CompTIA Training Providers - Thoughts

By Jason Kendall

There are actually 4 different sectors in the full CompTIA A+ syllabus, of which 2 passes are needed for your A+ qualification. However only learning about 2 of the specialised areas might well not equip you for a job. Try to cover all four - for greater confidence in the world of work.

Once on the A+ training program you'll become familiar with how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. You'll also cover fault finding and diagnostics, through both hands-on and remote access.

You may also want to think about adding the CompTIA Network+ training as it will enable you to take care of computer networks, which is where the bigger salaries are.

Students will sometimes miss checking on something of absolutely vital importance - how their training provider divides up the physical training materials, and into how many separate packages.

Drop-shipping your training elements piece by piece, according to your own speed is the usual method of releasing your program. Of course, this sounds sensible, but you should consider these factors:

How would they react if you didn't complete each section within the time limits imposed? And maybe you'll find their order of completion doesn't work as well as some other structure would for you.

To be in the best situation you would have all the training materials packed off to you immediately; the whole caboodle! This prevents any future issues from rising that will affect the reaching of your goals.

Many men and women are under the impression that the traditional school, college or university path is still the most effective. Why then is commercial certification becoming more in demand?

Vendor-based training (in industry terminology) is most often much more specialised. Industry is aware that this level of specialised understanding is vital to meet the requirements of an increasingly more technical workplace. Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA dominate in this arena.

Of course, an appropriate portion of associated knowledge must be covered, but precise specifics in the particular job function gives a vendor educated student a real head start.

When an employer is aware what areas they need covered, then they simply need to advertise for the exact skill-set required to meet that need. The syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and can't change from one establishment to the next (in the way that degree courses can).

Some training providers supply a practical Job Placement Assistance service, to assist your search for your first position. Don't get overly impressed with this service - it isn't unusual for eager sales people to overplay it. At the end of the day, the still growing need for IT personnel in the UK is the reason you'll find a job.

One important thing though, don't wait till you have passed your final exams before polishing up your CV. As soon as you start a course, list what you're working on and get promoting!

A good number of junior support jobs have been offered to students who are still studying and haven't got any qualifications yet. This will at least get you into the 'maybe' pile of CV's - rather than the 'No' pile.

You'll normally experience quicker results from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than you will through a training course provider's employment division, because they will understand the local industry and employment needs.

Please be sure that you don't conscientiously work through your course materials, and then just stop and leave it up to everyone else to find you a job. Get off your backside and start looking for yourself. Put as much energy and enthusiasm into landing your new role as you did to get trained.

Trainees looking at this market can be very practical by nature, and don't really enjoy classrooms, and poring through books and manuals. If you're thinking this sounds like you, use multimedia, interactive learning, where everything is presented via full motion video.

Our ability to remember is increased when all our senses are brought into the mix - experts have been clear on this for many years.

Start a study-program in which you're provided with an array of CD and DVD based materials - you'll start with videos of instructor demonstrations, with the facility to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions.

It's imperative to see some example materials from your chosen company. It's essential they incorporate video demo's and interactive elements such as practice lab's.

It doesn't make sense to opt for on-line only training. Because of the variable quality and reliability of most broadband providers, you should always obtain CD or DVD ROM based materials. - 33394

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here