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.
Top training companies incorporate three or four individual support centres across multiple time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, at any time you choose, help is just seconds away, without any problems or delays.
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?
Key company training (as it’s known in the industry) is most often much more specialised. Industry has realised that specialisation is necessary to handle a technically advancing world. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the dominant players.
Many degrees, for example, clog up the training with vast amounts of loosely associated study – with much too broad a syllabus. Students are then held back from getting enough specific knowledge about the core essentials.
It’s a bit like the TV advert: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. Companies need only to know what they’re looking for, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.
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.
All the major IT organisations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA have globally approved proficiency programs. Huge conglomerates such as these will make your CV stand-out.
Validated exam preparation packages are essential – and absolutely ought to be offered by your training company.
As a lot of IT examining boards come from the United States, it’s essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It’s no use simply understanding random questions – it’s essential that you can cope with them in the proper exam format.
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 superb advice on Networking Careers & Computer Training.
