I took the #1 Tech Exam and it was BRUTAL

Summary

This video explores the value of CompTIA A+ certification in the modern IT landscape. The presenter, with 20 years of tech experience, takes the exam to test its relevance and difficulty. They critique the exam's outdated questions and high costs but acknowledge its role in demonstrating a baseline of technical knowledge to potential employers. The video humorously discusses the exam process, including proctoring challenges and the presenter's personal experience, concluding that while A+ certification may not be essential, it does hold some value in the job market.

Takeaways

• 💻 CompTIA A+ certification is seen by some as essential for IT careers, but others view it as outdated due to the availability of free resources online.
• 💰 The exam costs around $500 with no free retakes or discounts, which can be a significant financial risk.
• 📝 CompTIA doesn't disclose the actual exam questions, making it hard to evaluate the test's current relevance.
• 📷 The exam process is highly controlled, with strict monitoring, including webcam verification and AI/human proctors to prevent cheating.
• 🤖 Some questions on the test may feel outdated or irrelevant, and practical experience might not guarantee passing.
• 🖨️ Some technical questions, like those about printer setup or paper sizes, felt disconnected from real-world usage scenarios.
• 🌍 The certification exam does test important areas like internet connectivity, multi-factor authentication, and tech problem-solving.
• 📊 The exam scoring is vague, providing only subject summaries rather than detailed feedback on mistakes.
• 📆 CompTIA A+ certification expires after three years, requiring recertification, which some see as more of a revenue stream than an actual skills update.
• 🔄 The test didn’t acknowledge newer technologies like Windows 11, raising concerns about how up-to-date the exam is.

Q & A

What is CompTIA A+ certification and why is it controversial?

CompTIA A+ certification is an IT certification that has been around since 1993, often considered as an early milestone in an IT career. It is controversial because some view it as essential while others see it as outdated, especially with the availability of free online learning resources.

How much does it cost to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam?

The cost to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam is around $500, and there are no free retakes or discounts offered if you fail.

What does CompTIA do as a nonprofit lobby and trade organization?

CompTIA is a nonprofit organization with members from various hardware, software, and services companies. They bring in over $140 million a year through member dues and certifications, and also sell training materials, study guides, and online courses.

How has the exam process for CompTIA A+ certification evolved over time?

The exam process has evolved from being conducted in controlled rooms with human proctors to being taken in the comfort of one's own room, monitored by exam software and a team of human and AI proctors.

What is the significance of the 80 plus titanium rating mentioned in the script?

The 80 plus titanium rating refers to the efficiency of the SE Sonic Prime TX 1000 W power supply, indicating it is highly efficient and has a top-tier rating in energy consumption.

What challenges does the script's author face while preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam?

The author faces challenges such as the lack of concrete information about the exam itself, the high cost of the exam with no free retakes, and the difficulty in evaluating the test's value in the current IT landscape.

What is the author's opinion on the value of CompTIA A+ certification for someone with significant IT experience?

The author questions the value of the certification for experienced IT professionals, as the test may include archaic or niche topics that don't necessarily reflect real-world problem-solving skills.

What is the author's experience with the exam setup and what issues did he encounter?

The author describes a complex setup process for the exam, including verifying identity, ensuring no unauthorized materials are present, and dealing with technical issues such as aspect ratio problems with the webcam view.

How does the author feel about the types of questions on the CompTIA A+ exam?

The author finds some questions fair and relevant, while others he finds flawed or lacking in necessary information to provide a correct answer, indicating a potential disconnect between the test and real-world IT scenarios.

What is the author's final stance on the CompTIA A+ certification after taking the exam?

After passing the exam, the author acknowledges the certification could help land interviews but believes experience and attitude have a bigger impact. He also questions the test's currency and its requirement to renew every three years.

What does the author suggest as an alternative to CompTIA A+ certification for someone looking to demonstrate technical knowledge?

The author suggests that practical experience and problem-solving skills are more valuable than the certification itself, and that the test may not fully reflect current IT knowledge requirements.