There are four A+ exams and specialised sectors, but you’re just expected to achieve certification in two to be thought of as qualified. For this reason, many educational establishments simply offer two. Yet learning about all 4 will give you a far deeper level of understanding of your subject, which you’ll find a Godsend in the commercial world.
Once on the A+ training program you’ll become familiar with how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. You’ll also cover fault finding and diagnostics, through both hands-on and remote access.
If your ambition is taking care of computer networks, add the excellent Network+ to your training package. Taking this course as well will prepare you to assist you greatly in the job market. You may also want to consider the route to networking via Microsoft, in the form of MCP’s, MCSA or the full MCSE.
Students will sometimes miss checking on something of absolutely vital importance – how their training provider divides up the physical training materials, and into how many separate packages.
Often, you will join a program staged over 2 or 3 years and get posted one section at a time – from one exam to the next. This sounds logical on one level, until you consider this:
How would they react if you didn’t complete each section within the time limits imposed? And maybe you’ll find their order of completion doesn’t work as well as some other structure would for you.
For future safety and flexibility, it’s not unusual for students to make sure that every element of their training is posted to them in one go, with nothing held back. That means it’s down to you how fast or slow and in what order you’d like to take your exams.
Commercial qualifications are now, undoubtedly, starting to replace the traditional academic paths into the industry – so why has this come about?
As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, the IT sector has been required to move to specific, honed-in training only available through the vendors themselves – in other words companies like Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA. Frequently this is at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.
Of course, an appropriate portion of associated knowledge must be covered, but precise specifics in the particular job function gives a vendor educated student a real head start.
When an employer is aware what areas they need covered, then they simply need to advertise for the exact skill-set required to meet that need. The syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and can’t change from one establishment to the next (in the way that degree courses can).
Searching for your first position in IT can feel more straightforward if you’re offered a Job Placement Assistance program. The fact of the matter is it’s not as difficult as you may be led to believe to land the right work – as long as you’ve got the necessary skills and qualifications; employers in this country need your skills.
Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however – you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don’t wait until you’ve qualified.
A good number of junior support jobs have been offered to students who are still studying and haven’t got any qualifications yet. This will at least get you into the ‘maybe’ pile of CV’s – rather than the ‘No’ pile.
The top companies to get you a new position are most often independent and specialised local recruitment services. Because they make their money when they’ve found you a job, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.
Many men and women, it seems, are prepared to study their hearts out (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for a good job. Promote yourself… Do your best to get yourself known. Don’t think a job’s just going to jump out in front of you.
Trainees looking at this market can be very practical by nature, and don’t really enjoy classrooms, and poring through books and manuals. If you’re thinking this sounds like you, use multimedia, interactive learning, where everything is presented via full motion video.
Our ability to remember is increased when all our senses are brought into the mix – experts have been clear on this for many years.
Modern training can now be done at home via easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM’s. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you’ll learn your subject via the expert demonstrations. Then you test your knowledge by interacting with the software and practicing yourself.
Every company that you look at should be able to show you a few examples of the materials provided for study. You should hope for instructor-led videos and a wide selection of interactive elements.
Seek out CD and DVD ROM based physical training media wherever available. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with the variability of broadband quality and service.
(C) Jason Kendall. Look at LearningLolly.com for intelligent advice. Computer Training Course or Comptia Training Courses.