Training for your CompTIA A+ covers 4 different sectors – you’ll have to qualify in 2 specialities to reach the level of competent in A+. Because of this, most colleges only offer two of the 4 sectors. To us, this will under prepare you – yes you’ll have qualified, but experience of all four will give you a distinct advantage in your working life, where knowledge of all four will be necessary. That’s why we believe you should train in the whole course.
Passing the A+ exam without additional courses will mean that you’re able to mend and maintain stand alone Macs, computers and laptops; ones that are most often not part of a network – which is for the most part the home market.
Should you decide to add Network+ to your A+ course, you’ll also have the ability to assist with or manage networks of computers, which means you’ll be able to expect a better remuneration package.
An advisor that doesn’t question you thoroughly – the likelihood is they’re just trying to sell you something. If they’re pushing towards a particular product before learning about your history and current experience level, then you know you’re being sold to.
If you’ve got any work-based experience or qualifications, your starting-point of learning is now at a different level to a new student.
Starting with a user skills module first can be the best way to get into your computer programme, but depends on your skill level.
A fatal Faux-Pas that potential students often succumb to is to concentrate on the course itself, and not focus on the desired end-result. Schools have thousands of students who took a course because it seemed fun – instead of the program that would surely get them the job they want.
It’s an awful thing, but a large percentage of students start out on programs that sound great from the sales literature, but which gets us a career that is of no interest. Speak to a selection of university graduates for examples.
It’s well worth a long chat to see what industry will expect from you. Which particular exams they will want you to have and how you’ll build your experience level. It’s definitely worth spending time setting guidelines as to how far you wish to go as often it can affect your choice of qualifications.
Our recommendation would be to look for advice and guidance from a skilled advisor before settling on a particular study course, so there’s little doubt that the specific package will give the skills for the job being sought.
Any program that you’re going to undertake should always lead to a properly recognised exam as an end-goal – and not some unimportant ‘in-house’ plaque for your wall.
The top IT companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco each have widely renowned proficiency programs. These heavyweights will make sure you’re employable.
Looking around, we find a plethora of jobs and positions available in IT. Finding the particular one in this uncertainty can be very difficult.
As without any commercial background in IT, how could any of us be expected to understand what someone in a particular job does?
Getting to a well-informed resolution really only appears through a meticulous investigation covering many different areas:
* Personalities play a significant part – what gives you a ‘kick’, and what tasks get you down.
* Is your focus to re-train due to a particular reason – for example, do you aim to work based at home (working for yourself?)?
* Your earning requirements that are important to you?
* Getting to grips with what typical Information technology areas and sectors are – including what sets them apart.
* How much time you’re prepared to commit your training.
At the end of the day, the most intelligent way of investigating all this is via an in-depth discussion with someone who knows the industry well enough to lead you to the correct decision.
Copyright 2010 Scott Edwards. Go to Comptia A Plus or www.MCSECertificationInfo.co.uk.
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