Once on the A+ computer training course 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’re considering being the person who works in a multi-faceted environment – fixing and supporting networks, you’ll need to add CompTIA Network+, or alternatively look at doing an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft in order to have a more advanced experience of the way networks operate.
Commercially accredited qualifications are now, undoubtedly, already replacing the traditional routes into the industry – but why is this happening? With university education costs becoming a tall order for many, and the industry’s increasing awareness that vendor-based training often has more relevance in the commercial field, we have seen a great increase in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe authorised training programmes that provide key skills to an employee at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time. In a nutshell, the learning just focuses on what’s actually required. Actually, it’s not quite as pared down as that, but principally the objective has to be to cover the precise skills needed (including a degree of required background) – without overdoing the detail in every other area (as universities often do).
Think about if you were the employer – and you required somebody who had very specific skills. Which is the most straightforward: Wade your way through a mass of different academic qualifications from hopeful applicants, having to ask what each has covered and what commercial skills they’ve acquired, or choose particular accreditations that precisely match your needs, and make your short-list from that. You’ll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview – rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.
If you’re like many of the students we talk to then you probably enjoy fairly practical work – a ‘hands-on’ type. If you’re anything like us, the painful task of reading endless manuals would be considered as a last resort, but it doesn’t suit your way of doing things. Consider interactive, multimedia study if learning from books is not your thing. Many years of research has time and time again shown that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is far more likely to produce long-lasting memories.
Learning is now available in the form of CD and DVD ROM’s, so you can study at your own computer. Utilising the latest video technology, you can sit back and watch the teachers showing you precisely how it’s all done, and then practice yourself – via the interactive virtual lab’s. It would be silly not to view examples of the courseware provided before you sign the purchase order. Always insist on instructor demonstrations, video tutorials and audio-visual elements backed up by interactive lab’s.
You’ll find that many companies will only provide just online versions of their training packages; while you can get away with this much of the time, consider what happens if you lose your internet access or you get slow speeds and down-time etc. It is usually safer to have DVD or CD discs that don’t suffer from these broadband issues.
Make sure you don’t get caught-up, as a lot of students can, on the certification itself. Training is not an end in itself; you’re training to become commercially employable. Focus on the end-goal. Don’t be one of the unfortunate masses who set off on a track that sounds really ‘interesting’ and ‘fun’ – only to end up with a qualification for something they’ll never enjoy.
Be honest with yourself about what you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. Usually, this will point the way to what precise certifications you’ll need to attain and what you can expect to give industry in return. It’s good advice for all students to talk with an experienced professional before they embark on a study programme. This helps to ensure it contains the commercially required skills for the chosen career path.
‘Exam Guarantees’ are often bundled with training offers – they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, when you pay for the rest of your course. However, prior to embracing this so-called guarantee, consider this:
Obviously it isn’t free – you’re still paying for it – it’s just been included in your package price. The fact is that when students fund each progressive exam, when they’re ready to take them and not before, there’s a much better chance they’ll pass first time – as they’ll think of their investment in themselves and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.
Isn’t it outrageous to have to pay the college at the start of the course for examination fees? Find the best exam deal or offer at the appropriate time, don’t pay mark-ups – and do it in a local testing centre – not at somewhere of their bidding. Big margins are made by many training colleges who get money for exam fees in advance. A number of students don’t take them for various reasons but the company keeps the money. Astoundingly enough, providers exist who depend on students not taking their exams – as that’s where a lot of their profit comes from. The majority of companies will insist on pre-tests and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you’ve demonstrated an excellent ability to pass – which makes an ‘Exam Guarantee’ frankly useless.
Shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds on ‘Exam Guarantees’ is foolish – when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is actually the key to your success.
Each programme of learning has to build towards a nationally accepted exam as an end-result – and not some unimportant ‘in-house’ printed certificate to hang in your hallway. Only properly recognised examinations from the major players like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and Adobe will mean anything to employers.
(C) Jason Kendall. Try LearningLolly.com for smart career tips on Comptia Certification and Comptia Certification Course.
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