Discussing CompTIA A Plus Training - Options

Main Menu

Written by Jason Kendall

Monday, 30 November 2009 09:25

by JasonKendall

There are four specialist areas of training in a full CompTIA A+ program; you're seen as an A+ achiever when you've passed the test for half of them. This is the reason that it's usual for colleges to limit themselves to 2 study areas. The truth is it's necessary to have the information on each subject as industry will demand knowledge and skills of the whole A+ program. It's not essential to complete all 4 certifications, but we would recommend you take tutorials in all 4 subjects.

If you decide to become a student on the A+ training program you'll become familiar with how to build and repair PC's and operate in antistatic conditions. You'll also cover fault-finding and diagnostic techniques, both remotely and via direct access.

Should you want to work towards looking after computer networks, you'll need to add Network+ to your A+ course. This will prepare you to command a more senior job role. Also look at the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.

It's so important to understand this key point: Always get full 24x7 instructor support. You'll definitely experience problems if you let this one slide.

Beware of institutions which use call-centres 'out-of-hours' - with the call-back coming in during office hours. This is no use if you're stuck and want support there and then.

As long as you look hard, you will find professional companies that give students online support at all times - at any time of day or night.

Never make do with less than you need and deserve. 24x7 support is the only viable option when it comes to technical training. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for the majority of us however, we're at work when traditional support if offered.

We're often asked why traditional academic studies are now falling behind more commercial qualifications?

Key company training (as it's known in the industry) is most often much more specialised. Industry has realised that specialisation is necessary to handle a technically advancing world. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the dominant players.

Many degrees, for example, clog up the training with vast amounts of loosely associated study - with much too broad a syllabus. Students are then held back from getting enough specific knowledge about the core essentials.

It's a bit like the TV advert: 'It does what it says on the tin'. Companies need only to know what they're looking for, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.

All programs you're considering has to build towards a nationally (or globally) recognised certification at the end - not a useless 'in-house' plaque for your wall.

Unless the accreditation comes from a company like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco, then chances are it won't be commercially viable - as no-one will have heard of it.

A top of the range training course package will undoubtedly incorporate accredited exam preparation packages.

As a lot of IT examining boards come from the United States, it's essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It's no use simply understanding random questions - it's essential that you can cope with them in the proper exam format.

A way to build self-confidence is if you test your depth of understanding by doing quizzes and practice exams prior to taking the proper exam.

About the Author: