CompTIA Training In Interactive Format – Options
The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you’re seen as competent at A+ when you’ve achieved certifications for two of the four areas. This is why the majority of training establishments offer only two of the training courses. The truth is you will need the training for all four areas as many jobs will be looking for the skills and knowledge of each specialist area. Don’t feel pressured to take all four exams, but we would recommend you study for all four areas.
Courses in A+ computer training teach diagnostic techniques and fault-finding – remotely as well as hands on, in addition to building and fixing and having knowledge of antistatic conditions.
Should you be thinking of maintaining networks, add the excellent Network+ to the CompTIA A+ training you’re doing. Taking this course as well will prepare you to command a more senior job role. You may also want to consider the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.
Most training companies only give office hours or extended office hours support; not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly.
Be wary of any training providers which use messaging services ‘out-of-hours’ – where you’ll get called back during normal office hours. It’s no use when you’re stuck on a problem and could do with an answer during your scheduled study period.
Top training companies have many support offices from around the world. Online access provides the interactive interface to link them all seamlessly, at any time you choose, there is always help at hand, with no hassle or contact issues.
Always pick an educator that offers this level of study support. Only proper round-the-clock 24×7 support delivers what is required.
Many companies only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely avoid what you actually need – which is of course employment. Always start with the final destination in mind – don’t get hung-up on the training vehicle.
It’s an awful thing, but a great many students begin programs that seem wonderful in the prospectus, but which provides the end-result of a job that doesn’t fulfil at all. Just ask several college leavers and you’ll see where we’re coming from.
Stay focused on what it is you’re trying to achieve, and create a learning-plan from that – not the other way round. Keep your eyes on your goals – making sure you’re training for a career that’ll reward you for many long and fruitful years.
Sense dictates that you seek guidance and advice from an experienced industry advisor before embarking on a training path, so you can be sure that the chosen route will give you the skills for the job being sought.
Exam ‘guarantees’ are sometimes offered as part of a training package – they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, before you’ve even made a start on the course. However, prior to embracing a course with such a promise, why not look at the following:
We all know that we’re still footing the bill for it – obviously it has been added into the gross price invoiced by the college. It’s definitely not free – and it’s insulting that we’re supposed to think it is!
People who take each progressive exam, funding them one at a time are much more likely to pass. They are thoughtful of the cost and so are more inclined to ensure they are ready.
Sit the exam at a local pro-metric testing centre and hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take it.
Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for exam fees when you don’t need to? A great deal of money is made because training colleges are charging upfront for all their exams – and then cashing in when they’re not all taken.
Re-takes of any failed exams through training course providers who offer an ‘Exam Guarantee’ are monitored with tight restrictions. You’ll be required to sit pre-tests until you’ve proven that you’re likely to pass.
Splashing out often many hundreds of pounds extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is naive – when study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really see you through.
Always expect the current Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised exam preparation and simulation materials.
Because most IT examination boards tend to be American, you need to become familiar with their phraseology. It’s no use simply answering any old technical questions – they need to be in the proper exam format.
Always have some simulated exam questions in order to test your knowledge along the way. Practice exams prepare you properly – then you won’t be quite so nervous at the actual exam.
Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Navigate to Career Retraining Courses or CLICK HERE.