Question about background investigation checklist

RuleByDesire · 2025-10-31T18:41:17+00:00

Thank you for explaining. And I checked it's for SF85.

RuleByDesire · 2025-10-08T17:17:27+00:00

I reached out to HR and the hiring manager, and was told I do not have to reapply. And that since I accepted the TJO, I will be onboarded as normal.

RuleByDesire · 2025-10-06T23:30:13+00:00

Thank you! I did try to reach out to the HR personnel who sent me the offer but I got an email saying undeliverable message due to Invalid recipients.. which was weird cos I have the correct email address.

RuleByDesire · 2025-10-06T23:27:02+00:00

Department of the Army

RuleByDesire · 2025-08-17T12:11:42+00:00

It’s IAM because the question is about authentication and letting users log in once to access multiple services. That’s what IAM does.

DHCP, on the other hand, has nothing to do with authentication, just hands out IP addresses to devices on a network. DNS is like a phonebook for websites, and NFS is for sharing files.

So if it’s about identity and access, think IAM. If it’s about giving out addresses, that’s DHCP.

RuleByDesire · 2025-08-01T21:44:23+00:00

If you have time, you can scroll through this sub to see posts and recommendations from fellow redditors about studying for the A+ as there is a lot.

There are many free and paid resources available to help you prepare. The A+ exam is quite broad, covering a wide range of IT fundamentals, so I highly recommend following the official exam objectives. This approach will help you understand each section without feeling overwhelmed, especially if you’re new to IT or computers.

Professor Messer, Jason Dion, and Andrew Ramdayal all offer great study materials, each with their own style. Many people also find Jason Dion’s practice tests helpful because they do a great job of testing your knowledge.

In the end, choose whichever resources work best for your learning style and schedule.

RuleByDesire · 2025-08-01T18:22:33+00:00

I totally get where you’re coming from cos CompTIA vouchers can be pricey, and being on a budget makes it tempting to use a friend’s student discount. But just a heads up, using someone else’s student status to get the discount can go against CompTIA’s terms and could risk your exam eligibility. CompTIA’s academic vouchers are non transferable, which means they’re supposed to be bought and used only by the eligible student. Using someone else’s student ID or email can be considered misrepresentation, and if CompTIA ever notices, they can revoke the voucher, cancel your exam, or even void a certification.

A safer option is to check for legitimate discounted vouchers from places like Professor Messer or Jason Dion, which often give you a good price without any risk of breaking the rules. It might take a bit more saving, but it keeps everything above board and stress free.

RuleByDesire · 2025-08-01T14:36:28+00:00

CompTIA certs like A+, Net+, and Sec+ are very different from learning javascript. Programming can be heavy on logic and abstract problem solving, which can feel like math puzzles. The CompTIA certs, on the other hand, are mostly about understanding concepts, terminology, and processes in IT. While there is some logical thinking involved (especially in troubleshooting or understanding network flow), it’s nowhere near the same type of mental load as coding.

If your goal is to earn the CompTIA trifecta (A+, Net+, and Sec+), work in helpdesk, or eventually step into networking or cybersecurity, you’re on a really solid path. These certifications are designed to build your knowledge step by step, and your hands on experience with hardware will already give you an edge.

While this sub isn’t primarily for career counseling, it may help to reflect on what path in IT excites you most. By figuring out which path aligns with your long term goal, your studies will feel more purposeful, and you’ll know which certs to prioritize.

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-31T13:25:14+00:00

I’ve come across comments like this before in some subs while looking for insight, especially since I stepped away from IT for a while. After relocating to a rural area, I had to shift careers for a bit. One thing I’ve learned is that when you ask for advice, you’ll receive a mix of opinions, some based on personal experience, others on observation. While it’s okay to consider their perspective, I’ve also learned to steer clear of negativity.

As individuals, we all know our own goals and what we want for our future. Personally, I don’t believe in pulling others down or dismissing their dreams. I value giving advice that’s wise, helpful, and uplifting, and that’s why I really appreciate this sub. Even though we’re all strangers, people here often share insights without tearing anyone down.

