A+ consists of four exams and sections to study, but you only need to get certified in 2 for qualification purposes. For this reason, most training colleges simply offer two. But allowing you to learn about all 4 options will help you to build a much wider knowledge and understanding of it all, something you’ll discover is a Godsend in the working environment.
CompTIA A+ training programs are about fault finding and diagnosing – remotely as well as hands on, alongside building, fixing, repairing and operating in antistatic conditions.
Should you be thinking of taking care of computer networks, add the excellent CompTIA Network+ to the CompTIA A+ training you’re doing. Including Network+ will mean you can apply for more interesting jobs. Other ones that might be interesting to you are the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.
Proper support is incredibly important – locate a good company that provides 24×7 direct access, as not opting for this kind of support could hold up your pace and restrict your intake.
Don’t accept training courses that only support you through a call-centre messaging service when it’s outside of usual working hours. Training organisations will always try to hide the importance of this issue. But, no matter how they put it – support is needed when it’s needed – not at times when they find it cheaper to provide it.
Top training companies use multiple support centres from around the world. An online system provides an interactive interface to seamlessly link them all together, no matter what time you login, help is just seconds away, with no hassle or contact issues.
Find a training company that cares. Only true live 24×7 round-the-clock support provides the necessary backup.
The way a programme is physically sent to you can often be overlooked. In what way are your training elements sectioned? And in what order and at what speed is it delivered?
Many companies enrol you into a 2 or 3 year study programme, and deliver each piece one-by-one as you complete each exam. On the surface this seems reasonable – until you consider the following:
Maybe the order of study prescribed by the provider doesn’t suit you. You may find it a stretch to finalise every element at the speed required?
To avoid any potential future issues, it’s normal for most trainees to request that all their modules (now paid for) are couriered out in one package, all at the beginning. That means it’s down to you how fast or slow and in what order you’d like to take your exams.
Each programme of learning has to build towards a nationally accepted exam as an end-goal – not some little ‘in-house’ piece of paper.
From an employer’s viewpoint, only the big-boys such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA (as an example) give enough bang for your buck. Anything less won’t make the grade.
Don’t get hung-up, as a lot of students can, on the accreditation program. Your training isn’t about getting a plaque on your wall; you should be geared towards the actual job at the end of it. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve.
Don’t let yourself become part of the group that choose a course that sounds really ‘interesting’ and ‘fun’ – and end up with a plaque on the wall for a career they’ll never really get any satisfaction from.
You must also consider your leanings around earning potential and career progression, and how ambitious you are. It’s vital to know what the role will demand of you, what certifications are needed and in what way you can develop commercial experience.
Chat with an experienced advisor that understands the work you’re contemplating, and who’ll explain to you an in-depth explanation of what to expect in that role. Researching these areas long before commencement of any training program will prevent a lot of wasted time and effort.
Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Hop over to CCNA Courses or Click HERE.