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.
Courses in A+ computer training cover diagnostics and fault finding – via hands on and remote access, alongside building computers and repairing them and operating in antistatic conditions.
If you would like to be the kind of individual who works in a multi-faceted environment – supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, you’ll need to add CompTIA Network+, or consider an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft in order to have a deeper understanding of the way networks work.
Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always 24×7 round-the-clock support through dedicated instructors and mentors. It’s an all too common story to find providers that only seem to want to help while they’re in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends.
some companies only provide email support (slow), and so-called telephone support is normally just routed to a call-centre that will make some notes and then email an advisor – who’ll call back sometime over the next 1-3 days, when it suits them. This is all next to useless if you’re lost and confused and can only study at specific times.
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.
Don’t accept second best when it comes to your support. The majority of trainees who give up, would have had a different experience if they’d got the right support package in the first place.
Sometimes people presume that the school and FE college route is the right way even now. So why then are commercial certificates becoming more popular with employers?
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.
Typically, only that which is required is learned. It isn’t quite as lean as that might sound, but principally the objective has to be to cover the precise skills needed (with some necessary background) – without going into too much detail in every other area – in the way that academic establishments often do.
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.
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.
A top of the range training course package will undoubtedly incorporate accredited exam preparation packages.
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.
As you can imagine, it’s essential to make sure you’ve thoroughly prepared for your actual certification exam before embarking on it. Revising mock-up exams helps build your confidence and will save a lot of money on unsuccessful attempts at exams.
(C) Jason Kendall. Pop to www.mcse-uk.co.uk for quality career advice on Microsoft Networking Careers & Computer Courses.