CompTIA A + has a total of four exams and areas of study, but you’re just expected to get your exams in 2 of them to be considered A+ competent. As this is the case, most training colleges simply offer two. But giving you all four options will give you a far greater perspective of the subject, which you’ll find vital in industry.
As well as learning how to build PC’s and fix them, trainees of A+ will be taught how to operate in antistatic conditions, how to fault find, to diagnose and to remotely access problems. If you aspire to looking after computer networks, add the excellent Network+ to your training package. This will mean you can assist you greatly in the job market. Alternatively, you may prefer the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA and MCSE).
Ensure all your accreditations are commercially valid and current - don’t even consider courses which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you’d printed it yourself). Only fully recognised qualifications from the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA and Cisco will have any meaning to employers.
Usually, trainers will provide mainly work-books and reference manuals. It’s not a very interesting way to learn and isn’t the best way to go about achieving retention. Research has constantly demonstrated that connecting physically with our study, is much more conducive to long-term memory.
Study programs now come in disc format, where your computer becomes the centre of your learning. Video streaming means you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to do something, and then practice yourself - in an interactive lab. It makes sense to see examples of the courseware provided before you purchase a course. What you want are video tutorials, instructor demo’s and audio-visual elements backed up by interactive lab’s.
It’s folly to opt for on-line only training. Because of the variable quality and reliability of the ISP (internet service provider) market, it makes sense to have physical media such as CD or DVD ROM’s.
It’s important to understand: the course itself or an accreditation isn’t what this is about; a job that you want is. Far too many training organisations put too much weight in the piece of paper. Don’t let yourself become one of those unfortunate students that choose a course which looks like it could be fun - and get to the final hurdle of an accreditation for a career they’ll never really get any satisfaction from.
It’s well worth a long chat to see the exact expectations industry will have. What certifications you’ll be required to have and how you’ll build your experience level. You should also spend a little time thinking about how far you reckon you’re going to want to go as it may force you to choose a particular set of certifications. As a precursor to beginning a particular learning program, trainees are advised to talk through individual job needs with an experienced industry professional, to make sure the training course covers all the bases.
Don’t accept anything less than the most up to date Microsoft (or any other key organisation’s) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Some students can get thrown by trying to prepare themselves with questions that aren’t recognised by official sources. Sometimes, the question formats and phraseology is unfamiliar and it’s important to prepare yourself for this. Why don’t you test your depth of understanding by doing quizzes and simulated exams to get you ready for the proper exam.
It’s quite a normal occurrence for students not to check on a painfully important area - how their company actually breaks down and delivers the courseware elements, and into how many bits. Students often think it makes sense (with a typical time scale of 1-3 years to achieve full certification,) for your typical trainer to courier the courseware in stages, as you achieve each exam pass. However: With thought, many trainees understand that the company’s typical path to completion isn’t as suitable as another. Sometimes, it’s more expedient to use an alternative order of study. And what happens if they don’t finish in the allotted time?
For future safety and flexibility, most students now choose to request that all their modules (now paid for) are delivered immediately, and not in stages. That means it’s down to you in which order and at what speed you want to finish things.
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