A+ cert ?

I have an opportunity to take a semester course and get A+ certified at no cost to me. I already know enough that I can make a full build from parts, and do some troubleshooting. I'm no pro, but I can manage many issues.
My question is, from what I see commonly around the internet, is the A+ cert is really more for landing a job than it is for practical application in a workplace. For anyone in the know, what say you about getting the A+ cert ? To put it in perspective, I would like to quit having to drive a wrecker 80 hours a week for $500 on a GOOD week .

Wasn't sure where to post this, feel free to move it to a better place if you want, mod(s) ..

 

You know, getting your A+ I don't think you have to recertify the way you do with MS certs. Plus, it's an overall type thing, and not limited to a certain OS, hardware, etc.

I say go for it. I want mine.

 

I didn't mention that i have no certs at all . This has just sort of fallen into my lap, and I'd be happy to get out of a wrecker, even for less money .

 

If you want to get into a different job(Seems like it by the way you worded your reply-if that offended you I truly appologize) and if ts no cost to you then I would say go for it. Any cert is better than none(lol) I'm going for that here in a few months when my college offers it. (Sorry for the weird response.)
Spock96

 

Nothing weird about it. Not offensive either, not nearly as offensive as I get after working 80 or more hours in a week of dealing with angry and upset a-holes and coming out of dispatch on Friday with a $450 check ? PLEASE .
There is no configuration of pixels on the internet that can offend me .
This literally fell into my lap this morning and I've been thinking about it all day. I suppose any school is better than none, hm ? I'm confident in the abilities I do have, and I'm always checking out the next new thing, eager for more . Wow. back to school at 42 ? What am I, Rodney Dangerfield ? I GET NO RESPECT ! :-D

 

I wish I was like that.

It's no cost to you, I may be young but I'd say go for it. If you pass(Thinking you will "fly with it" That's Great. But if you fail then what are you out? You didn't have to pay for it or anything. So my advice would be just go for it.
Spock96

 

Go for it if it is free. I took the classes, never tested for the cert. Did learn a few things. As far as a job, I don't think a one semester course will do to much for you, but might get you started on a new career path. Look into Microsoft certs, CCNA, CCNP...

As stated above, any cert is better than none. Again, if it is free, take it. The class I took was pretty basic, but as a self taught computer mangler, It filled in a few gaps in my knowledge.

 

This is pretty much where I'm coming from, although my projects have always been successful, whether it be by luck or not . I started off in the early 80's with a Vic-20, then a Commodore 64 running the phreak and BBS scenes back then . I got out of computers for a bit, while other things were going on in my life and skipped to 2004, picked it right back up without a hesitation . So I do have a pretty significant gap in my running knowledge, and I would like to get that gap filled . My biggest issue to employment is, well, I have 4 felony convictions. They are all for drug possession and DWI's, the most recent will be 10 years old this February. I KNOW I KNOW . I did some dumb stuff, I was in a pretty popular punk rock band during the 90's and sorta let things get out of control and the state of texas had to step in a few times.
A problem with this is, potential employers often see felony convictions and instantly say NO . They think that because I have DWI's, i'm also automatically a thief, a rapist and a bank robber. I understand liability issues, but I've served my time, successfully completed parole and I have not been under state supervision in 5 years. I have paid my debt to society, but it is extremely difficult to get a decent job, I can't get an apartment, there are many other areas in life that are ruined because of this and I will continue to pay for these until my dying day. I know, life isn't fair and I made my own choices, but something's gotta give at some point - or maybe not. An A+ cert isn't going to make the felonies disappear . I am concerned about that .

 

Well, in Louisiana, after 10 years, if you have one DWI, it is gone from your record (unless you get another one). But getting a cert would perhaps show a potential employer that you are serious about moving forward. I feel for you on the record part, if you did your time, it should be over. But, also look at it from am employers view. Also, unfortunately for you many people do not learn from their mistakes and continue to do the wrong thing.

You are going to have the record no matter what. Put yourself in the place of an employer with 2 potential prospects. Both have a bit of a record. One has some computer certs, the other does not. Which one would you rather hire? Plus, you said the class is free. Why not go for it?

I am not a lawyer, but I know some people who have gotten old crimes expunged from their record. You might ask the DA or a lawyer about that.

Good luck! :cool

 

I was unemployed several years back and signed up for A+ cert classes and was accepted. The next day, a job came my way and I had to take for a lot of reasons. So I was unable to take the classes. I still regret it, although it seems it doesn't take much to get A+ cert., I think people with absolutely no computer knowledge are impressed with it.

I would definitely take advantage of the opportunity even if you never use it. You may learn a few things and it can't hurt to have an "A+" showing on your resume (for any job) to show that you have worked to offset your past indiscretions. It was clever thinking on someone's part to name it A+ cert. rather than F- cert. :lol

 

I just got back from the admissions office at HCC . I was told by the program director to contact a lady at Texas Workforce Commission, and that they will, upon approval, appropriate $6000 for classes at no cost to me, because of my situation. This program director recommended I take A+ and Network +, and then choose a program to follow those up with, she recommended CCNA or MCITP . All of these I can take, paid for by the state. 'bout time those jackholes do something FOR me instead of stacking the deck against me . It's kinda scary though, walking through this big community college, I breezed through High School without studying a damn thing . I never really learned how to study, but now I guess I have a reason . Still makes me nervous though . Guess I have some research to do .
Thoughts, anyone ?

This is a very expensive and takes years to get ONE conviction expunged. It would take far more money than I have and likely the rest of my life to get all of it done .

 

Rock on Fed Up! Glad you decided to give it a shot! :dood

Give 'em hell. :-D

 

So how do I avoid becoming a "paper" tech if I go through with the schooling ?

 

Awesome. :dood

http://www.amazon.com/College-Success-Guide-Secrets-Student/dp/1593571305 Check this book out. I'm going through it in my Psychology Class, and it seems to have some good points that will/would help with Studying.