CompTIA A Plus Networking Training Compared
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by: Jason Kendall
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Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 Time: 12:42 PM
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Computer training for CompTIA A+ has four specialist sections - you'll need exam certification in 2 specialities to be seen as competent in A+. You'll find that most training providers restrict their A+ to just two of the 4 sectors. To us, this will under prepare you - sure, you can pass an exam, but knowing about the others will set you apart in your working life, where knowledge of all four will be necessary. This is why you need education in the whole course.
Courses in A+ computer training are about fault finding and diagnosing - via hands on and remote access, as well as building and fixing and working in antistatic conditions.
If you add Network+ training to your A+, you will additionally be able to assist with or manage networks of computers, meaning you're in a position to move further up the career path.
We'd hazard a guess that you're quite practically minded - a 'hands-on' individual. If you're anything like us, the trial of reading reference books and manuals is something you'll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but it's not really your thing. So look for on-screen interactive learning packages if book-based learning really isn't your style.
Recent studies into the way we learn shows that long term memory is improved when we involve as many senses as possible, and we take action to use what we've learned.
You can now study via easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM's. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you'll learn your subject through the expert demonstrations. Then you test your knowledge by using practice-lab's.
All companies should be able to show you samples of their training materials. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and interactive areas to practice in.
It doesn't make sense to choose training that is only available online. Because of the variable quality and reliability of your average broadband company, it makes sense to have actual CD or DVD ROM's.
Students will sometimes miss checking on something of absolutely vital importance - how their company divides up the physical training materials, and into how many separate packages.
You may think it logical (with most training taking 1-3 years to gain full certified status,) for your typical trainer to courier the courseware in stages, as you complete each part. However:
Many students find that the trainer's usual training route doesn't suit. Sometimes, a different order of study is more expedient. And what happens if they don't finish in the allotted time?
To provide the maximum security and flexibility, many trainees now want to make sure that every element of their training is sent immediately, and not in a piecemeal fashion. You can then decide in which order and at what speed you want to finish things.
Make sure that all your certifications are what employers want - don't bother with programmes that lead to in-house certificates.
If the accreditation doesn't feature a conglomerate such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco, then it's likely it could have been a waste of time and effort - because it won't give an employer any directly-useable skills.
It can be a nerve-racking task, but getting your first job can be eased by training colleges, through a Job Placement Assistance service. However sometimes this feature is bigged up too much, for it's really not that difficult for a well trained and motivated person to get a job in the IT industry - as there is such a shortage of qualified personnel.
Ideally you should have help with your CV and interview techniques though; and we'd encourage any student to work on polishing up their CV as soon as they start a course - don't delay for when you're ready to start work.
Quite often, you'll secure your first job whilst you're still studying (occasionally right at the beginning). If your course details aren't on your CV (and it's not being looked at by employers) then you're not even going to be known about!
Most often, a specialist locally based employment service (who will get paid commission to place you) will perform better than any division of a training company. It also stands to reason that they'll know the local area and commercial needs.
To bottom line it, as long as you put the same commitment into finding a position as into studying, you're not going to hit many challenges. Some students bizarrely put hundreds of hours into their training course and then just stop once they've got certified and seem to expect employers to find them.
About the Author
Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Go to Comptia Courses or www.acertification.co.uk.
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