There are a total of 4 specialist training sectors in the full CompTIA A+ syllabus, of which 2 passes are needed for competency in A+. We would advise however that limiting yourself to 2 of the specialised areas could leave gaps in your knowledge. At least learn about all four - you’ll be glad you did when it comes to interview time.
A+ certification by itself will mean that you’re able to repair and fix computers and Macs; principally ones that aren’t joined to a network - this generally applies to home use and small companies.
It could be a good idea to think about adding the CompTIA Network+ training as you’ll then be in a position to work with networks, and have a more responsible working role.
Considering the amount of options that are available, does it really shock us that a large percentage of newcomers to the industry don’t really understand the best career path they will enjoy.
Working through a list of odd-sounding and meaningless job titles is a complete waste of time. Most of us don’t even know what our next-door neighbours do at work each day - so we’re in the dark as to the subtleties of a particular IT career.
Deliberation over these different factors is most definitely required if you need to expose the right answer for you:
* The kind of person you reckon you are - what tasks do you find interesting, and don’t forget - what makes you unhappy.
* Do you hope to reach a closely held aspiration - for example, working from home someday?
* Is salary further up on your list of priorities than some other areas.
* Always think in-depth about the energy expected to get fully certified.
* The time and energy you’ll have available to set aside for the training program.
For most of us, considering each of these concepts will require meeting with someone that can investigate each area with you. And not just the qualifications - but also the commercial requirements and expectations of the market as well.
Don’t accept anything less than the very latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages.
Sometimes people can get thrown by trying to prepare themselves with questions that aren’t recognised by authorised sources. Quite often, the way questions are phrased is unfamiliar and it’s vital that you know this.
It’s a good idea to request some practice exams so you can verify your comprehension at any point. Practice exams log the information in your brain - then you won’t be quite so nervous at the actual exam.
Now, why might we choose qualifications from the commercial sector and not familiar academic qualifications taught at schools and Further Education colleges?
With 3 and 4 year academic degree costs increasing year on year, alongside the industry’s recognition that corporate based study most often has much more commercial relevance, there has been a great increase in Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA certified training routes that educate students at a fraction of the cost and time involved.
Patently, a necessary quantity of closely linked knowledge has to be taught, but core specifics in the exact job role gives a commercially educated student a distinct advantage.
Think about if you were the employer - and your company needed a person with some very particular skills. Which is the most straightforward: Go through reams of different degrees and college qualifications from several applicants, struggling to grasp what they’ve learned and what commercial skills they’ve mastered, or choose a specific set of accreditations that specifically match what you’re looking for, and make your short-list from that. You can then focus on how someone will fit into the team at interview - rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.
Only consider study paths that’ll lead to industry approved accreditations. There are far too many small companies offering their own ‘in-house’ certificates which will prove unusable when it comes to finding a job.
From an employer’s viewpoint, only the top companies like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco (to give some examples) provide enough commercial weight. Nothing else will cut the mustard.
Working on the leading edge of new technology is about as exciting as it can get. Your actions are instrumental in creating a future for us all.
Computing technology and interaction through the internet will dramatically shape the direction of our lives in the near future; incredibly so.
The money in IT isn’t to be sniffed at also - the income on average throughout Britain for an average IT employee is significantly higher than remuneration packages in other sectors. Odds are you’ll make a much better deal than you’d expect to earn doing other work.
It’s evident that we have a considerable UK-wide need for certified IT specialists. In addition, with the marketplace continuing to expand, it is likely there will be for years to come.
(C) Jason Kendall. Visit LearningLolly.com for great career tips on IT Training and Comptia A+.
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