CompTIA A + has a total of four exams and areas of study, but you're just expected to get your exams in 2 of them to be considered A+ competent. As this is the case, most training colleges simply offer two. But giving you all four options will give you a far greater perspective of the subject, which you'll find vital in industry.
Passing the A+ exam on its own will give you the ability to mend and maintain computers and Macs; ones that are most often not part of a network - essentially the domestic or small business sector. If you would like to be a man or woman who is a member of a large organisation - supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, you'll need to add CompTIA Network+, or consider an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft to give you a wider knowledge of how networks work.
Consider only training courses that'll move onto industry accepted qualifications. There are way too many trainers pushing unknown 'in-house' certificates which will prove unusable when it comes to finding a job. If the accreditation doesn't feature a company like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe, then you may discover it will have been a waste of time - as it'll be an unknown commodity.
Usually, trainers will provide mainly work-books and reference manuals. It's not a very interesting way to learn and isn't the best way to go about achieving retention. Research has constantly demonstrated that connecting physically with our study, is much more conducive to long-term memory.
Locate a program where you'll receive a library of CD and DVD based materials - you'll be learning from instructor videos and demo's, with the facility to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills. All companies should be able to show you some simple examples of the type of training materials they provide. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and a variety of interactive modules.
It's folly to opt for on-line only training. Because of the variable quality and reliability of the ISP (internet service provider) market, it makes sense to have physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's.
Beware of putting too much emphasis, like so many people do, on the training course itself. Your training isn't about getting a plaque on your wall; this is about gaining commercial employment. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve. It's a sad fact, but a large percentage of students commence training that sounds marvellous from the syllabus guide, but which delivers a career that doesn't fulfil at all. Speak to a selection of college graduates for a real eye-opener.
Take time to understand your leanings around career development, earning potential, and how ambitious you are. It makes sense to understand what will be expected of you, what particular exams are needed and in what way you can develop commercial experience. Have a chat with someone that understands the work you're contemplating, and who'll explain to you detailed descriptions of what you actually do in that role. Contemplating this well before you start on any learning path will prevent a lot of wasted time and effort.
Don't accept anything less than the most up to date Microsoft (or any other key organisation's) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Some students can get thrown by trying to prepare themselves with questions that aren't recognised by official sources. Sometimes, the question formats and phraseology is unfamiliar and it's important to prepare yourself for this. Why don't you test your depth of understanding by doing quizzes and simulated exams to get you ready for the proper exam.
The way a programme is physically sent to you isn't always given the appropriate level of importance. How is the courseware broken down? What is the order and what control do you have at what pace it arrives? Individual deliveries for each training module stage by stage, as you pass each exam is the typical way that your program will arrive. This sounds logical, but you should take these factors into account: Maybe the order of study prescribed by the provider doesn't suit you. It may be difficult to get through every element within the time limits imposed?
For future safety and flexibility, most students now choose to request that all their modules (now paid for) are delivered immediately, and not in stages. That means it's down to you in which order and at what speed you want to finish things.
Passing the A+ exam on its own will give you the ability to mend and maintain computers and Macs; ones that are most often not part of a network - essentially the domestic or small business sector. If you would like to be a man or woman who is a member of a large organisation - supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, you'll need to add CompTIA Network+, or consider an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft to give you a wider knowledge of how networks work.
Consider only training courses that'll move onto industry accepted qualifications. There are way too many trainers pushing unknown 'in-house' certificates which will prove unusable when it comes to finding a job. If the accreditation doesn't feature a company like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe, then you may discover it will have been a waste of time - as it'll be an unknown commodity.
Usually, trainers will provide mainly work-books and reference manuals. It's not a very interesting way to learn and isn't the best way to go about achieving retention. Research has constantly demonstrated that connecting physically with our study, is much more conducive to long-term memory.
Locate a program where you'll receive a library of CD and DVD based materials - you'll be learning from instructor videos and demo's, with the facility to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills. All companies should be able to show you some simple examples of the type of training materials they provide. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and a variety of interactive modules.
It's folly to opt for on-line only training. Because of the variable quality and reliability of the ISP (internet service provider) market, it makes sense to have physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's.
Beware of putting too much emphasis, like so many people do, on the training course itself. Your training isn't about getting a plaque on your wall; this is about gaining commercial employment. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve. It's a sad fact, but a large percentage of students commence training that sounds marvellous from the syllabus guide, but which delivers a career that doesn't fulfil at all. Speak to a selection of college graduates for a real eye-opener.
Take time to understand your leanings around career development, earning potential, and how ambitious you are. It makes sense to understand what will be expected of you, what particular exams are needed and in what way you can develop commercial experience. Have a chat with someone that understands the work you're contemplating, and who'll explain to you detailed descriptions of what you actually do in that role. Contemplating this well before you start on any learning path will prevent a lot of wasted time and effort.
Don't accept anything less than the most up to date Microsoft (or any other key organisation's) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Some students can get thrown by trying to prepare themselves with questions that aren't recognised by official sources. Sometimes, the question formats and phraseology is unfamiliar and it's important to prepare yourself for this. Why don't you test your depth of understanding by doing quizzes and simulated exams to get you ready for the proper exam.
The way a programme is physically sent to you isn't always given the appropriate level of importance. How is the courseware broken down? What is the order and what control do you have at what pace it arrives? Individual deliveries for each training module stage by stage, as you pass each exam is the typical way that your program will arrive. This sounds logical, but you should take these factors into account: Maybe the order of study prescribed by the provider doesn't suit you. It may be difficult to get through every element within the time limits imposed?
For future safety and flexibility, most students now choose to request that all their modules (now paid for) are delivered immediately, and not in stages. That means it's down to you in which order and at what speed you want to finish things.
About the Author:
(C) Jason Kendall. Go to LearningLolly.com for smart advice on Comptia Certification and A+ Certification.
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