There are a total of 4 specialist training sectors in the overall A+ programme, of which you need to pass two for competency in A+. But only studying ...
There are a total of 4 specialist training sectors in the overall A+ programme,
of which you need to pass two for competency in A+. But only studying two of the four specialities could expose flaws in your knowledge when applying for a job. Try to cover all four - this will give you the edge in the working environment.
Courses in A+ computer training cover fault-finding and diagnostics - both through hands-on and remote access, in addition to building, fixing, repairing and working in antistatic conditions. You might also choose to consider doing Network+ as you can then also work with networks, and become a more senior IT professional.
'Exam Guarantees' are often bundled with training offers - this always means exams have to be paid for upfront, when you pay for the rest of your course. Before you get carried away with guaranteed exams, think about this:
Everyone knows they're still paying for it - it's obviously already in the full cost of the package supplied by the training company. It's absolutely not free (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!) Evidence shows that if students pay for their relevant examinations, one after the other, the chances are they're going to qualify each time - because they are conscious of the cost and will therefore apply themselves appropriately.
Don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you when you're ready, and keep hold of your own money. You'll also be able to choose where to take your exam - so you can choose somewhere closer to home. A lot of so-called credible training course providers secure big margins by asking for exam fees early then cashing in if they're not all taken. It's also worth noting that exam guarantees often have very little value. The majority of organisations won't pay again for an exam until you've completely satisfied them that you're ready this time.
Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on an 'Exam Guarantee' is remiss - when study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is actually the key to your success.
Each programme of learning should always lead to a commercially valid accreditation as an end-goal - and not some unimportant 'in-house' piece of paper. If your certification doesn't come from a big-hitter like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco, then you'll probably find it won't be commercially viable - as it'll be an unknown commodity.
How the program is actually delivered to you is usually ignored by most students. How is the courseware broken down? And in what order and do you have a say in when you'll get each part? Trainees may consider it sensible (with training often lasting 2 or 3 years for a full commercial certification,) for a training company to release the courseware in stages, as you complete each part. But: What would their reaction be if you find it difficult to do every section at the speed they required? Often the prescribed exam order doesn't come as naturally as another different route may.
In all honesty, the perfect answer is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but to receive all the materials up-front. Meaning you've got it all should you not complete it as fast as they'd like.
Commercial qualifications are now, very visibly, already replacing the more academic tracks into the IT industry - but why is this? The IT sector now recognises that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, official accreditation from the likes of Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised - and a fraction of the cost and time. Of course, a reasonable amount of background knowledge must be learned, but essential specifics in the exact job role gives a vendor educated person a massive advantage.
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Authorised IT qualifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have - it says what you do in the title: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. Consequently an employer can look at their needs and which qualifications are needed for the job.
