Training in CompTIA A Plus PC Support – News

by Jason Kendall

The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you're thought of as A+ competent when you've passed the test for two of the four areas. This is why most training providers only have two of the courses on their syllabus. You'll find that it's necessary to have the training for all four areas as many jobs will demand knowledge and skills of the entire course. It isn't necessary to take all four exams, although it would seem prudent that you at least have a working knowledge of every area.

Courses in A+ computer training are about fault finding and diagnosing - both remote access and hands-on, in addition to building computers and repairing them and operating in antistatic conditions. It could be a good idea to consider adding Network+ training to your A+ as you'll then be in a position to look after networks of computers, which is where the bigger salaries are.

Considering how a program is 'delivered' to you is often missed by many students. How many stages do they break the program into? And in what order and at what speed is it delivered? Individual deliveries for each training module stage by stage, as you complete each module is the typical way that your program will arrive. This sounds logical, but you should consider these factors: Often, the staged breakdown offered by the provider doesn't suit. What if you find it hard to complete all the modules at the speed required?

To be honest, the best option is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but make sure you have all of your learning modules right from the beginning. Everything is then in your possession should you not complete it at their required pace.

Only consider learning courses which will move onto industry accepted qualifications. There are far too many trainers promoting their own 'in-house' certificates which will prove unusable in today's commercial market. You'll find that only recognised certification from companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco and CompTIA will be useful to a future employer.

Incorporating examination fees up-front and offering an 'Exam Guarantee' is popular with a number of training colleges. However, let's consider what's really going on:

Thankfully, today we tend to be a little more 'marketing-savvy' - and most of us realise that of course we're actually paying for it - they're not just being charitable and doling out freebies! Students who take each progressive exam, paying for them just before taking them are much better placed to get through first time. They're conscious of their spending and revise more thoroughly to be ready for the task.

Go for the best offer you can find at the time, and keep hold of your own money. In addition, it's then your choice where to sit the exam - so you can find somewhere local. Buying a course that includes payments for examinations (and interest charges if you're borrowing money) is madness. It's not your job to boost the training company's account with additional funds only to please their Bank Manager! Many will hope you won't get round to taking them - but they won't refund the cash. The majority of organisations will insist that you take mock exams first and prohibit you from re-taking an exam until you've completely proven that you're likely to pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

Exams taken at local centres are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. Students should be very wary of forking out hundreds of pounds extra in 'Exam Guarantee' costs (most often hidden in the package) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and exam preparation systems and a dose of commitment and effort are what's required.

People attracted to this sort of work can be very practical by nature, and won't enjoy sitting at a desk in class, and endless reading of dry academic textbooks. If you identify with this, use multimedia, interactive learning, with on-screen demonstrations and labs. Learning psychology studies show that long term memory is improved when all our senses are involved, and we take action to use what we've learned.

The latest home-based training features interactive discs. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you'll take everything in through the expert demonstrations. Knowledge can then be tested by practicing and interacting with the software. Every company that you look at should willingly take you through some simple examples of the type of training materials they provide. You're looking for evidence of tutorial videos and demonstrations and a variety of interactive modules.

It's unwise to opt for on-line only training. Because of the variable quality and reliability of all internet service providers, it makes sense to have actual CD or DVD ROM's.

Trainees hopeful to build an Information Technology career usually haven't a clue what direction is best, or which market to get certified in. Flicking through long lists of different and confusing job titles is a complete waste of time. Surely, most of us don't even know what the neighbours do for a living - so we have no hope of understanding the subtleties of a particular IT career. The key to answering this quandary correctly comes from an in-depth talk over several different topics:

* Personality factors as well as your interests - which work-oriented areas you enjoy or dislike.

* What length of time can you allocate for your training?

* How important is salary to you - is it of prime importance, or is day-to-day enjoyment further up on the scale of your priorities?

* Always think in-depth about the work involved to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* It's wise to spend some time thinking about any sacrifices you'll need to make, as well as what commitment and time that you will set aside for your training.

Ultimately, your only chance of understanding everything necessary is through a long chat with an advisor or professional who has enough background to provide solid advice.

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