Four specialist training areas feature in the complete CompTIA A+ course, of which 2 passes are needed to gain A+ competency. We would advise however that restricting yourself to two out of the 4 subjects available might well not equip you for a job. Look for training that covers all the specialist areas – for greater confidence in the world of work.
Once on the CompTIA A+, you will develop an understanding of how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. Fault finding and diagnostic techniques through hands on and remote access are also covered.
If you feel it appropriate to add Network+ to your A+ course, you’ll additionally be equipped to assist with or manage networks of computers, giving you the facility to expect a better remuneration package.
How the program is actually delivered to you isn’t always given the appropriate level of importance. How many stages do they break the program into? What is the order and do you have a say in when you’ll get each part?
The majority of training companies will set up a program typically taking 1-3 years, and send out each piece as you complete each section or exam. This sounds reasonable until you consider the following:
Maybe the order of study insisted on by the company won’t suit you. And what if you don’t finish all the sections inside their defined time-scales?
To provide the maximum security and flexibility, it’s normal for most trainees to have all their training materials (which they’ve now paid for) delivered immediately, and not in stages. It’s then your own choice in what order and how fast or slow you’d like to work.
Make sure that all your certifications are what employers want – don’t bother with programmes that only give in-house certificates.
The main industry leaders such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco have globally recognised proficiency programs. These heavyweights will ensure your employability.
The age-old way of teaching, involving piles of reference textbooks, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If you’re nodding as you read this, dig around for more practical courses that are multimedia based.
Research into the way we learn shows that long term memory is improved when all our senses are involved, and we get physically involved with the study process.
Programs are now found in disc format, where your computer becomes the centre of your learning. Using video-streaming, you can sit back and watch the teachers showing you precisely how to perform the required skill, with some practice time to follow – with interactive lab sessions.
You’ll definitely want a demonstration of the study materials from any training college. You’ll want to see instructor videos, demonstrations, slide-shows and lab’s for you to practice your skills in.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. You want physical CD/DVD ROM course materials where offered, enabling them to be used at your convenience – it’s not wise to be held hostage to your broadband being ‘up’ 100 percent of the time.
Wouldn’t it be great to know for sure that our jobs are safe and the future is protected, however, the truth for the majority of jobs throughout Great Britain currently appears to be that there is no security anymore.
Security can now only exist through a fast growing market, pushed forward by a lack of trained workers. It’s this alone that creates the correct setting for market-security – definitely a more pleasing situation.
The computing Industry skills shortage throughout the UK falls in at roughly 26 percent, as noted by the 2006 e-Skills survey. Quite simply, we can’t properly place more than just 3 out of each 4 job positions in the computer industry.
Highly taught and commercially grounded new workers are as a result at a resounding premium, and in all likelihood it will stay that way for many years longer.
Quite simply, acquiring professional IT skills during the coming years is likely the greatest choice of careers you could make.
Written by Scott Edwards. Check out Comptia Certification or Comptia Training.