Computer training for CompTIA A+ has four specialist sections – you\’ll need exam certification in 2 specialities to be seen as competent in A+. You\’ll find that most training providers restrict their A+ to just two of the 4 sectors. To us, this will under prepare you – sure, you can pass an exam, but knowing about the others will set you apart in your working life, where knowledge of all four will be necessary. This is why you need education in the whole course.
As well as being taught how to build and fix computers, students on an A+ training course will be taught how to operate in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics.
If your ambition is taking care of computer networks, add the very comprehensive CompTIA Network+ to the CompTIA A+ training you\’re doing. Including Network+ will mean you can command a more senior job role. Other ones that might be interesting to you are the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA and MCSE).
Many trainers provide a shelf full of reference manuals. Obviously, this isn\’t much fun and isn\’t the best way to go about taking things in.
Recent studies into the way we learn shows that long term memory is improved when we involve as many senses as possible, and we take action to use what we\’ve learned.
You can now study via easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM\’s. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you\’ll learn your subject through the expert demonstrations. Then you test your knowledge by using practice-lab\’s.
All companies should be able to show you samples of their training materials. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and interactive areas to practice in.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where possible, so that you have access at all times – it\’s not wise to be held hostage to your internet connection always being \’up\’ and available.
Quite often, students have issues with one area of their training which is often not even considered: The breakdown of the course materials before being sent out to you.
Typically, you will purchase a course staged over 2 or 3 years and get posted one section at a time – from one exam to the next. This may seem sensible until you think about these factors:
What if there are reasons why you can\’t finish each and every exam? And what if you find the order of the modules counter-intuitive? Without any fault on your part, you may go a little slower and consequently not get all your materials.
In all honesty, the best option is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but to receive all the materials up-front. It\’s then all yours in the event you don\’t complete everything within their ideal time-table.
Be careful that the exams you\’re considering doing will be commercially viable and are bang up to date. Training companies own certificates are usually worthless.
If the accreditation doesn\’t feature a conglomerate such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco, then it\’s likely it could have been a waste of time and effort – because it won\’t give an employer any directly-useable skills.
It can be a nerve-racking task, but getting your first job can be eased by training colleges, through a Job Placement Assistance service. However sometimes this feature is bigged up too much, for it\’s really not that difficult for a well trained and motivated person to get a job in the IT industry – as there is such a shortage of qualified personnel.
Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews should be offered (if it isn\’t, consult one of our sites). It\’s essential that you bring your CV right up to date right away – not after you\’ve qualified!
It\’s not uncommon to find that junior support jobs have been bagged by people who\’re still on their course and have yet to take their exams. This will at the very least get you on your way.
Most often, a specialist locally based employment service (who will get paid commission to place you) will perform better than any division of a training company. It also stands to reason that they\’ll know the local area and commercial needs.
A big aggravation for various training providers is how much trainees are focused on studying to pass exams, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the job they have trained for. Don\’t give up when the best is yet to come.
(C) S. Edwards 2009. Pop over to A+ Certification or learninglolly.com/A_Training_Courses.html.
Comments on this entry are closed.