Training for your CompTIA A+ comprises of 4 specialised sectors - you’ll have to qualify in two of these areas to be considered competent in A+. You’ll find that most training providers only offer two of the four in the syllabus. We think this isn’t enough - yes you’ll have qualified, but knowing about the others will prepare you more fully for when you’re in industry, where you’ll need a more comprehensive understanding. That’s why we believe you should train in all 4 specialities.
A+ computer training courses cover fault-finding and diagnostics - both remote access and hands-on, as well as learning to build, repair and fix and operating in antistatic conditions. If you feel it appropriate to add Network+ training to your A+, you will additionally be able to assist with or manage networks of computers, meaning you’re in a position to move further up the career path.
Don’t forget: the training itself or a qualification isn’t the end-goal; the job or career that you’re getting the training for is. Many trainers unfortunately place too much importance on the actual accreditation. Never let yourself become part of the group that choose a course that on the surface appears interesting - only to end up with a qualification for something they’ll never enjoy.
It’s a good idea to understand the expectations of your industry. Which qualifications you’ll be required to have and how you’ll go about getting some commercial experience. It’s definitely worth spending time assessing how far you reckon you’re going to want to go as it may present a very specific set of accreditations. We’d recommend you take guidance from an experienced advisor before you begin a learning programme, so you’re sure from the outset that the specific package will give the appropriate skill-set.
One area often overlooked by new students mulling over a new direction is the issue of ‘training segmentation’. Basically, this means the way the course is divided up for drop-shipping to you, which makes a huge difference to the point you end up at. The majority of training companies will set up a program spread over 1-3 years, and deliver each piece one-by-one as you complete each exam. If you think this sound logical, then consider this: What would their reaction be if you find it difficult to do every module within the time limits imposed? Often the prescribed exam order doesn’t work as well as some other structure would for you.
Ideally, you’d ask for every single material to be delivered immediately - meaning you’ll have all of them for the future to come back to - at any time you choose. You can also vary the order in which you complete your exams if another more intuitive route presents itself.
Those that are drawn to this type of work are usually quite practically-minded, and aren’t really suited to the classroom environment, and poring through books and manuals. If this could be you, use multimedia, interactive learning, where everything is presented via full motion video. Research has consistently demonstrated that an ‘involved’ approach to study, where we utilise all our senses, is far more likely to produce long-lasting memories.
Locate a program where you’ll receive a library of DVD-ROM’s - you’ll begin by watching videos of instructors demonstrating the skills, with the facility to hone your abilities through virtual lab’s. You must ensure that you see examples of the study materials provided by your chosen company. Be sure that they contain instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab’s.
Seek out physical media such as CD or DVD ROM’s whenever you can. This then avoids all the potential pitfalls with the variability of broadband quality and service.
Many individuals don’t understand what IT is about. It is stimulating, innovative, and puts you at the fore-front of developments in technology that will impact the whole world for generations to come. We’re in the very early stages of beginning to scrape the surface of how technology will affect our lives in the future. The internet will massively change how we regard and interact with the entire world over the next few years.
The standard IT technician across the UK will also receive noticeably more money than equivalent professionals in another industry. Typical incomes are around the top of national league tables. It’s no secret that there is a great national demand for certified IT specialists. Also, as the industry constantly develops, it is likely there will be for quite some time to come.
A question; why is it better to gain qualifications from the commercial sector rather than traditional academic qualifications taught at the state educational establishments? With fees and living expenses for university students spiralling out of control, and the IT sector’s growing opinion that corporate based study is often far more commercially relevant, there has been a large rise in Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA based training routes that supply key solutions to a student for much less time and money. Many degrees, as a example, become confusing because of a lot of background study - and much too wide a syllabus. This holds a student back from understanding the specific essentials in enough depth.
The crux of the matter is this: Recognised IT certifications give employers exactly what they’re looking for - the title says it all: i.e. I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network’. So companies can look at the particular needs they have and which qualifications are needed for the job.
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