CompTIA A Plus Training Described
There are a total of 4 specialist training sectors in the overall A+ programme, of which 2 passes are needed for competency in A+. We would advise however that only studying two out of the 4 subjects available is likely to leave your knowledge base somewhat light. At least learn about all four – you’ll be glad you did when it comes to interview time.
CompTIA A+ without additional courses will allow you to fix and repair computers and Macs; ones which are usually not part of a network – which means the home or small business market.
If you would like to be someone who works for a larger company – supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, add Network+ to your CompTIA A+, or consider the Microsoft networking route (MCSA – MCSE) in order to have a better comprehension of how networks work.
We’re regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are being replaced by more commercial certificates?
Industry is of the opinion that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, the right accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially – and a fraction of the cost and time.
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.
Just like the advert used to say: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. Employers simply need to know what they’re looking for, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. That way they can be sure they’re interviewing applicants who can do the job.
Working on revolutionary new technology is about as exciting as it can get. You’re involved with impacting progress around the world.
We’ve barely started to get a feel for how technology will define our world. Computers and the Internet will significantly transform how we regard and interact with the world around us over the coming decades.
Let’s not ignore salaries either – the usual income across the UK for an average person working in IT is considerably better than in other market sectors. Chances are you’ll bring in a much greater package than you’d typically expect to bring in elsewhere.
It seems there is a lot more room for IT increases in Great Britain as a whole. The industry is continuing to expand enormously, and as we have a skills gap that means we only typically have three IT workers for every four jobs it’s most unlikely that things will be any different for the significant future.
Of course: the training course or an accreditation isn’t what this is about; the particular job you’re training for is. Too many training companies over-emphasise the certificate itself.
Imagine training for just one year and then end up doing the job for 20 years. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of taking what may be an ‘interesting’ training program only to spend 20 years doing a job you don’t like!
Spend some time thinking about how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. This can often control what accreditations will be expected and how much effort you’ll have to give in return.
Our recommendation would be to always seek guidance and advice from an experienced professional before making your final decision on a particular training program, so there’s no doubt that the chosen route will give you the appropriate skill-set.
Have a conversation with a skilled consultant and we’d be amazed if they couldn’t provide you with many awful tales of students who’ve been conned by dodgy salespeople. Only deal with an experienced industry professional who digs deep to uncover the best thing for you – not for their paycheque! It’s very important to locate the very best place to start for you.
Where you have a strong background, or maybe some work-based experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it’s likely your starting level will vary from someone with no background whatsoever.
Always consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can often make your learning curve a a little easier.
(C) Jason Kendall. Try LearningLolly.com for clear advice. Comptia Certification or www.learninglolly.com.