There are actually 4 different sectors in the full CompTIA A+ syllabus, of which 2 passes are needed for your A+ qualification. However only learning about 2 of the specialised areas might well not equip you for a job. Try to cover all four - for greater confidence in the world of work.
Once on the A+ training program you’ll become familiar with how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. You’ll also cover fault finding and diagnostics, through both hands-on and remote access.
If you would like to be a man or woman who works for a larger company - fixing and supporting networks, build on A+ with Network+, or consider an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft to give you a wider knowledge of how networks work.
How the program is actually delivered to you isn’t always given the appropriate level of importance. How many stages do they break the program into? And in what sequence and what control do you have at what pace it arrives?
Often, you will join a program staged over 2 or 3 years and get posted one section at a time - from one exam to the next. This sounds logical on one level, until you consider this:
It’s not unusual for trainees to realise that their training company’s standard order of study isn’t ideal for them. You may find that a slightly different order suits them better. And what if you don’t get to the end inside of the expected timescales?
For future safety and flexibility, it’s not unusual for students to make sure that every element of their training is posted to them in one go, with nothing held back. That means it’s down to you how fast or slow and in what order you’d like to take your exams.
We’re often asked why qualifications from colleges and universities are being replaced by more qualifications from the commercial sector?
As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, the IT sector has been required to move to specific, honed-in training only available through the vendors themselves - in other words companies like Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA. Frequently this is at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.
Many degrees, for instance, often get bogged down in too much background study - with a syllabus that’s far too wide. Students are then held back from understanding the specific essentials in enough depth.
Put yourself in the employer’s position - and you wanted someone who could provide a specific set of skills. Which is the most straightforward: Go through a mass of different academic qualifications from hopeful applicants, having to ask what each has covered and which vocational skills they’ve mastered, or pick out specific commercial accreditations that precisely match your needs, and then select who you want to interview from that. You’ll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview - rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.
Searching for your first position in IT can feel more straightforward if you’re offered a Job Placement Assistance program. The fact of the matter is it’s not as difficult as you may be led to believe to land the right work - as long as you’ve got the necessary skills and qualifications; employers in this country need your skills.
Having said that, it’s important to have help with your CV and interview techniques though; also we would encourage everyone to get their CV updated the day they start training - don’t procrastinate and leave it for when you’re ready to start work.
It’s possible that you won’t have even taken your exams when you land your first junior support role; yet this can’t and won’t happen unless you’ve posted your CV on job sites.
You’ll normally experience quicker results from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than you will through a training course provider’s employment division, because they will understand the local industry and employment needs.
Please be sure that you don’t conscientiously work through your course materials, and then just stop and leave it up to everyone else to find you a job. Get off your backside and start looking for yourself. Put as much energy and enthusiasm into landing your new role as you did to get trained.
Traditional teaching in classrooms, utilising reference manuals and books, is often a huge slog for most of us. If you’re nodding as you read this, dig around for more practical courses which feature interactive and multimedia modules.
Our ability to remember is increased when all our senses are brought into the mix - experts have been clear on this for many years.
Courses are now available on CD and DVD discs, so everything is learned directly from your own PC. Through video streaming, you can sit back and watch the teachers showing you precisely how it’s all done, with some practice time to follow - in a virtual lab environment.
Every company that you look at should be able to show you a few examples of the materials provided for study. You should hope for instructor-led videos and a wide selection of interactive elements.
Avoid training that is purely online. Physical CD or DVD ROM materials are preferable where offered, so you can use them wherever and whenever you want - it’s not wise to be held hostage to a good broadband connection all the time.
(C) Jason Kendall. Visit LearningLolly.com for in-depth advice. A+ Certification or Comptia A+ Training.
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