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Computer Training For CompTIA - Thoughts |
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Written by Jason Kendall
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Sunday, 10 January 2010 08:26 |
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Four separate areas of study make up a full CompTIA A+; you're thought of as competent at A+ when you've gained exams for 2 out of 4 subjects. For this reason, the majority of training establishments offer only two of the training courses. In reality it's necessary to have the teaching in all areas as many jobs will ask for an awareness of the whole A+ program. It isn't necessary to qualify in them all, although it would seem prudent that you at least have a working knowledge of every area.
by JasonKendall
Four separate areas of study make up a full CompTIA A+; you're thought of as competent at A+ when you've gained exams for 2 out of 4 subjects. For this reason, the majority of training establishments offer only two of the training courses. In reality it's necessary to have the teaching in all areas as many jobs will ask for an awareness of the whole A+ program. It isn't necessary to qualify in them all, although it would seem prudent that you at least have a working knowledge of every area.
A+ computer training courses cover fault-finding and diagnostics - both remote access and hands-on, alongside building and fixing and understanding antistatic conditions.
You might also choose to think about adding the CompTIA Network+ training as you can then also take care of computer networks, which means greater employment benefits.
We need to make this very clear: You have to get round-the-clock 24x7 instructor and mentor support. We can tell you that you'll strongly regret it if you don't follow this rule rigidly.
You'll be waiting ages for an answer with email based support, and phone support is often to a call-centre who will make some notes and then email an advisor - who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, at a suitable time to them. This is no use if you're sitting there confused over an issue and only have a specific time you can study.
The very best programs tend to use an online 24 hours-a-day service combining multiple support operations throughout multiple time-zones. You will be provided with a simple environment which accesses the most appropriate office irrespective of the time of day: Support when you need it.
Search out a training school that offers this level of study support. Only proper round-the-clock 24x7 support delivers what is required.
An all too common mistake that students everywhere can make is to concentrate on the course itself, and take their eye off the desired end-result. Training academies are brimming over with direction-less students who took a course because it seemed fun - in place of something that could gain them their end-goal of a job they enjoyed.
Avoid becoming one of the unfortunate masses who choose a training program that seems 'fun' or 'interesting' - and get to the final hurdle of an accreditation for something they'll never enjoy.
Set targets for how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. This will influence what qualifications you'll need to attain and what'll be expected of you in your new role.
Sense dictates that you look for advice and guidance from an experienced industry professional before making your final decision on some particular training course, so there's little doubt that the chosen route will give you the skill-set required for your career choice.
Getting into your first IT role sometimes feels easier to handle if you're supported with a Job Placement Assistance program. The need for this feature can be bigged up out of proportion though - it's quite easy for eager sales people to overplay it. Ultimately, the still growing need for IT personnel in this country is what will make you attractive to employers.
Update your CV at the beginning of your training though - you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don't wait until you've qualified.
Quite often, you'll land your initial role while you're still a student (even when you've just left first base). If you haven't updated your CV to say what you're studying (and it isn't in the hands of someone with jobs to offer) then you aren't even in the running!
Generally, you'll receive better results from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than any training course provider's national service, because they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.
Many people, apparently, conscientiously work through their course materials (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when finding a job. Market yourself... Do everything you can to put yourself out there. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.
A so-called advisor who doesn't dig around with lots of question - chances are they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they push a particular product before looking at your personality and current experience level, then it's definitely the case.
Occasionally, the starting point of study for someone with some experience will be substantially different to the student with none.
If this is going to be your opening crack at an IT exam then you may want to start with a user-skills course first.
About the Author:
Copyright 2009 Scott Edwards. Pop to Computer Training Courses or Click HERE. |
