There are four A+ exams and specialised sectors, but you only have to achieve certification in two to be considered A+ competent. This is why the majo...
There are four A+ exams and specialised sectors,
but you only have to achieve certification in two to be considered A+ competent. This is why the majority of training providers stick to just two options. However, training you in all four will equip you with a much wider knowledge and understanding of your subject, which you'll come to realise is essential in the commercial world.
CompTIA A+ training programs cover fault-finding and diagnostics - both through hands-on and remote access, as well as learning to build, repair and fix and working in antistatic conditions. You might also choose to think about supplementing the A+ with Network + as you can then also work with networks, and become a more senior IT professional.
If there's any chance you'll be enrolling with a training provider which is still pushing workshop days as a necessary part of their training, then listen to these typical downsides met by most IT hopefuls:
* Lots of centre visits - often hundreds of miles at a time.
* Access to classes; often Mon-Fri and sometimes 2-3 days at a time. It's never convenient to take the required leave of absence.
* I think you'd agree that we usually think 4 weeks holiday each year is barely enough. Knock off over half of it for study workshops and see how much more difficult it makes things.
* 'In-Centre' workshop days often are over-subscribed, meaning we have to accept a slot that doesn't really suit.
* The 'pace' - classes normally consist of students of different abilities, so tension develops between students that want a quicker pace to those with less experience.
* Tot up the cost of all the fares or petrol, accommodation, food and parking and you could be in for a major shock. Students have reported extra costs ranging from hundreds to over a thousand pounds. Work it out - and understand where they're coming from.
* We all enjoy our privacy. We shouldn't risk losing any potential advancement that we're owed because of our studies.
* It's quite usual for people to hide the fact that they want to raise a question - just down to the fact that they're surrounded by fellow attendees.
* There are those of us who at times live or work away from home, imagine the trouble involved in getting to the requisite events, when time-off becomes even harder to obtain.
The best possible solution is watching a filmed class - having instructor-led teaching on hand at a time that's convenient to you alone. Imagine... Using a laptop then you're free to work wherever you want. And live 24x7 support is an online click away in case you get challenged. Forget taking notes - all the lessons are prepared and laid out for you - ready to go. And if you want to repeat anything, it's immediately available. Whilst it's impossible to stop every problem, it surely reduces stress and eases things. Plus you've got less costs, travel and hassle.
You have to make sure that all your exams are commercially valid and current - don't even consider programmes which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself). The top IT companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco each have nationally approved proficiency courses. These heavyweights will give some sparkle to your CV.
