Is A+ worth doing if you have MCDST?

Discussion in 'MCDST' started by matt645, Sep 3, 2010.

  1. matt645

    matt645 Bit Poster

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    I'm close to finishing my MCDST (done 271, 272 very soon), Is it worth getting A+ as well?

    I've just been looking at practise questions and to be honest both A+ exams look like a walk in the park compared to MCDST.
     
  2. matt645

    matt645 Bit Poster

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    Just looked to book, £228 for both!!! N+ £168!!! No wonder they want to make them invalid after 3 years with that sort of racket going on.:rolleyes:

    Why so expensive? The MS exams are only £88 each.
     
  3. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    In my opinion, yes.
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  4. Josiahb

    Josiahb Gigabyte Poster

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    MS are a multi-billion dollar company, CompTIA aren't.

    Thats the short answer anyway, MS are in a position to throw money from elsewhere in the business into their education program to bring the exam cost down and have plenty of reason to do so.
     
    Certifications: A+, Network+, MCDST, ACA – Mac Integration 10.10
  5. Killian

    Killian Byte Poster

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    I booked my Security+ exam the other day and it was £191 plus VAT which took it up to about £225 for one exam!

    Luckily I read a post on here a while back about using vouchers instead of paying directly. The voucher cost me about £182 but you don't pay VAT on it so ended up saving me almost £40!

    Just had a look on GraceTechSolutions and they are selling them for the A+ at £111 which takes it to £222 for the two of them but no VAT is added when you book.

    May be worth looking into :)
     
    Certifications: See sig.
    WIP: Everything!
  6. matt645

    matt645 Bit Poster

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    I don't think I'll bother, it looks a little too pricey for what is essentially just CV padding for me.

    I may just go all out on the N+ as I will at least learn something new on that.
     
  7. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    The reason for the cost difference is this: CompTIA's primary source of revenue are these exams. Microsoft's primary source of revenue is their OSes and software, not the exams. Microsoft uses the exams to create an army of knowledgeable, certified individuals who can support and advocate for their software products. If I had to guess, I would say that Microsoft breaks even or loses money on their certification program.

    Don't misunderstand me - CompTIA's not making money hand over fist. They're a non-profit trade organization, so they're likely pricing the exams as cheaply as their finances allow.
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  8. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    The point of certification isn't to learn something new... the point of certification is to show employers what you can already do. Sure, it's CV padding, like you said... but without the certification, prospective employers have only your word that you know how to perform basic PC troubleshooting.
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!

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