Four separate areas of study make up a full Comp TIA A+; you’re considered an A+ achiever when you’ve passed the test for just two specialist areas. For this reason, most training providers limit themselves to 2 study areas. In reality you will need the information on each subject as a lot of employment will be looking for knowledge and skills of the whole A+ program. It isn’t necessary to pass exams in all of them, but it seems common sense that you at least have a working knowledge of every area.
Courses in A+ computer training cover fault-finding and diagnostics – via hands on and remote access, as well as learning to build, repair and fix and understanding antistatic conditions.
If you aspire to looking after computer networks, you should add Network+ to your A+ course. This qualification will enable you to assist you greatly in the job market. Alternatively, you may prefer the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.
The area most overlooked by new students weighing up a particular program is ‘training segmentation’. This basically means how the program is broken down into parts for delivery to you, which makes a huge difference to how you end up.
Drop-shipping your training elements stage by stage, as you pass each exam is the normal way of receiving your course ware. Of course, this sounds sensible, but you might like to consider this:
What could you expect if you didn’t actually complete every module within the time limits imposed? Often the prescribed exam order doesn’t come as naturally as some other order of studying might.
In an ideal situation, you want everything at the start – so you’ll have them all for the future to come back to – irrespective of any schedule. This also allows you to vary the order in which you complete your exams if you find another route more intuitive.
Students looking to kick off an IT career usually don’t know which route to follow, let alone what sector to obtain accreditation for.
Consequently, if you’ve got no understanding of the IT market, how could you possibly know what a particular IT employee fills their day with? How can you possibly choose what training route provides the best chances for you to get there.
Usually, the way to come at this dilemma in the best manner comes from a deep chat, covering a number of areas:
* The sort of individual you consider yourself to be – what tasks do you really enjoy, and on the other side of the coin – what you definitely don’t enjoy.
* Are you hoping to get qualified because of a particular raison d’etre – e.g. is it your goal to work from home (being your own boss?)?
* Any personal or home needs that are important to you?
* Some students don’t fully understand the work demanded to achieve their goals.
* You need to understand the differences across each individual training area.
To be honest, the only way to research these areas is through a chat with an experienced advisor who has years of experience in computing (and specifically the commercial requirements.)
Many people question why traditional academic studies are less in demand than the more commercially accredited qualifications?
Corporate based study (to use industry-speak) is far more effective and specialised. The IT sector is aware that this level of specialised understanding is what’s needed to cope with a technically advancing world. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe dominate in this arena.
They do this by honing in on the skills that are really needed (together with a relevant amount of associated knowledge,) as opposed to spending months and years on the background ‘padding’ that computer Science Degrees are prone to get tied up in – to pad out the syllabus.
Just as the old advertisement said: ‘It does what it says on the label’. All an employer has to do is know where they have gaps, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.
Some training providers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. The fact of the matter is it’s not as hard as some people make out to secure your first job – assuming you’re well trained and qualified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.
Advice and support about getting interviews and your CV may be available (if not, see one of our sites for help). Be sure to you polish up your CV immediately – don’t wait until you’ve finished your exams!
You might not even have taken your exams when you’ll secure your initial junior support position; however this is not possible unless you’ve posted your CV on job sites.
Generally, you’ll receive quicker service from a specialised and independent local recruitment service than you will through a training provider’s recruitment division, because they will understand the local industry and employment needs.
A good number of men and women, apparently, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (sometimes for years), and just give up when it comes to trying to get the right position. Promote yourself… Do everything you can to let employers know about you. Don’t think a job’s just going to jump out in front of you.
Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Look at DatabaseTraining4U.co.uk or This Site.
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