
Version 1411
Release 21
Issue 7+
MerMail 10.7.2

 

[burtsbees]

I read Michael Myers A+ certification book (took like 2 months---I had been in the technical field for 8 years) and passed with flying colors. I went to Cisco Academy, CCNA 1-4 and passed my CCNA with a 987. I took the Network+ a month after the CCNA (a potential job requirement was to have N+, although I was a CCNA!), and I scored an 860---read for a week. Then a year later I did self study for about 3 or 4 months and got my CCNP---took and passed all 4 tests within 1 week of eachother.

Burt
A+, N+, CCNA, CCNP

 

[trudawg]

I aced the A+, and now I'm on to N+, I plan to take the N+ in a month, and I plan on taking the CCNA by November. I guess in November Cisco is changing the test, and I'd like to take the old one. Any helpful info on practice test for N+ and Cisco would be greatly appreciated!

 

[burtsbees]

For Cisco, check out books by Todd Lammle from Sybex on Ebay. He is the best. Also, I would get 3 2500 series routers and at least one 2900 series switch, like a CAT2924, or preferrably a 2950 if you can afford it.

Burt