Contemplating taking the new "beta" Linux+ cert test...

[psi42]

http://comptia.org/pressroom/get_pr.aspx?prid=515

Apparently CompTIA is offering heavily discounted ($75 as opposed to $200+) linux+ exams for those willing to take the new "updated" version within the test period. CompTIA has expanded the test into several new areas, and is aimed at those with six to twelve months of linux experience, as opposed to only six months as with the old exam.

I have looked at several practice questions online and taken the practice test included with the 2002 "Linux+ Certification Bible." On that test, I scored 68 out of 80, and judget that 5 of the questions I got wrong were incorrect (one even saying Star Office did not run on windows). As a whole, I found the practice questions rather basic and easy...

From what I've gathered, a passing score is 655 out of 900. How is that score calculated? Assuming each question is weighted equally, that would necessitate 72% accuracy. I've been scoring 85-92% on most of the practice questions, so if they are any indication of the real test, I'm in a good position to pass.

But that's the old exam. The new exam is supposed to be "harder," and I'm wondering whether I should go ahead and take it. For $75 it has to be worth a shot, right? I've only got a few days to decide, because the test period ends at the end of November and I'm not sure how far in advance I need to sign up.

This would be my first certification test. I'm 17, still in high school and hoping to get a cert or two while I still have a good deal of time to learn the material... I figured linux+ would be a good place to start.

So my choice is to spend over $200 to take the old test, which I am confident I can pass, or save quite a bit of money, take the new test, and possibly not pass it. I'm wavering.

What do you think? Am I wasting my time and money, or is the risk worth taking?

Thanks for reading :)
~psi42

[Ehwaz001]

I would say: go for it. You are lucky that there is a certification center near your home, since I live in a country that most of the time doesn't have a cert test chamber, or it is very far away.
But you will have to make the decision yourself. DO keep in mind that a certification isn't worth much to most of the employees, since they will like at your regular diploma and experience first.

Most employees stared blindly at MCSE's for a lot of time, and they are experiencing the disadvantages each and every day. My "MCSE" system engineer runs a network of more then 50 computers with his Win2003 server and most of the time, half of the PC's aren't working or he isn't available (probably patching all the leaks I guess...)

Bottom line is: you have to decide! If you really feel that a cert is a method of proof for your knowledge and you want to give the money to be certain that this is true, then by all means, go for it!

Personally, I would rather have someone with hands-on experience instead of somebody with various certifications...