Thursday, December 17, 2009

CompTIA A Plus Training Discussions Considered

By Jason Kendall

There are a total of 4 specialist training sectors in the overall A+ programme, of which 2 passes are needed for competency in A+. We would advise however that only studying two out of the 4 subjects available is likely to leave your knowledge base somewhat light. At least learn about all four - you'll be glad you did when it comes to interview time.

Alongside being taught about building and fixing computers, trainees on an A+ training course will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, how to fault find, to diagnose and to remotely access problems.

If you would like to be someone who works for a larger company - supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, add Network+ to your CompTIA A+, or consider the Microsoft networking route (MCSA - MCSE) in order to have a better comprehension of how networks work.

A number of trainees presume that the school and FE college system is the way they should go. So why then are commercially accredited qualifications slowly and steadily replacing it?

Industry is of the opinion that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, the right accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - and a fraction of the cost and time.

They do this through focusing on the actual skills required (along with a relevant amount of associated knowledge,) rather than trawling through all the background detail and 'fluff' that degree courses often do (to fill up a syllabus or course).

Just like the advert used to say: 'It does what it says on the tin'. Employers simply need to know what they're looking for, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. That way they can be sure they're interviewing applicants who can do the job.

Working on revolutionary new technology is about as exciting as it can get. You're involved with impacting progress around the world.

We've barely started to get a feel for how technology will define our world. Computers and the Internet will significantly transform how we regard and interact with the world around us over the coming decades.

Should lifestyle be up there on your list of priorities, then you will appreciate the fact that the income on average of the majority of IT staff is significantly greater than with other market sectors.

Experts agree that there's a great country-wide demand for trained and qualified IT technicians. In addition, with the marketplace continuing to expand, it is likely this will be the case for the significant future.

Far too many companies only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely miss why you're doing this - which is a commercial career or job. You should always begin with where you want to get to - don't make the vehicle more important than the destination.

It's a terrible situation, but a large percentage of students start out on programs that sound fabulous in the marketing materials, but which gets us a career that is of no interest. Try talking to typical college leavers and you'll see where we're coming from.

You also need to know your feelings on career progression and earning potential, and if you're ambitious or not. It's vital to know what the role will demand of you, what particular accreditations they want you to have and how to develop your experience.

Our recommendation would be to always seek guidance and advice from an experienced professional before making your final decision on a particular training program, so there's no doubt that the chosen route will give you the appropriate skill-set.

If your advisor doesn't question you thoroughly - chances are they're just trying to sell you something. If they're pushing towards a particular product before understanding your background and experience, then you know it's true.

Of course, if you've had any relevant work-experience or certification, then it's not unreasonable to expect to pick-up at a different starting-point to a trainee with no history to speak of.

If this is your opening crack at IT study then you might also want to practice with some basic PC skills training first.

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