CompTIA Careers Training Revealed

By: Jason Kendall Click author's name for more of his/her articles

There are a total of 4 specialist training sectors in the full CompTIA A+ syllabus, of which you'll need certification in two subjects to be considered A+ qualified. We would advise however that restricting yourself to two of the study sections could leave gaps in your knowledge. At least learn about all four - this will give you the edge in the working environment.

Once on the A+ computer training course you'll be taught how to work in antistatic conditions and build and fix computers. Diagnostic techniques and fault finding are also on the syllabus, as is remote access. If your ambition is maintaining networks, you'll need to add CompTIA Network+ to the CompTIA A+ training you're doing. Taking this course as well will mean you can get a higher paid position. Also look at the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA and MCSE).

Most trainers typically provide a big box of books. Obviously, this isn't much fun and isn't the best way to go about remembering. Many years of research has time and time again verified that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, will more likely produce memories that are deeper and longer-lasting.

You can now study via easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM's. Through instructor-led video classes you'll take everything in by way of the demonstrations and explanations. Knowledge can then be tested by using practice-lab's. It would be silly not to view examples of the courseware provided before you make your decision. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.

Plump for physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's where possible. This then avoids all the potential pitfalls with broadband outages, failure and signal quality issues etc.

A top of the range training package should incorporate fully authorised exam simulation and preparation packages. As the majority of examining boards for IT tend to be American, you must be prepared for the way exams are phrased. It's not sufficient simply answering any old technical questions - they must be in an exam format that exactly replicates the real thing. A way to build self-confidence is if you verify how much you know through quizzes and practice in simulated exam environments to prepare you for taking the actual exam.

A lot of trainees are under the impression that the school and FE college path is the right way even now. So why are commercial certificates beginning to overtake it? Key company training (to use industry-speak) is far more specialised and product-specific. The IT sector has become aware that such specialised knowledge is vital to handle an acceleratingly technical commercial environment. Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA are the key players in this arena. University courses, as a example, can often get caught up in vast amounts of loosely associated study - and much too wide a syllabus. Students are then prevented from understanding the specific essentials in enough depth.

The bottom line is: Authorised IT qualifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have - the title says it all: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. So an employer can identify exactly what they need and what certifications are required to perform the job.

A subtle way that colleges make extra profits is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status. It looks impressive, till you look at the facts:

In this day and age, we tend to be a little more 'marketing-savvy' - and generally we know that for sure it is something we're paying for - they're not just being charitable and doling out freebies! Should you seriously need to get a first time pass, you must fund each exam as you take it, give it the priority it deserves and apply yourself as required.

Do your exams somewhere local and don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you when you're ready. Including money in your training package for examinations (plus interest - if you're financing your study) is bad financial management. Don't line companies bank accounts with additional funds only to please their Bank Manager! There are those who hope that you won't get to do them all - then they'll keep the extra money. Also, many exam guarantees are worthless. The majority of organisations will not pay again for an exam until you can prove to them you're ready to pass.

With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric tests in the United Kingdom costing around 112 pounds, it makes sense to pay as you go. There's no sense in throwing away maybe a thousand pounds extra at the start of your studies. Commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

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About The Author: (C) Jason Kendall. Hop over to LearningLolly.com for intelligent career tips on Comptia Certification Training and Comptia A+ Training.