Computer training for CompTIA A+ covers 4 different sectors - you'll need exam certification in 2 specialities to be considered competent in A+. You'll find that the majority of colleges limit their course to 2 of the four in the syllabus. Our opinion is this is too much of a compromise - of course you can gain accreditation, but knowledge of every section will give you a distinct advantage in industry, where you'll need to know about all of them. That's the reason why you should train in everything.
Courses in A+ computer training cover diagnostics and fault finding - via hands on and remote access, alongside building computers and repairing them and operating in antistatic conditions.
You might also choose to think about supplementing the A+ with Network + as you can then also take care of computer networks, which means greater employment benefits.
Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always 24x7 round-the-clock support through dedicated instructors and mentors. It's an all too common story to find providers that only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends.
Never purchase certification programs which can only support trainees with a call-centre messaging service after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Training schools will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. But, no matter how they put it - you want to be supported when you need the help - not when it suits them.
Keep your eyes open for study programmes that incorporate three or four individual support centres active in different time-zones. All of them should be combined to offer a simple interface as well as access round-the-clock, when you need it, with the minimum of hassle.
Never make do with less than you need and deserve. 24x7 support is the only viable option when it comes to technical training. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for the majority of us however, we're at work when traditional support if offered.
So, why might we choose commercial certification and not familiar academic qualifications taught at tech' colleges and universities?
With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, the IT sector has of necessity moved to the specialised training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - for example companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay.
Many degrees, for example, clog up the training with vast amounts of loosely associated study - with much too broad a syllabus. Students are then held back from getting enough specific knowledge about the core essentials.
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Recognised IT certifications let employers know exactly what you're capable of - it says what you do in the title: as an example - I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network'. Therefore an employer can identify exactly what they need and what certifications are required to fulfil that.
Watch out that all qualifications you're considering doing will be commercially viable and are up-to-date. The 'in-house' certifications provided by many companies are often meaningless.
Only fully recognised examinations from the top companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe and Cisco will have any meaning to employers.
A top of the range training course package will undoubtedly incorporate accredited exam preparation packages.
As a lot of IT examining boards come from the United States, it's essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It's no use simply understanding random questions - it's essential that you can cope with them in the proper exam format.
As you can imagine, it's essential to make sure you've thoroughly prepared for your actual certification exam before embarking on it. Revising mock-up exams helps build your confidence and will save a lot of money on unsuccessful attempts at exams. - 33376
Courses in A+ computer training cover diagnostics and fault finding - via hands on and remote access, alongside building computers and repairing them and operating in antistatic conditions.
You might also choose to think about supplementing the A+ with Network + as you can then also take care of computer networks, which means greater employment benefits.
Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always 24x7 round-the-clock support through dedicated instructors and mentors. It's an all too common story to find providers that only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends.
Never purchase certification programs which can only support trainees with a call-centre messaging service after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Training schools will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. But, no matter how they put it - you want to be supported when you need the help - not when it suits them.
Keep your eyes open for study programmes that incorporate three or four individual support centres active in different time-zones. All of them should be combined to offer a simple interface as well as access round-the-clock, when you need it, with the minimum of hassle.
Never make do with less than you need and deserve. 24x7 support is the only viable option when it comes to technical training. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for the majority of us however, we're at work when traditional support if offered.
So, why might we choose commercial certification and not familiar academic qualifications taught at tech' colleges and universities?
With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, the IT sector has of necessity moved to the specialised training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - for example companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay.
Many degrees, for example, clog up the training with vast amounts of loosely associated study - with much too broad a syllabus. Students are then held back from getting enough specific knowledge about the core essentials.
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Recognised IT certifications let employers know exactly what you're capable of - it says what you do in the title: as an example - I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network'. Therefore an employer can identify exactly what they need and what certifications are required to fulfil that.
Watch out that all qualifications you're considering doing will be commercially viable and are up-to-date. The 'in-house' certifications provided by many companies are often meaningless.
Only fully recognised examinations from the top companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe and Cisco will have any meaning to employers.
A top of the range training course package will undoubtedly incorporate accredited exam preparation packages.
As a lot of IT examining boards come from the United States, it's essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It's no use simply understanding random questions - it's essential that you can cope with them in the proper exam format.
As you can imagine, it's essential to make sure you've thoroughly prepared for your actual certification exam before embarking on it. Revising mock-up exams helps build your confidence and will save a lot of money on unsuccessful attempts at exams. - 33376
About the Author:
(C) Jason Kendall. Visit www.LearningLolly.com for great advice on Computer Training & IT Careers.
