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Sunday, January 10, 2010

Computer Training For CompTIA - Thoughts

By Jason Kendall

Four separate areas of study make up a full CompTIA A+; you're thought of as competent at A+ when you've gained exams for 2 out of 4 subjects. For this reason, the majority of training establishments offer only two of the training courses. In reality it's necessary to have the teaching in all areas as many jobs will ask for an awareness of the whole A+ program. It isn't necessary to qualify in them all, although it would seem prudent that you at least have a working knowledge of every area.

Once you start your A+ computer training course you will develop an understanding of how to work in antistatic conditions and build and fix computers. You'll also cover fault-finding and diagnostic techniques, both remotely and via direct access.

Should you decide to add Network+ training to your A+, you will additionally be able to look after networks, giving you the facility to command a higher salary.

We need to make this very clear: You have to get round-the-clock 24x7 instructor and mentor support. We can tell you that you'll strongly regret it if you don't follow this rule rigidly.

Avoid, like the plague, any organisations which use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - with your call-back scheduled for standard office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and need help now.

The very best programs tend to use an online 24 hours-a-day service combining multiple support operations throughout multiple time-zones. You will be provided with a simple environment which accesses the most appropriate office irrespective of the time of day: Support when you need it.

Never make do with less than this. Direct-access 24x7 support is the only viable option when it comes to technical study. Maybe burning the midnight-oil is not your thing; usually though, we're out at work when traditional support if offered.

An all too common mistake that students everywhere can make is to concentrate on the course itself, and take their eye off the desired end-result. Training academies are brimming over with direction-less students who took a course because it seemed fun - in place of something that could gain them their end-goal of a job they enjoyed.

You could be training for only a year and end up doing a job for a lifetime. Avoid the mistake of taking what may be an 'interesting' course and then spend decades in a job you don't like!

You need to keep your eye on where you want to go, and formulate your training based on that - avoid getting them back-to-front. Keep on track - making sure you're training for something you'll still be enjoying many years from now.

Obtain help from an industry professional who appreciates the market you're interested in, and will be able to provide 'A typical day in the life of' synopsis of what you'll actually be doing day-to-day. It's sensible to understand whether or not this is right for you long before you commence your studies. After all, what is the point in kicking off your training only to discover you're on the wrong course.

Getting into your first IT role sometimes feels easier to handle if you're supported with a Job Placement Assistance program. The need for this feature can be bigged up out of proportion though - it's quite easy for eager sales people to overplay it. Ultimately, the still growing need for IT personnel in this country is what will make you attractive to employers.

Help with your CV and interview techniques is sometimes offered (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). Make sure you work on your old CV today - don't leave it till you pass the exams!

It's possible that you won't have even taken your exams when you land your first junior support role; but this isn't going to happen unless your CV is with employers.

The most reliable organisations to help you find a job are normally local IT focused employment agencies. Because they make their money when they've found you a job, they'll work that much harder to get a result.

Many people, apparently, conscientiously work through their course materials (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when finding a job. Market yourself... Do everything you can to put yourself out there. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.

A so-called advisor who doesn't dig around with lots of question - chances are they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they push a particular product before looking at your personality and current experience level, then it's definitely the case.

Remember, if in the past you've acquired any qualifications that are related, then you will often be able to pick-up at a different starting-point to someone who is new to the field.

Opening with a basic PC skills module first is often the best way to start into your IT program, depending on your current skill level.

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