Training for your CompTIA A+ comprises of 4 specialised sectors – you’ll need exam certification in two of these areas to be considered A+ competent. For this reason, many training establishments limit their course to 2 of the four in the syllabus. Our opinion is this is too much of a compromise – of course you can gain accreditation, but knowing about the others will set you apart in the workplace, where gaps in your knowledge will expose weaknesses. That’s why we believe you deserve training in all 4 specialities.
Courses in A+ computer training teach diagnostic techniques and fault-finding – via hands on and remote access, as well as learning to build, repair and fix and having knowledge of antistatic conditions.
It could be a good idea to think about adding the CompTIA Network+ training as you’ll then be in a position to work with networks, and have a more responsible working role.
Looking around, we find a myriad of work available in computing. Deciding which one could be right for yourself often proves challenging.
Working through a list of odd-sounding and meaningless job titles is a complete waste of time. Most of us don’t even know what our next-door neighbours do at work each day – so we’re in the dark as to the subtleties of a particular IT career.
To attack this, a discussion is necessary, covering several unique issues:
* Your individual personality and interests – what kind of work-centred jobs you enjoy or dislike.
* Do you want to obtain training because of a specific motive – for example, are you looking at working based from home (maybe self-employment?)?
* Is salary further up on your list of priorities than some other areas.
* Getting to grips with what the main IT roles and markets are – including what sets them apart.
* You have to understand the differences across the myriad of training options.
For most of us, considering each of these concepts will require meeting with someone that can investigate each area with you. And not just the qualifications – but also the commercial requirements and expectations of the market as well.
Don’t accept anything less than the very latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages.
Confirm that your practice exams are not only asking questions on the correct subjects, but additionally ask them in the way the real exams will ask them. It throws people if they’re faced with unrecognisable phrases and formats.
It’s a good idea to request some practice exams so you can verify your comprehension at any point. Practice exams log the information in your brain – then you won’t be quite so nervous at the actual exam.
Now, why might we choose qualifications from the commercial sector and not familiar academic qualifications taught at schools and Further Education colleges?
With 3 and 4 year academic degree costs increasing year on year, alongside the industry’s recognition that corporate based study most often has much more commercial relevance, there has been a great increase in Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA certified training routes that educate students at a fraction of the cost and time involved.
In a nutshell, only required knowledge is taught. It’s slightly more broad than that, but the principle objective is to cover the precise skills needed (along with a certain amount of crucial background) – without attempting to cover a bit about everything else (as universities often do).
The crux of the matter is this: Commercial IT certifications let employers know exactly what you’re capable of – the title says it all: as an example – I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003’. Therefore employers can identify exactly what they need and what certifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.
Only consider study paths that’ll lead to industry approved accreditations. There are far too many small companies offering their own ‘in-house’ certificates which will prove unusable when it comes to finding a job.
All the major commercial players such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco have internationally renowned proficiency programs. These big-hitters will make sure you’re employable.
Working on the leading edge of new technology is about as exciting as it can get. Your actions are instrumental in creating a future for us all.
Many people are of the opinion that the technological revolution we’ve been going through is lowering its pace. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are huge changes to come, and the internet in particular is going to dominate how we conduct our lives.
The money in IT isn’t to be sniffed at also – the income on average throughout Britain for an average IT employee is significantly higher than remuneration packages in other sectors. Odds are you’ll make a much better deal than you’d expect to earn doing other work.
The search for properly certified IT professionals is guaranteed for a good while yet, thanks to the continuous development in this sector and the vast skills gap still in existence.
(C) Jason Kendall. Navigate to LearningLolly.com for quality information on Comptia A+ Courses and Comptia Certification Training.