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Hi, new to here, looks great from the little reading I've been doing. I'm currently in an IT job in a smallish NHS establishment in the UK, having previously gained an IT degree a few years back. I don't really know a great deal, despite being an IT Manager (!) and so want qualifications which I can transfer to a wide range of sectors, not just healthcare specific applications, with the goal of moving onto somewhere else in the next 2 years.

PLAN:

My route is going to be A+ > N+ > MSCA/E or something else (not sure yet)

A+
Is it possible to pass with just reading the latest Meyer book and taking practice tests? How long would an average Joe with determination take to pass the tests? And which tests do I have to pass?

First steps on a long road, thanks people.

 

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It's possible, but it would be a *lot* easier if you aquire a second-hand PC or two and take them apart, install OSes, and generaly abuse them!

Harry.

 

Other people here seem to have done it the way you describe. as for which test...The updated version is soon to be the only one available (602, or something like that). I'm sure you will get plenty of replies from A+ dudes/dudettes soon.

As harry hints at, most find it easier to learn if they incorporate a practical element to back up the theory.

Good Luck
Stuart

 

Is there any point in buying a book then until the new qualification is sorted?

I will get my hands on an old pc and use that for my cruel and devious abuse.

 

Welcome aboard.

The path you mention is a popular and sensible option (in my opinion!).

Media is availible for the new objectives. When you can, take a look in our A+ forum for lots of good reviews and advice.

Good luck

 

Errrm...I think we are already in the A+ forums.

To answer you question about books. The sixth edition of the Meyers book covers the new objectives.

CF's Tripwire is the author of another book as well (something about "street smarts") (sorry Trip, but as I'm not doing A+, the books title has momentarily escaped me).

There is no harm in reading up. And I think that you can already take the new exam!!!, Its more the case of: after a certain date you "cannot" take the old exam!!

 

It really depends on how much experience you have with PC hardware and OS configurations. Even seasoned professionals will "buy the book" just to organize what they already know and make it easier to sit that test.

The book stuPeas is referring to is PC Technician Street Smarts published by Sybex. It's more of a lab manual than a study guide, but it does cover all of the objectives for the new exams. Also, I put about three month's worth of actual trouble tickets into the book, so if you (or anyone) want's a look at the problems faced by a real life desktop support tech, this book has it.

Sybex does have a new book out that covers the new exam, but I've not seen it so can't vouch for how good it is. It's CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide .

 

Thanks, think I will get the Meyer and the Street Smart books. When you say the new exam - I take it to pass the A+ you need the Essentials exam and also either 220-602, 220-603 or 220-604 depending on what you want to specialise in?

 

Yes this is correct mate, Meyers advises to opt for 220-602 unless your employer specifically tells you to opt for another.

Good luck.

 

BTW both books are excellent so good choice

 

Thanks alot for all the good advice, going to order books now and get cracking