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Kind of sad really
Everyone complains about how expensive cert tests are, and how expensive the prep media is. Brainbench offers the same questions that are in CompTIA's A+, and Network+ tests, and M$ MCSE too. I cant believe you guys are letting yourself get sucked in. The MCSE is microsofts golden money bag in certifications. Have you people actually seen the Stafmark commercials? They tell the masses that they to can jump on the bandwagon of IT and make tons o' money NOT. I am the coordinating instructor at the Vocational section of continuing and adult education here in my town. I plan, Design and teach classes to prep you for PC Reapir, Network engineering, and Linux (new class, im so excited I could pee). We dont even make guarantees about what certs you will get. I feel that if you are going to work with technology you will do so, it is not a trade like framing, or plumbing, rather it is a passion that evoloved into a way of making money. Either you work as a technician/teacher/entrepreneur, or you have to find a meaningless job doing something you hate (factorys, fast food, yardwork) Technology is so advanced that some one who doesnt love it is going to find it extremely difficult. First look at the history. Geeks thought it up, geeks made it work, corporate America makes money off of it without understanding the real magic behind it. Now people without a full understanding of electrons are able to tinker with there machines, oh for the days of past where you actually needed to read hex and understad addressing and IRQ's. I do feel it is great that Technology has came so far, but would you diagnose your childs cancer and apply kemo your self? no you would take your kid to the doctor, someone who has dedicated themselves to the human body and a lifetime of learning. I too agree that doctors are too expensive and it is their education that makes it so, and some only become a doctor for the money. I was all for socialised medicine, which would bring down the cost of being healthy, and the cost of education to become a doctor, make those tests extremely difficult so only the ones with real dedication could pass. The same with Tech certs, make those suckers really hard so fly by night techs that only want to learn the basics dont become techs. Sound rough not really. yeal at me, talk back, or whatever , oh and by the way yes I do have certs but only because it was the only way to get my jobs CompTIA A+ Network+ CISO CNE and 4 years of BSE hell Never ms mcse
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Bah friggin Humbug
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Um, I agree and I am in the same boat with you. I am persuing the CCNA so that I can obtain a better paying job. Its pretty much "The next step" of being a computer tech. I have been repairing computers for a long time now and I need a little more money to help support me and my family. I want to stick with the computer part because, beleive it or not I love it. An IT job is just another step in the ladder for me. I wouldnt dream of doing anything else really, computers are for me. Sorry if it sounds to cheezy but its me.
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I agree hole heartedly. I have my A+, CNA, and MCSP, and only a few tests shy of my MCSE and CNE. I am also finishing my last semester of collage, I am an Electrical Engineer. I have spent the last 5 years of my life working 40 hours a week in the computer field at two difrent jobs, as a bench tech for a major chain, and as a network engineer for an accounting firm. I bust my but to work, go to school, and save for my upcoming wedding. It is not easy, but I LOVE MY WORK, and that is what makes it all worth wild. I feel the certs are a nesesity (sp) because bosses like to see on paper, that you have a clue. I agree taht they are very easy. The A+ was about 6th grade level for me, and should not realy be taken as seriously as it is. I don't think Network + is taken to serious, i don't know anyone who has it, I think that the certs show a good base knowledge of computers, but do not go indepth enough. It is up to employers to make sure the people they hire can do what they say, or at least want to learn. I have a very intimate knowledge of how electrical components work and are designed, thats what i have spent 5 years learning, I don't expect the average bench tech to know the NIC or Modem they are installing the way I do, that wouldn't be practical. Just as a programer shouldn't expect me to know C++ or Java script, or any other languages like he/she does. The nature of this large industry is find what you like, and learn all you can about it. There is to much for anyone to know all about everything.
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We may be through with the past, but the past is not through with us.
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I took a couple of those brainbench tests and they ween't so bad. The site is a good resource if you can't make to a book store. I agree with you guys about the certs too. They can get you a job but it's up to you and real world experience and knowledge to keep that job. These certifications are slowling losing their value only because so many people are able to obtain them easily. All it takes is money and a couple of "boot camps". It's a sad state of affairs.
Too bad they don't have a PhD boot camps. I'd like the title!
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"Life is hard...But its harder if you're stupid!"
John Wayne
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I agree. I paid a lot of my own money to study the MS Official Curriculum - then failed the exams first time. After reading some books I passed. I'm also doing the CCNA, purely so that I can get an extra ｣5k a year.
However, i'm fairly proud that I gained the MCPs off my own back, it shows to an employer that you are willing to advance yourself, and that you can get off your *** playing computer games to get out there and study.
Oh, and I do know what an electron is, I did a-level physics.....
https://forums.windrivers.com/
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rscos (MCP)
"Sometimes, I think the gene pool could have used a little chlorine."
