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Choosing The Right CompTIA Training (230409) |
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Written by Jason Kendall
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Thursday, 07 May 2009 12:12 |
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There are actually 4 different sectors in the A+ syllabus, of which 2 passes are needed to be considered A+ qualified. Be aware though that limiting yourself to 2 out of the 4 subjects available might well not equip you for a job. Try to cover all four - employers will notice the difference.
by JasonKendall
There are actually 4 different sectors in the A+ syllabus, of which 2 passes are needed to be considered A+ qualified. Be aware though that limiting yourself to 2 out of the 4 subjects available might well not equip you for a job. Try to cover all four - employers will notice the difference.
As well as learning how to build PC's and fix them, trainees on an A+ training course will learn how to operate in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics. If you add Network+ to your A+ course, you'll also have the ability to look after networks, which means you'll be able to apply for more senior positions.
As the computer industry grants so many great career prospects for everyone - then what kind of questions should we pose and which areas are most important?
A ridiculously large number of organisations focus completely on the certification process, and completely miss what you actually need - which will always be getting the job or career you want. Always start with where you want to get to - too many people focus on the journey. Imagine training for just one year and then end up doing the job for 20 years. Don't make the error of choosing what sounds like a very 'interesting' program only to spend 20 years doing an unrewarding career!
You need to keep your eye on where you want to go, and then build your training requirements around that - avoid getting them back-to-front. Keep your eyes on your goals and ensure that you're training for an end-result that'll reward you for many long and fruitful years. Prior to embarking on a study program, you'd be well advised to chat over individual market requirements with an experienced advisor, to make sure the training course covers all the necessary elements.
Traditional teaching in classrooms, using textbooks and whiteboards, is an up-hill struggle for the majority of us. If this describes you, look for learning programmes that are on-screen and interactive. Where we can involve all our senses in the learning process, our results will often be quite spectacular.
The latest home-based training features self-contained CD or DVD materials. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you'll learn your subject by way of the demonstrations and explanations. Then it's time to test your knowledge by using practice-lab's. It makes sense to see some of the typical study materials provided before you sign the purchase order. What you want are instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.
You'll find that many companies will only provide purely on-line training; sometimes you can get away with this - but, imagine the problems if you lose your internet access or you get intermittent problems and speed issues. It is usually safer to have CD and DVD ROM materials that don't suffer from these broadband issues.
Some training providers will only offer support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; most won't answer after 8-9pm at the latest and frequently never at the weekends. Beware of institutions that use 'out-of-hours' messaging systems - with the call-back coming in during typical office hours. This is no use if you're stuck and want support there and then.
Top training providers offer an internet-based 24 hours-a-day package combining multiple support operations over many time-zones. You will have an easy to use interface that seamlessly selects the best facility available at any time of day or night: Support on demand. Never settle for less than you need and deserve. Direct-access 24x7 support is the only viable option for computer-based courses. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for most of us, we're at work during the provided support period.
If you're considering a training academy who still utilises workshop days as a benefit of their course, then consider these difficulties encountered by the majority of IT hopefuls:
* Recurrent visits to the centre - quite a distance away in more cases than not.
* Workshop accessibility; typically Mon-Fri and sometimes 2-3 days at a time. It's never convenient to take the required leave of absence.
* The majority of us think 4 weeks annual leave doesn't go very far. Take away over half of it for training classes and see your problems doubled.
* Workshops typically end up over subscribed.
* The pace of the workshop - centre-days can feature trainees of mixed skill, therefore tension can run high between students with more background knowledge and those with less experience.
* The cost of travel - driving to the training premises and of course several days bed and breakfast can start to get expensive with each visit. If we just assume a basic 5-10 classes costing around 35 pounds for one over-night room, plus 40 pounds for petrol and food at 15.00, that becomes a minimum of four to nine hundred pounds of extra costs to cover.
* All of us want some privacy. We shouldn't risk throwing away any potential advancement that we're owed because of our studies.
* Posing questions in the presence of other class-mates sometimes makes us a little nervous. Have you ever left a question un-asked as you didn't want to appear stupid?
* When your work takes you away from home, you now have to deal with the fact that classes now become awkward to keep up - unfortunately however, they've already been paid for.
Surely it makes much more sense to take classes at your convenience - not your training provider's - and utilise instructor-led videos with interactive lab's. Think... If you've got a notebook PC you're able to work absolutely anywhere you want (within reason!) And live 24x7 support is an online click away in case you get challenged. Simply do the study units at any time you want to brush up. You also don't need to jot down any notes because the class is available whenever you want it. What could be more straightforward: You avoid travelling and wasting time and money; plus you end up with a more comfortable learning atmosphere.
Being at the forefront of progressive developments in new technology really is electrifying. You personally play your part in shaping the next few decades. Many people are of the opinion that the revolution in technology we've had over recent years is easing off. This couldn't be more wrong. There are huge changes to come, and the internet significantly will be the most effective tool in our lives.
Let's not forget that typical remuneration in the IT sector in Great Britain is noticeably higher than average salaries nationally, so in general you'll probably gain much more in the IT sector, than you'd expect to earn elsewhere. Experts agree that there's a substantial country-wide need for certified IT specialists. Also, as growth in the industry shows little sign of contracting, it looks like there's going to be for a good while yet.
About the Author:
With 2 Decades experience, author Jason Kendall, campaigns for low-cost, quality interactive training in the UK. For advice on A+ Certification, visit LearningLolly Comptia Certification. |
