CompTIA A Plus Networking Training Compared

CompTIA A+ consists of 4 training sections; you're considered competent at A+ when you've passed the test for just two specialist areas. Because of this, most training providers only teach 2 specialised areas. The truth is you will need the information on each subject as a lot of employment will ask for knowledge and skills of the whole A+ program. It isn't necessary to complete all 4 certifications, but we would recommend you learn about all four.

Courses in A+ computer training are about fault finding and diagnosing - via hands on and remote access, as well as building and fixing and working in antistatic conditions.

If your ambition is taking care of computer networks, add the very comprehensive CompTIA Network+ to the CompTIA A+ training you're doing. Including Network+ will mean you can command a more senior job role. Other ones that might be interesting to you are the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA and MCSE).

Many trainers provide a shelf full of reference manuals. Obviously, this isn't much fun and isn't the best way to go about taking things in.

Research over recent years has repeatedly confirmed that getting into our studies physically, is proven to produce longer-lasting and deeper memory retention.

Interactive full motion video involving demonstration and virtual lab's will beat books every time. And you'll actually enjoy doing them.

It makes sense to see a small selection of training examples before you sign the purchase order. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.

It doesn't make sense to choose training that is only available online. Because of the variable quality and reliability of your average broadband company, it makes sense to have actual CD or DVD ROM's.

An area that's often missed by new students weighing up a particular programme is 'training segmentation'. Essentially, this is the breakdown of the materials to be delivered to you, which vastly changes how you end up.

Drop-shipping your training elements one piece at a time, as you complete each module is the usual method of releasing your program. While sounding logical, you should take these factors into account:

How would they react if you didn't complete all the exams within the time limits imposed? Sometimes their preference of study order doesn't work as well as some other order of studying might.

In all honesty, the best option is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but to receive all the materials up-front. It's then all yours in the event you don't complete everything within their ideal time-table.

It only makes sense to consider study programs which will move onto industry acknowledged certifications. There's an endless list of minor schools suggesting 'in-house' certificates which are worthless in today's commercial market.

If the accreditation doesn't feature a conglomerate such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco, then it's likely it could have been a waste of time and effort - because it won't give an employer any directly-useable skills.

Searching for your first position in IT can feel more straightforward with the help of a Job Placement Assistance service. In reality it isn't a complex operation to land your first job - as long as you're correctly trained and certified; because there's still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.

Ideally you should have help with your CV and interview techniques though; and we'd encourage any student to work on polishing up their CV as soon as they start a course - don't delay for when you're ready to start work.

Quite often, you'll secure your first job whilst you're still studying (occasionally right at the beginning). If your course details aren't on your CV (and it's not being looked at by employers) then you're not even going to be known about!

Most often, a specialist locally based employment service (who will get paid commission to place you) will perform better than any division of a training company. It also stands to reason that they'll know the local area and commercial needs.

A good number of trainees, apparently, conscientiously work through their course materials (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for the right position. Promote yourself… Do your best to get yourself known. A job isn't just going to bump into you.

Author: Scott Edwards. Try www.acertification.co.uk or Comptia Courses.