Computer training for CompTIA A+ covers 4 different sectors - you’ll need exam certification in 2 specialities to be considered competent in A+. You’ll find that the majority of colleges limit their course to 2 of the four in the syllabus. Our opinion is this is too much of a compromise - of course you can gain accreditation, but knowledge of every section will give you a distinct advantage in industry, where you’ll need to know about all of them. That’s the reason why you should train in everything.
If you decide to become a student on the A+ training program you’ll become familiar with how to build and repair PC’s and operate in antistatic conditions. You’ll also cover fault-finding and diagnostic techniques, both remotely and via direct access.
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.
It’s so important to understand this key point: Always get full 24×7 instructor support. You’ll definitely experience problems if you let this one slide.
Never purchase certification programs which can only support trainees with a call-centre messaging service after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Training schools will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. But, no matter how they put it - you want to be supported when you need the help - not when it suits them.
Keep your eyes open for study programmes that incorporate three or four individual support centres active in different time-zones. All of them should be combined to offer a simple interface as well as access round-the-clock, when you need it, with the minimum of hassle.
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?
Industry now recognises that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, the right accreditation from such organisations as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA most often has much more specialised relevance - saving time and money.
The training is effectively done through concentrating on the skills that are really needed (together with a proportionate degree of related knowledge,) rather than trawling through all the background detail and ‘fluff’ that degree courses can get bogged down in (to fill up a syllabus or course).
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.
Only fully recognised examinations from the top companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe and Cisco will have any meaning to employers.
Validated exam preparation packages are essential - and absolutely ought to be offered by your training company.
Often students can be thrown off course by practising exam questions that aren’t recognised by official boards. Often, the phraseology is startlingly different and you need to be ready for this.
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 superb ideas on Microsoft Networking Careers & Computer Courses.