The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you’re qualified as competent at A+ when you’ve passed the test for just two specialist areas. This is the reason that most training providers only have two of the courses on their syllabus. In fact you will need the information on each subject as a lot of employment will require an understanding of the entire course. Don’t feel pressured to pass exams in all of them, although it would seem prudent that you learn about all four.

Alongside being taught about building and fixing computers, trainees on an A+ training course will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, how to fault find, to diagnose and to remotely access problems.

If you feel it appropriate to add Network+ training, you will additionally be able to assist with or manage networks of computers, allowing you to move further up the career path.

We’re regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are being replaced by more commercial certificates?

Industry is of the opinion that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, the right accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially – and a fraction of the cost and time.

They do this through focusing on the actual skills required (along with a relevant amount of associated knowledge,) rather than trawling through all the background detail and ‘fluff’ that degree courses often do (to fill up a syllabus or course).

Assuming a company understands what they’re looking for, then they just need to look for someone with a specific qualification. Syllabuses all have to conform to the same requirements and do not vary between trainers (like academia frequently can and does).

Working on revolutionary new technology is about as exciting as it can get. You’re involved with impacting progress around the world.

We’re barely beginning to get to grips with what this change will mean to us. The way we interact with the world will be massively affected by computers and the internet.

Should lifestyle be up there on your list of priorities, then you will appreciate the fact that the income on average of the majority of IT staff is significantly greater than with other market sectors.

The need for appropriately qualified IT professionals is certain for the significant future, because of the ongoing growth in the technology industry and the very large deficiency that we still have.

Of course: the training course or an accreditation isn’t what this is about; the particular job you’re training for is. Too many training companies over-emphasise the certificate itself.

Imagine training for just one year and then end up doing the job for 20 years. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of taking what may be an ‘interesting’ training program only to spend 20 years doing a job you don’t like!

Spend some time thinking about how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. This can often control what accreditations will be expected and how much effort you’ll have to give in return.

Look for advice and guidance from an experienced industry advisor, even if you have to pay – it’s much safer and cheaper to discover early on if something is going to suit and interest you, instead of finding out after two full years that you aren’t going to enjoy the job you’ve chosen and have wasted years of effort.

Have a conversation with a skilled consultant and we’d be amazed if they couldn’t provide you with many awful tales of students who’ve been conned by dodgy salespeople. Only deal with an experienced industry professional who digs deep to uncover the best thing for you – not for their paycheque! It’s very important to locate the very best place to start for you.

Where you have a strong background, or maybe some work-based experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it’s likely your starting level will vary from someone with no background whatsoever.

Always consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can often make your learning curve a a little easier.

(C) Jason Kendall. Look at LearningLolly.com for intelligent ideas. www.learninglolly.com or Comptia Training Courses.

Share this article:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Propeller
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitthis
  • Yahoo! Buzz


Tags: , , ,

Related posts

Tagged with:

Filed under: Marketing

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!