CompTIA Training Providers - Thoughts
There are four specialist areas of training in a full CompTIA A+ program; you’re qualified as an achiever in A+ when you’ve passed the test for just two specialist areas. Because of this, it’s usual for colleges to limit themselves to 2 study areas. The truth is it’s necessary to have the information on each subject as industry will ask for an understanding of all four areas. You don’t have to complete all 4 certifications, but it seems common sense that you at least have a working knowledge of every area.
In addition to learning how to build and fix computers, students on A+ courses will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics.
You may also want to think about adding the CompTIA Network+ training as it will enable you to take care of computer networks, which is where the bigger salaries are.
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:
How would they react if you didn’t complete each section within the time limits imposed? And maybe you’ll find their order of completion doesn’t work as well as some other structure would for you.
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.
Many men and women are under the impression that the traditional school, college or university path is still the most effective. Why then is commercial certification becoming more in demand?
Vendor-based training (in industry terminology) is most often much more specialised. Industry is aware that this level of specialised understanding is vital to meet the requirements of an increasingly more technical workplace. Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA dominate in this arena.
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.
It’s rather like the advert: ‘It does what it says on the label’. All an employer has to do is know what they need doing, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. That way they can be sure they’re interviewing applicants who can do the job.
A service offered by some training providers is a Job Placement Assistance program. It’s intention is to help you find your first job in the industry. However sometimes there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, for it is genuinely quite straightforward for any focused and well taught person to get a job in the IT industry - because there’s a great need for qualified personnel.
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.
A good number of junior support jobs have been offered to students who are still studying and haven’t got any qualifications yet. This will at least get you into the ‘maybe’ pile of CV’s - rather than the ‘No’ pile.
The top companies to get you a new position are most often independent and specialised local recruitment services. Because they make their money when they’ve found you a job, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.
Many men and women, it seems, are prepared to study their hearts out (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for a good job. Promote yourself… Do your best to get yourself known. Don’t think a job’s just going to jump out in front of you.
If you’re like many of the students we talk to then you’re quite practically minded - the ‘hands-on’ personality type. If you’re like us, the world of book-reading and classrooms is something you’ll make yourself do if you have to, but you’d hate it. Consider interactive, multimedia study if books just don’t do it for you.
Studies have time and time again verified that connecting physically with our study, is much more conducive to long-term memory.
Start a study-program in which you’re provided with an array of CD and DVD based materials - you’ll start with videos of instructor demonstrations, with the facility to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions.
It would be silly not to view some of the typical study materials provided before you sign on the dotted line. What you want are videoed instructor demonstrations and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.
It doesn’t make sense to opt for on-line only training. Because of the variable quality and reliability of most broadband providers, you should always obtain CD or DVD ROM based materials.
(C) Jason Kendall. Try LearningLolly.com for great ideas. Computer Training or www.learninglolly.com.