There are four specialist areas of training in a full CompTIA A+ program; you’re seen as an A+ achiever when you’ve passed the test for half of them. This is the reason that it’s usual for colleges to limit themselves to 2 study areas. The truth is it’s necessary to have the information on each subject as industry will demand knowledge and skills of the whole A+ program. It’s not essential to complete all 4 certifications, but we would recommend you take tutorials in all 4 subjects.
In addition to learning about building and fixing computers, trainees on A+ courses will be shown how to work in antistatic conditions, as well as diagnostics, fault-finding and remote access.
You might also choose to think about supplementing the A+ with Network + as you can then also take care of computer networks, which means greater employment benefits.
It’s so important to understand this key point: Always get full 24×7 instructor support. You’ll definitely experience problems if you let this one slide.
Never purchase certification programs which can only support trainees with a call-centre messaging service after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Training schools will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. But, no matter how they put it – you want to be supported when you need the help – not when it suits them.
As long as you look hard, you will find professional companies that give students online support at all times – at any time of day or night.
Never make do with less than you need and deserve. 24×7 support is the only viable option when it comes to technical training. Perhaps you don’t intend to study during the evenings; but for the majority of us however, we’re at work when traditional support if offered.
So, why might we choose commercial certification and not familiar academic qualifications taught at tech’ colleges and universities?
With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, the IT sector has of necessity moved to the specialised training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors – for example companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay.
The training is effectively done through concentrating on the skills that are really needed (together with a proportionate degree of related knowledge,) rather than trawling through all the background detail and ‘fluff’ that degree courses can get bogged down in (to fill up a syllabus or course).
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Recognised IT certifications let employers know exactly what you’re capable of – it says what you do in the title: as an example – I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network’. Therefore an employer can identify exactly what they need and what certifications are required to fulfil that.
All programs you’re considering has to build towards a nationally (or globally) recognised certification at the end – not a useless ‘in-house’ plaque for your wall.
Only fully recognised examinations from the top companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe and Cisco will have any meaning to employers.
Validated exam preparation packages are essential – and absolutely ought to be offered by your training company.
Be sure that the practice exams are not only asking questions in the right areas, but additionally ask them in the way the real exams will pose them. It throws students if they’re faced with unrecognisable phrases and formats.
A way to build self-confidence is if you test your depth of understanding by doing quizzes and practice exams prior to taking the proper exam.
(C) Jason Kendall. Hop over to www.mcsamcse.co.uk for smart advice on Networking Careers & Computer Training.