Did Linus Tech Tips Expose CompTIA A+ ?

Summary

In a recent video, Linus Tech Tips controversially recorded himself taking the CompTIA A+ exam, violating the NDA and later reviewing exam questions publicly. While the video was removed due to the breach, it sparked a discussion about the flaws in certification exams, such as outdated content, 'best answer' questions, and high study material costs. The speaker argues that Linus didn't expose anything new about the certification industry, as these criticisms have been voiced by many in the IT field. Ultimately, the video highlights long-standing issues but is unlikely to cause significant changes in certification practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Linus Tech Tips (LT) broke CompTIA’s NDA by recording and posting a video of himself taking the CompTIA A+ exam.
• 📉 LT’s video was quickly removed by YouTube, likely due to the NDA violation and potential legal threats from CompTIA.
• 💡 LT’s intention was likely not to expose flaws in the certification system, but to test his own knowledge and ego.
• ❗ LT’s video highlighted ongoing frustrations with certifications, especially the outdated content and ambiguous exam questions.
• 🔄 Many in the IT industry, like LT, believe certifications like CompTIA A+ include outdated technologies that aren’t relevant in today’s tech landscape.
• 🤔 LT’s complaint about ‘best answer’ questions where multiple answers can be correct reflects a broader criticism of exam structures across various certification bodies.
• 💸 Despite widespread complaints about certification exams, companies like CompTIA are unlikely to make meaningful changes since they still profit from the system.
• 🧑‍💻 The CompTIA A+ exam is designed for entry-level IT jobs, focusing on hardware (1101) and software (1102) knowledge, but still tests technologies that are largely obsolete.
• 📹 While LT’s video gained attention due to his large following, similar complaints have been made by others in the tech field for years, but without real change.
• 🏆 Certification exams like CompTIA A+ provide a valuable entry point into the IT field, but they don’t guarantee job success, as LT’s own experience shows.
• 📈 LT's actions might not lead to widespread reform, but they brought attention to the disconnect between the certification content and the actual needs of the IT industry.

Q & A

What was the controversy surrounding Linus Tech Tips (LTT) and the CompTIA A+ exam?

Linus Tech Tips (LTT) recorded himself taking the CompTIA A+ exam, violating the exam's non-disclosure agreement (NDA). He then shared the content on YouTube, where he discussed some of the questions, leading to the video being removed. This sparked a debate about the value and flaws of certifications like CompTIA A+.

What are the main components of the CompTIA A+ exam?

The CompTIA A+ exam is divided into two parts: the 1101 exam, which focuses on hardware components, and the 1102 exam, which covers software topics like operating systems. It is aimed at individuals seeking entry-level IT positions such as help desk or tech support roles.

What specific criticism did LTT raise about the CompTIA A+ certification?

LTT criticized the exam for containing outdated content, such as questions on legacy technologies that aren't widely used in modern IT environments. He also noted the 'best answer' format of the questions, where multiple answers could be correct, but CompTIA expects a specific one, often based on their proprietary study materials.

Did LTT intend to expose the flaws of the certification process, according to the video?

No, LTT did not seem to intentionally aim to expose flaws in the certification process. He appeared to be more focused on taking the exam to test his own knowledge and skill, while the criticisms came as part of his reflections during the video.

What was the main reason LTT's video was taken down from YouTube?

LTT's video was removed from YouTube due to a violation of the NDA with CompTIA. By recording and sharing exam content, he breached the agreement, which likely led to legal action from CompTIA to have the video taken down.

How did other creators, such as NetworkChuck, respond to LTT's actions?

Other creators like NetworkChuck reacted by making their own videos discussing LTT’s actions. However, NetworkChuck’s video was also taken down after CompTIA reached out to him, showing the company's swift response to such content being shared.

What was LTT's stance on the value of the CompTIA A+ certification?

LTT acknowledged that while the CompTIA A+ certification is a useful entry point into the IT field, he believed it doesn't directly guarantee a job. He shared his own experience of being turned down for a help desk job despite having multiple certifications, including the A+.

What was the common complaint among IT professionals about certification exams like CompTIA A+?

The common complaint is that the questions often focus on outdated or irrelevant technologies that don't reflect current industry practices. Many professionals feel that the exams test knowledge of legacy systems rather than practical, modern IT skills.

Why do some professionals consider the CompTIA A+ exam to be disconnected from the real-world IT job market?

The CompTIA A+ exam sometimes includes questions about old technologies, such as Windows 98 or legacy printers, which aren't commonly used in today's job market. This creates a disconnect between what candidates study for the exam and the technologies they actually encounter in their daily work.

Do IT certification providers, like CompTIA, have any incentive to update their exams based on feedback from professionals?

Despite widespread feedback criticizing outdated content, CompTIA and similar certification providers have little incentive to significantly update their exams. Many entry-level IT jobs still require these certifications, providing ongoing demand that supports their current model, making them less likely to change in response to complaints.