A+ consists of four exams and study sections, but you only have to get certified in 2 for qualification purposes. As this is the case, a great number ...
A+ consists of four exams and study sections,
but you only have to get certified in 2 for qualification purposes. As this is the case, a great number of colleges only offer 2 paths. However, training you in all four will help you to build a much wider knowledge and understanding of the subject, which you'll come to realise is an important asset in professional employment.
When you embark on the CompTIA A+, you will develop an understanding of how to work in antistatic conditions and build and fix computers. You'll also cover fault finding and diagnostics, through both hands-on and remote access. Should you fancy yourself as a man or woman who works for a larger company - in network support, add Network+ to your CompTIA A+, or follow the Microsoft route - MCP's, MCSA or MCSE because it's necessary to have a wider knowledge of the way networks work.
The way in which your courseware is broken down for you isn't always given the appropriate level of importance. In what way are your training elements sectioned? What is the order and at what speed is it delivered? Normally, you'll join a programme taking 1-3 years and receive one element at a time until graduation. It seems to make sense on one level, but consider these issues: What if you find the order pushed by the company's salespeople doesn't suit all of us. You may find it a stretch to finalise every element inside of their particular timetable?
The very best situation would see you getting every piece of your study pack posted to your home before you even start; the whole caboodle! Then, nothing can hinder the reaching of your goals.
Most trainers typically provide a bunch of books and manuals. This can be very boring and isn't the best way to go about remembering. Our ability to remember is increased when multiple senses are involved - experts have been clear on this for as long as we can remember.
Courses are now available via DVD-ROM discs, where everything is taught on your PC. Video streaming means you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to do something, followed by your chance to practice - in a virtual lab environment. It's wise to view a small selection of training examples before you sign the purchase order. The minimum you should expect would be videoed instructor demonstrations and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.
It's usually bad advice to select online only courseware. Because of the variable quality and reliability of your average broadband company, it makes sense to have actual CD or DVD ROM's.
The right sort of training package will have fully authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Steer clear of depending on non-official exam papers and questions. The way they're phrased is often somewhat different - and this leads to huge confusion once in the actual exam. 'Mock' or practice exams will prove very useful for confidence building - so much so, that at your actual exams, you will be much more relaxed.
Commercial certification is now, without a doubt, taking over from the traditional routes into IT - but why has this come about? As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, industry has been required to move to specific, honed-in training that the vendors themselves supply - for example companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay. In a nutshell, only required knowledge is taught. Actually, it's not quite as pared down as that, but the principle objective is to cover the precise skills needed (alongside some required background) - without going into too much detail in every other area - in the way that academic establishments often do.
It's a bit like the TV advert: 'It does what it says on the label'. Employers simply need to know what they're looking for, 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.
