it cant hurt you.
It's good for what it is ment for "i understand the basics of fixing a desktop" If thats not what you are going for it's not right for you.
Yes its a easy test ... but it will give you a good start. If you want to fix pcs then yes you need this.
I took mine 10 years ago when there was tons of DOS memory management questions so I am not up to date. However, it is my understanding, and someone correct me if I am wrong, is that the new A+ test (as in updated questions) actually covers all kinds of real basics.
It is more of a broad skill test assessment. It asks things about networking a printer, file and print sharing, basic troubleshooting theory, how to disable start up items in Windows, how to install RAM. The basic skills you would need to work entry level as a desktop technician, level 1 support, or a help desk type job.
The regular users on this forum already know most of that stuff anyway, so passing it should be easy if you have set up a wireless network, shared files, used msconfig, installed RAM, etc.
When a HR person looks at resumes for a job, they have to set the standards they are looking for. In the IT field almost every single time I looked at a job it say 4 year IT degree, equivalent experience, and/or certifications preferred. Meaning, if you don't have an IT degree but have all your certs and 5 years experience that is pretty much just as good.
Some companies base pay scale on college degree though so you may not be able to make as much, but for the most part they mainly care if you have the ability to get the job done.