CompTIA Certification

There are four specialist areas of training in a full CompTIA A+ program; you’re considered an achiever in A+ when you’ve gained exams for just two specialist areas. This is why it’s usual for colleges to limit themselves to 2 study areas. You’ll find that you will need the training for all four areas as many positions will require knowledge and skills of each specialist area. You don’t have to pass exams in all of them, but we would recommend you study for all four areas.

Once you start your A+ computer training course you’ll become familiar with how to build computers and fix them, and work in antistatic conditions. You’ll also cover fault finding and diagnostics, through both hands-on and remote access. Should you be thinking of being responsible for networks of computers, add the excellent Network+ to your A+ course. This will put you in a position to command a more senior job role. Other ones that might be interesting to you are the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.

Many people question why traditional academic studies are being replaced by more commercially accredited qualifications? Key company training (in industry terminology) is far more effective and specialised. Industry is aware that specialisation is essential to service the demands of an acceleratingly technical workplace. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe are the dominant players. In essence, the learning just focuses on what’s actually required. It’s not quite as straightforward as that, but the principle remains that students need to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (along with a certain amount of crucial background) - without overdoing the detail in all sorts of other things (as degree courses are known to do).

The bottom line is: Accredited IT qualifications give employers exactly what they’re looking for - the title says it all: as an example - I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network’. Consequently employers can look at the particular needs they have and what certifications are required to perform the job.

At the top of your shopping list for a training program should be full 24×7 support through professional mentors and instructors. So many companies we come across only provide support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later (but not weekends usually). Avoid those companies which use ‘out-of-hours’ call-centres - where an advisor will call back during the next ‘working’ day. This is useless when you’re stuck and need an answer now.

The very best programs utilise a web-based round-the-clock package pulling in several support offices from around the world. You will have an interface which seamlessly selects the best facility available at any time of day or night: Support available as-and-when you want it. Search out an educator that offers this level of study support. Only proper live 24×7 round-the-clock support delivers what is required.

Only consider study paths which move onto commercially recognised accreditations. There are far too many minor schools suggesting ‘in-house’ certificates which are worthless in today’s commercial market. If your certification doesn’t come from a conglomerate such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco, then it’s likely it won’t be commercially viable - because no-one will recognise it.

One crafty way that training companies make a big mark-up is via an ‘exam inclusive’ package then giving it ‘Exam Guarantee’ status. It looks impressive, but is it really:

It’s very clear we’re ultimately paying for it - it’s quite obvious to see that it’s been inserted into the overall price charged by the training company. Certainly, it’s not a freebie (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!) It’s well known in the industry that if a student pays for each progressive exam, one by one, they’ll be in a better position to get through on the first attempt - since they’ll think of the cost and will therefore apply themselves appropriately.

Look for the very best offer you can when you take the exam, and avoid college mark-up fees. You’ll also be able to choose where to do the examinations - so you can find somewhere local. Considerable numbers of so-called credible training providers net big margins by getting in the money for examinations upfront and cashing in if they’re not all taken. Additionally, exam guarantees often have very little value. The majority of organisations will not pay for re-takes until you have demonstrated conclusively that you won’t fail again.

VUE and Prometric examinations are in the region of 112 pounds in Great Britain. Students should be very wary of forking out hundreds of pounds extra in ‘Exam Guarantee’ fees (often hidden in the cost) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

The area most overlooked by potential students thinking about a course is the issue of ‘training segmentation’. This basically means the method used to break up the program for delivery to you, which makes a huge difference to what you end up with. Many think it logical (when study may take one to three years for a full commercial certification,) for many training providers to send out the courseware in stages, as you pass each element. Although: Many students find that the company’s typical path to completion isn’t ideal for them. You may find that it’s more expedient to use an alternative order of study. And what if you don’t get to the end within their exact timetable?

The ideal circumstances are to get all the training materials packed off to you right at the start; the entire package! Thus avoiding any future problems that could impede your capability of finishing.