There are four specialised areas of training in the overall A+ programme, but you’re just required to achieve pass marks in 2 for your A+ qualification. Be aware though that limiting yourself to 2 out of the 4 subjects available could expose flaws in your knowledge when applying for a job. At least learn about all four – for greater confidence in the world of work.
CompTIA A+ training programs teach diagnostic techniques and fault-finding – via hands on and remote access, in addition to learning to build, repair and fix and understanding antistatic conditions.
It could be a good idea to think about doing Network+ as it will give you the knowledge to become a networking engineer, which means greater employment benefits.
Commercially accredited qualifications are now, without a doubt, already replacing the traditional routes into the industry – why then is this happening?
Industry is now aware that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, the right accreditation from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially – at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.
Vendor training works through focusing on the skill-sets required (alongside an appropriate level of associated knowledge,) as opposed to trawling through all the background detail and ‘fluff’ that computer Science Degrees often do – to pad out the syllabus.
It’s a bit like the TV advert: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. The company just needs to know what they need doing, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they’re assured that a potential employee can do exactly what’s required.
A study programme really needs to work up to a fully recognised major accreditation as an end-goal – not a useless ‘in-house’ piece of paper.
You’ll find that only recognised qualifications from the top companies like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA and Cisco will mean anything to employers.
Don’t get hung-up, as can often be the case, on the training process. You’re not training for the sake of training; you’re training to become commercially employable. You need to remain focused on where you want to go.
It’s not unheard of, in many cases, to find immense satisfaction in a year of study but end up spending 10 or 20 years in a tiresome job role, as a consequence of not performing the correct research when it was needed – at the start.
You’ll want to understand the expectations of your industry. Which accreditations you’ll need and in what way you can gain some industry experience. You should also spend a little time considering how far you reckon you’re going to want to build your skill-set as it will force you to choose a particular set of certifications.
We’d recommend you take guidance from an experienced industry professional before settling on a learning course, so you’re sure from the outset that the specific package will give the skills necessary.
Searching for your first position in IT can be a little easier with a Job Placement Assistance facility. Because of the huge demand for appropriately skilled people in Britain at the moment, there isn’t a great need to place too much emphasis on this feature however. It’s actually not as hard as some people make out to land a job once you’re trained and certified.
Get your CV updated straight-away though (advice and support for this should come from your course provider). Don’t delay till the exams have actually been passed.
It’s not unusual to find that you’ll land your first position whilst still on the course (even in the early stages). If your CV doesn’t show your latest training profile (and it isn’t in the hands of someone with jobs to offer) then you won’t even be considered!
Actually, a local IT focused employment agency (who will get paid commission to place you) will perform better than any centralised training company’s service. Also of course they should know the local industry and employment needs.
A good number of people, it seems, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when attempting to secure their first job. Introduce yourself… Work hard to let employers know about you. Don’t expect a job to just fall into your lap.
Written by Scott Edwards. Visit MCSE 2003 or www.CiscoCertificationUK.co.uk.