The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you’re qualified as competent at A+ when you’ve passed the test for just two specialist areas. This is the reason that most training providers only have two of the courses on their syllabus. In fact you will need the information on each subject as a lot of employment will require an understanding of the entire course. Don’t feel pressured to pass exams in all of them, although it would seem prudent that you learn about all four.
Once you start your A+ training course you’ll become familiar with how to build computers and fix them, and work in antistatic conditions. Diagnostic techniques and fault finding are also on the syllabus, as is remote access.
In addition, you could look to think about doing Network+ as it will give you the knowledge to work with networks, which means greater employment benefits.
Commercially accredited qualifications are now, most definitely, taking over from the more academic tracks into the IT industry – so why is this the case?
Key company training (to use industry-speak) is far more effective and specialised. The IT sector has realised that this level of specialised understanding is essential to cope with a technically advancing commercial environment. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the big boys in this field.
Obviously, an appropriate amount of closely linked information must be learned, but core specifics in the exact job role gives a vendor educated student a huge edge.
Assuming a company understands what they’re looking for, then they just need to look for someone with a specific qualification. Syllabuses all have to conform to the same requirements and do not vary between trainers (like academia frequently can and does).
The world of information technology is one of the most stimulating and innovative industries that you can get into right now. To be dealing with leading-edge technology means you’re a part of the huge progress that will affect us all over the next generation.
We’re barely beginning to get to grips with what this change will mean to us. The way we interact with the world will be massively affected by computers and the internet.
Should lifestyle be up there on your list of priorities, then you will appreciate the fact that the income on average of the majority of IT staff is significantly greater than with other market sectors.
The need for appropriately qualified IT professionals is certain for the significant future, because of the ongoing growth in the technology industry and the very large deficiency that we still have.
Far too many companies only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely miss why you’re doing this – which is a commercial career or job. You should always begin with where you want to get to – don’t make the vehicle more important than the destination.
It’s not unheard of, in many cases, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study and then spend 20 miserable years in a job you hate, entirely because you stumbled into it without some quality research when it was needed – at the start.
Prioritise understanding the exact expectations industry will have. What precise exams you’ll be required to have and how to gain experience. Spend some time setting guidelines as to how far you reckon you’re going to want to progress your career as often it can force you to choose a particular set of exams.
All students are advised to chat with an experienced industry advisor before they embark on a learning path. This is required to ensure it contains the relevant skills for the career that is sought.
Ignore any salesperson that pushes one particular program without performing a ‘fact-find’ to gain understanding of your current abilities plus your experience level. Ensure that they have a large stable of training programs so they’re actually equipped to provide you with what’s right for you.
Often, the level to start at for a trainee experienced in some areas can be massively different to the student with no experience.
Working through a basic PC skills course first may be the ideal way to commence your IT training, depending on your skill level at the moment.
(C) Jason Kendall. Pop over to LearningLolly.com for logical advice. Comptia A+ or A+ Certification.