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CompTIA A+ computer training comprises of 4 specialised sectors – the requirement is exam passes in 2 different areas to be considered competent in A+. This is why, most training providers restrict their A+ to just two of the four areas. We think this will under prepare you – sure, you can pass an exam, but knowledge of every section will give you a distinct advantage in the workplace, where you’ll need to know about all of them. This is why you require information in all four areas.

As well as learning about the ins and outs of building and maintaining computers, students on an A+ training course will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics. Should you be thinking of taking care of computer networks, add the very comprehensive Network+ to your training package. Including Network+ will prepare you to get a higher paid position. Alternatively, you may prefer the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.

Many men and women think that the state educational track is still the best way into IT. So why then are qualifications from the commercial sector slowly and steadily replacing it? Industry is now aware that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, proper accreditation from such organisations as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised – for considerably less. Obviously, an appropriate portion of relevant additional knowledge has to be taught, but core specifics in the areas needed gives a commercially trained student a massive advantage.

When an employer knows what areas they need covered, then they just need to look for a person with the appropriate exam numbers. Commercial syllabuses all have to conform to the same requirements and aren’t allowed to deviate (as academic syllabuses often do).

If you’re like many of the students we talk to then you probably enjoy fairly practical work – a ‘hands-on’ type. If you’re anything like us, the painful task of reading endless manuals would be considered as a last resort, but it doesn’t suit your way of doing things. Consider interactive, multimedia study if learning from books is not your thing. Many years of research has time and time again shown that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is far more likely to produce long-lasting memories.

Learning is now available in the form of CD and DVD ROM’s, so you can study at your own computer. Utilising the latest video technology, you can sit back and watch the teachers showing you precisely how it’s all done, and then practice yourself – via the interactive virtual lab’s. It would be silly not to view examples of the courseware provided before you sign the purchase order. Always insist on instructor demonstrations, video tutorials and audio-visual elements backed up by interactive lab’s.

You should avoid purely online training. Physical CD or DVD ROM materials are preferable where possible, so that you have access at all times – you don’t want to be reliant on a good broadband connection all the time.

It’s important to understand: a training program or a certification is not what you’re looking for; a job that you want is. A lot of colleges seem to put too much weight in the qualification itself. It’s a sad fact, but thousands of new students kick-off study that often sounds fabulous in the prospectus, but which delivers a career that is of no interest. Speak to a selection of university students and you’ll see where we’re coming from.

You need to keep your eye on what you want to achieve, and build your study action-plan from that – don’t do it back-to-front. Keep your eyes on your goals – making sure you’re training for a career you’ll enjoy for years to come. Our recommendation would be to look for advice and guidance from an experienced industry professional before making your final decision on some particular study path, so there’s no doubt that the specific package will give the skill-set required for your career choice.

Look at the points below and pay great regard to them if you’re inclined to think the marketing blurb about examination guarantees seems like a good idea:

In this day and age, we tend to be a tad more knowledgeable about sales gimmicks – and the majority of us ought to realise that of course we’re actually paying for it – they’re not just being charitable and doling out freebies! Should you seriously need to pass first time, evidence suggests you must pay for one exam at a time, prioritise it appropriately and give the task sufficient application.

Isn’t it outrageous to have to pay the college at the start of the course for examination fees? Find the best exam deal or offer at the appropriate time, don’t pay mark-ups – and do it in a local testing centre – not at somewhere of their bidding. Big margins are made by many training colleges who get money for exam fees in advance. A number of students don’t take them for various reasons but the company keeps the money. Astoundingly enough, providers exist who depend on students not taking their exams – as that’s where a lot of their profit comes from. The majority of companies will insist on pre-tests and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you’ve demonstrated an excellent ability to pass – which makes an ‘Exam Guarantee’ frankly useless.

Shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds on ‘Exam Guarantees’ is foolish – when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is actually the key to your success.

Each programme of learning has to build towards a nationally accepted exam as an end-result – and not some unimportant ‘in-house’ printed certificate to hang in your hallway. Only properly recognised examinations from the major players like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and Adobe will mean anything to employers.

(C) Jason Kendall. Try LearningLolly.com for intelligent career tips on Comptia Certification and Comptia Certification Course.