CompTIA Training Providers - Thoughts

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.

In addition to learning how to build and fix computers, students on A+ courses will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics.

If your ambition is taking care of computer networks, add the excellent Network+ to your training package. Taking this course as well will prepare you to assist you greatly in the job market. You may also want to consider the route to networking via Microsoft, in the form of MCP's, MCSA or the full MCSE.

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.

Often, you will join a program staged over 2 or 3 years and get posted one section at a time - from one exam to the next. This sounds logical on one level, until you consider this:

It's not unusual for trainees to realise that their training company's standard order of study isn't ideal for them. You may find that a slightly different order suits them better. And what if you don't get to the end inside of the expected timescales?

Truth be told, the best option is to obtain their recommendation on the best possible order of study, but to receive all the materials up-front. You then have everything in the event you don't complete everything as fast as they'd like.

We're often asked why qualifications from colleges and universities are being replaced by more qualifications from the commercial sector?

The IT sector is of the opinion that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, certified accreditation from such organisations as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.

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.

It's rather like the advert: 'It does what it says on the label'. All an employer has to do is know what they need doing, 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.

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.

Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however - you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don't wait until you've qualified.

Quite often, you'll secure your first role while still studying (even when you've just left first base). If your course details aren't on your CV (and it hasn't been posted on jobsites) then you're not even going to be known about!

The top companies to get you a new position are most often independent and specialised local recruitment services. Because they make their money when they've found you a job, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.

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.

Modern training can now be done at home via easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM's. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you'll learn your subject via the expert demonstrations. Then you test your knowledge by interacting with the software and practicing yourself.

Every company that you look at should be able to show you a few examples of the materials provided for study. You should hope for instructor-led videos and a wide selection of interactive elements.

Seek out CD and DVD ROM based physical training media wherever available. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with the variability of broadband quality and service.

(C) Jason Kendall. Try LearningLolly.com for superb advice. Comptia Certification or Comptia A+ Course.