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.
Once you start your A+ computer training course you will develop an understanding of how to work in antistatic conditions and build and fix computers. Fault finding and diagnostic techniques through hands on and remote access are also covered.
It could be a good idea to consider adding Network+ training to your A+ as you’ll then be in a position to take care of computer networks, which means greater employment benefits.
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.
Memory is vastly improved when we use multiple senses – this has been an accepted fact in expert circles for decades now.
Find a course where you’ll receive a selection of CD and DVD ROM’s – you’ll be learning from instructor videos and demo’s, with the facility to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions.
It makes sense to see a small selection of training examples before you sign the purchase order. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.
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.
Drop-shipping your training elements one piece at a time, as you complete each module is the usual method of releasing your program. While sounding logical, you should take these factors into account:
How would they react if you didn’t complete all the exams within the time limits imposed? Sometimes their preference of study order doesn’t work as well as some other order of studying might.
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.
It only makes sense to consider study programs which will move onto industry acknowledged certifications. There’s an endless list of minor schools suggesting ‘in-house’ certificates which are worthless in today’s commercial market.
To an employer, only the major heavyweights like Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe (for instance) really carry any commercial clout. Anything less won’t make the grade.
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.
Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews should be offered (if it isn’t, consult one of our sites). It’s essential that you bring your CV right up to date right away – not after you’ve qualified!
Having the possibility of an interview is more than not being known. Often junior jobs are got by trainees (who’ve only just left first base.)
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.
A good number of trainees, apparently, conscientiously work through their course materials (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for the right position. Promote yourself… Do your best to get yourself known. A job isn’t just going to bump into you.
Author: Scott Edwards. Pop to www.learninglolly.com/A_Training_Courses.html or A+ Certification.