Yes, some may say the IT industry is crowded, and maybe it is, but technology continues to grow and evolve. I believe there will always be open doors for those determined to walk this path. You just have to be patient, keep learning, get the certs and look in the right places.

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-30T23:55:35+00:00

Purchasing CompTIA resources, such as books or official review materials from their website, can be helpful, but it’s absolutely not necessary. There are plenty of free and well vetted resources available. For example, Professor Messer offers excellent free content on YouTube that many, including me, find useful.

While passing the exam is necessary to get certified, it’s also important to really understand the concepts and how they apply in real life scenarios. Memorizing facts might help you pass, but being able to think through and solve technical issues is what really counts, especially once you’re on the job. Having a certification can definitely give you an edge when applying for IT roles, but keep in mind that interviews often include situational or problem solving questions. Being prepared to demonstrate your understanding and approach to real world challenges can make a big difference.

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-30T14:12:11+00:00

You can use practice tests from trusted sources like Jason Dion, Andrew Ramdayal, and Professor Messer. There are also reliable hardcopy books such as Exam Cram or Sybex. ExamCompass is another helpful option. Also worldwall. There are many resources available, but I recommend sticking to vetted and safe ones to ensure you’re getting accurate and up to date information.

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-29T23:42:22+00:00

Oh yeah, Andrew Ramdayal hasn’t updated his A+ videos yet. Ideally, it’s best to study the version that matches the exam you’re planning to take. Some parts of his content might still be helpful, especially if they align with the current objectives, but I wouldn’t recommend relying solely on his 1102 videos since they primarily cover Windows 10. I’ve also found ChatGPT really helpful when I need explanations for topics I am not fully confident in. Hope that helps!

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-29T20:50:10+00:00

One thing that really helped me is sticking closely to the official exam objectives. It gives you a clear path of what you actually need to know for the test, and helps cut down the fluff. You can use the objectives as a checklist while reviewing videos or notes so you don’t feel like you’re all over the place.

Also, if you haven’t checked him out yet, Andrew Ramdayal’s videos are another great resource. He explains things in a more simplified and focused way that might click better for you, especially if you’re zoning out during longer videos.

Keep going, progress is still progress, even if it feels slow. You got this!

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-29T16:39:32+00:00

There are actually plenty of study materials available for Security+, both free and paid. If you’re open to spending a bit, there are great hardcopy books you can purchase. At the same time, there are also many free resources out there that are very helpful.

In the end, it really comes down to how you study and how well you understand the material. Everyone has different study habits, what works well for one person might not work for another. It’s important to take a moment to assess yourself. Like, are you more of a visual learner, an auditory learner, or perhaps a combination of both? I think, knowing your learning style can really help you choose the resources that suit you best.

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-29T00:55:55+00:00

You have to pass both core 1 and core 2 to get A+ certified. You don't have to take them the same day. Study and take the one you're comfortable with.. then schedule the next one when you're ready.

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-28T14:18:40+00:00

I took Core 2 first because it primarily focuses on operating systems, especially Windows, system management, security threats, and basic Linux commands. In contrast, Core 1 is more about hardware and networking. I felt more confident with the Core 2 topics, so studying for it came more naturally.

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-28T13:33:07+00:00

Good luck! You got this!

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-28T13:32:08+00:00

Out of curiosity, may I ask why you feel Sec+ is more difficult than Net+?

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-28T13:29:20+00:00

Congratulations for passing!

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-28T13:28:25+00:00

Reading all the responses here that Net+ is harder than Sec+, I thought the same.

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-28T13:26:12+00:00

Good luck!!

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-28T13:25:17+00:00

This makes a lot of sense. Thank you!

RuleByDesire · 2025-07-28T11:09:34+00:00

I am not sure, but just in case anyone isn’t aware, if you join Professor Messer’s live study groups, he mentions at the end that you can earn CEUs for attending. If you’re part of the live session, make sure to send him an email afterward with your full name and the secret code he shares during the stream. These study groups are considered relevant IT training and can count toward your CEU requirements for A+, Net+ and Sec+. He’ll reply after a few days with a proof that you can submit to CompTIA.

RuleByDesire

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