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Okay I do agree that the test are costly and the Silvan test centers are making a killing
This one you can't really blame on CompTIA, Novell, Or Microsoft, It's the Silvan Test Centers that are making the $$$$$$$$$. I took 7 of my certs test at The test center in TJ Mexico, for $55.00 each ! The test I took in Riverside Ca. where twice that each.
I was talking to Connie who is a test site Admin.( also one of my clients) The real fee from CompTIA, Novell, & Microsoft is $25.00 per test, The rest goes to Silvan Test Centers. https://forums.windrivers.com/
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If all else fails read the directions !
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Now I understand why the instructor is so particular when it comes to teaching the concepts of repair. I trained through the CompTIA course and I know I could have found cheaper and easier courses. The institution where I trained would not cram you with the test answers. If you could not pass the practical aspects (hands on) of repair, you certainly were not ready for the certification tests. I did not find that the CompTIA test was extremely hard, but if you were not intellectually prepared, you would not pass it. I agree that if you are interested in the field, you will advance and really enjoy your occupation. If you are only in it for the money, you are going to be disappointed. The money IS there, but for those who KNOW what they are doing. I am working toward my MCSE and I find networking to be absolutly facinating. I may focus my attention on that course of study. Any advice on quality programs for Cisco Certs.?
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"I Love Cats......
.......They Taste Just Like Chicken"
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I have been employed in IT for about 2 years doing helpdesk/support/admin type of work and have decided to study towards my MCSE. I have been thinking of maybe doing a 7 month course for around $9000 Aus mind you, but after reading some of the posts on here, perhaps I would be better off spending some money on books and doing the study myself? A few of you are saying that it is really easy, how easy is easy though? How many hours study have you done prior to sitting the exams?
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It all depends, how much do you really love computers and technology? Do you get a stiffy when you find some new cool proggie, or a fast piece of equipment? How long do you want to stay in it, are you a geek at heart, or are you here for the cash, if your here for cash go to a bootcamp, and fake your way along, if you are a bit nut, read, read, play, read, experiment, beg borrow, and steal for a new router to learn the system.
It is a wonderfull life, you will get exploited by recruiters, and cheap shop owners, but the core of it is the technology.
Get the books if yo are going to take classes you will need them anyway, if you dont you will have the information close either way you cant lose
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signature schmignature, it is all words
plug-->> Come to my stinkin website
zali.net
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for the ccna, look at www.cramsession.com initially, there is some usefull info on there
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rscos (MCP)
"Sometimes, I think the gene pool could have used a little chlorine."
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Taking a class is a real roll of the dice. You might spend $9000 AUS and get a teacher who has not been in "the real world" for years. On the other hand, you might get someone who is a Network Admin by day, and teacher by night. It sounds like you are spending your own money with no hope of an employer reimbursement. If this is true, I would strongly consider just reading the books and experimenting on your own equipment or at work.
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"Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I'll remember. Involve me, and I'll learn." -- Marla Jones
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Well, I think you could say that I am a geek at heart, but I am trying to exploit that fact to make money https://forums.windrivers.com/ and Yes for the record I did "get a stiffy" when I spent some dollars on some new hardware last week (Finally got a Geforce 2 and am running on a 10/100 network at home). I have looked into the classes a bit more, and the institute is fully Microsoft accreddited and the Microsoft MCSE classes are fully instructed by MCSE's. One of the main reasons I am considering paying the dollars for the course is because it would be handy to be able to asks questions to someone that they can answer having been there before. Also, I was told by one of the instructors that the MCSE is 100% tax deductable (providing you are working in the industry or have your own business). Can anyone confirm or disprove this?
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Hi I知 a bench tech for a large corp. I do have a passion for computers, I知 19 and in tech. school for electronics and networking tech. unfortunately I知 paying ALOT of money for this school. I have a great teacher and he has plenty of experience. Anyway to the point I know my share of computers but I failed the A+ Core test. https://forums.windrivers.com/ I知 retaking it next week. I got cocky and tried to wing it. My question is what should study next? I love computers! I知 not to sure if I should get other certs. Such as MCSE, Cisco certs, Networking +, etc. Or should I just finish school and stay as a bench tech. to gather experience. Iv had been selling computers for 2yrs now. And I just got promoted to the tech debt. I知 not to sure what to do?!?! https://forums.windrivers.com/ 1. More Certs? 2. Or gain work expericene.
My dream is to find an employer to pay for my certs https://forums.windrivers.com/ .
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What a scam. Microsoft makes millions off of their products, then turns around and WE have to pay THEM to learn how to use them and our reward is a nice paper Cert. Well, it has worked well for them. Go into any interview and the first question will be "Are you MCSE?"
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"You gonna pull those pistols, or whistle dixie ?"
