The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you’re thought of as A+ competent once you’ve passed your exams for 2 out of 4 subjects. This is the reason that most training providers only teach 2 specialised areas. The truth is you’re advised to have the teaching in all areas as many positions will ask for an awareness of the entire course. You don’t have to take all four exams, however we’d advise that you study for all four areas.
In addition to learning how to build and fix computers, students on an A+ training course will have instruction on how to operate in antistatic conditions, as well as diagnostics, fault-finding and remote access.
If you feel it appropriate to add Network+ training to your A+, you’ll additionally be equipped to assist with or manage networks of computers, meaning you’re in a position to expect a better remuneration package.
Adding in the cost of exam fees with the course fee then including an exam guarantee is common for many training course providers. But look at the facts:
Everyone knows they’re still being charged for it – it’s obviously already in the overall price charged by the course provider. It’s absolutely not free – don’t think these companies are so generous with their money!
The honest truth is that when trainees fund their own exams, one by one, they’ll be in a better position to pass every time – as they are conscious of their investment in themselves and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.
Why should you pay your training company up-front for examinations? Go for the best offer when you take the exam, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance – and take it closer to home – instead of miles away at the college’s beck and call.
A surprising number of current training course providers secure huge amounts of money by getting paid for all the exam fees up-front then banking on the fact that many won’t be taken.
Additionally, you should consider what an ‘exam guarantee’ really means. The majority of organisations won’t pay for you to re-take until you’re able to demonstrate an excellent mock pass rate.
On average, exams cost about 112 pounds twelve months or so ago when taken at local VUE or Pro-metric centres throughout the country. Therefore, why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra for ‘an Exam Guarantee’, when it’s obvious that what’s really needed is a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools.
Getting into your first IT role can be a little easier with the help of a Job Placement Assistance facility. Because of the great skills shortage in this country at the moment, there’s no need to become overly impressed with this service however. It’s not as difficult as you may be led to believe to find the right work once you’re properly qualified.
Whatever you do, don’t wait till you have passed your final exams before updating your CV. As soon as your training commences, mark down what you’re doing and place it on jobsites!
Various junior support jobs are offered to people who are still studying and haven’t got any qualifications yet. At least this will get you on your way.
Normally you’ll get better results from a specialised and independent local recruitment service than any training company’s employment division, as they will understand the local industry and employment needs.
Essentially, if you put as much hard work into landing a job as into training, you won’t find it too challenging. A number of students curiously conscientiously work through their learning program and just give up once qualified and would appear to think that businesses will just discover them.
The best type of training package should also include wholly authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages.
Due to the fact that the majority of examining boards for IT come from the United States, you need to become familiar with their phraseology. It’s not sufficient merely going through the right questions – they need to be in the proper exam format.
Practice exams will prove enormously valuable as a resource to you – then when the time comes for you to take the proper exam, you won’t be worried.
The way a programme is physically sent to you is usually ignored by most students. How many stages do they break the program into? And in what sequence and how fast does each element come?
Training companies will normally offer some sort of program spread over 1-3 years, and drop-ship the materials to you piecemeal as you pass each exam. Sounds reasonable? Well consider these facts:
What would happen if you didn’t finish each section at the required speed? Often the prescribed exam order doesn’t work as well as some other order of studying might.
To provide the maximum security and flexibility, most students now choose to have all their training materials (which they’ve now paid for) delivered immediately, and not in stages. You can then decide at what speed and in which order you want to go.
The old fashioned style of teaching, utilising reference manuals and books, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If this sounds like you, find training programs which feature interactive and multimedia modules.
Studies in learning psychology have shown that memory is aided when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we get physically involved with the study process.
Interactive full motion video involving demonstration and virtual lab’s will turn you off book-based study for ever more. And you’ll actually enjoy doing them.
It’s wise to view some of the typical study materials provided before you make your decision. What you want are instructor-led video demonstrations and audio-visual elements backed up by interactive lab’s.
Purely on-line training should be avoided. Physical CD or DVD ROM materials are preferable where obtainable, so that you have access at all times – it’s not wise to be held hostage to a good broadband connection all the time.
(C) Jason Kendall. Pop to LearningLolly.com for clear information on Comptia A+ Course and Comptia Certification.