In these days of super efficiency, support workers who are able to mend PC's and networks, along with giving regular solutions to users, are essential...
In these days of super efficiency,
support workers who are able to mend PC's and networks, along with giving regular solutions to users, are essential in every sector of the business environment. With the increasingly complex nature of technology, greater numbers of trained staff are being looked for to dedicate themselves to the many areas we've become dependent on.
A number of men and women assume that the tech college or university system is still the best way into IT. Why then are qualifications from the commercial sector becoming more popular with employers? As we require increasingly more effective technological know-how, the IT sector has been required to move to the specialised core-skills learning that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - for example companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA. Frequently this is at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. Obviously, an appropriate quantity of closely linked knowledge must be learned, but core specialised knowledge in the exact job role gives a vendor trained person a real head start.
Think about if you were the employer - and your company needed a person with some very particular skills. Which is the most straightforward: Trawl through loads of academic qualifications from several applicants, trying to establish what they know and what trade skills they've acquired, or choose particular accreditations that specifically match what you're looking for, and then choose your interviewees based around that. You'll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview - instead of having to work out if they can do the job.
One of the most important things to insist on has to be comprehensive 24x7 direct-access support through expert mentors and instructors. It's an all too common story to find providers that only provide office hours (or extended office hours) support. Avoid those companies which use 'out-of-hours' messaging systems - with the call-back coming in during normal office hours. This is no use if you're stuck and want support there and then.
The best training colleges utilise an online 24 hours-a-day service utilising a variety of support centres throughout multiple time-zones. You get an easy to use environment that accesses the most appropriate office any time of the day or night: Support available as-and-when you want it. Never make the mistake of compromise when you're looking for the right support service. Many IT hopefuls who throw in the towel, are in that situation because of a lack of support.
'Exam Guarantees' are often bundled with training offers - this always means you have to pay for the exams when you pay for the rest of your course. Before you get carried away with guaranteed exams, look at the following:
These days, we tend to be a tad more knowledgeable about sales gimmicks - and generally we realise that of course it is actually an additional cost to us - it's not because they're so generous they want to give something away! The honest truth is that if students pay for each examination, when they're ready to take them and not before, there's a much better chance they'll get through on the first attempt - because they'll be conscious of what they've paid and will therefore apply themselves appropriately.
Why should you pay the training company up-front for exam fees? Find the best exam deal or offer when you take the exam, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance - and do it locally - rather than in some remote place. Considerable numbers of current training providers secure a great deal of profit by charging for all the exam fees up-front and hoping you won't see them all through. Don't forget, with most 'Exam Guarantees' - they control when and how often you are allowed to do a re-take. You'll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they'll pay for another exam.
Exams taken at local centres are in the region of 112 pounds in this country. Why pay exorbitant fees for 'exam guarantees' (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.
It's essential to have the current Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Students regularly can find themselves confused by practising exam questions that are not from official sources. Often, the question formats and phraseology is unfamiliar and it's important to prepare yourself for this. Obviously, it's essential to make sure you've thoroughly prepared for your actual certification exam prior to going for it. Going over mock-up exams adds to your knowledge bank and helps to avoid unsuccessful attempts at exams.
