The CompTIA A+ training program covers two modules of training; you’re seen as competent at A+ once you’ve passed your exams for both subjects. As well as being taught how to build and fix computers, trainees of A+ will be shown how to work in antistatic conditions, as well as diagnostics, fault-finding and remote access. If you aspire to looking after computer networks, you should add Network+ to the CompTIA A+ training you’re doing. This will enable you to get a higher paid position. Other ones that might be interesting to you are the route to networking via Microsoft, in the form of MCP’s, MCSA or the full MCSE.
Proper support should never be taken lightly – find a program offering 24×7 direct access to instructors, as not opting for this kind of support could impede your ability to learn. Never buy certification programs which can only support students through an out-sourced call-centre message system after office-staff have gone home. Training companies will always try to hide the importance of this issue. But, no matter how they put it – support is needed when it’s needed – not when it’s convenient for them.
Be on the lookout for providers that utilise many support facilities active in different time-zones. These should be integrated to offer a simple interface and also 24 hours-a-day access, when you need it, with the minimum of hassle. If you opt for less than 24×7 support, you’ll very quickly realise that you’ve made a mistake. It may be that you don’t use it late at night, but what about weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.
A subtle way that training providers make extra profits is by charging for exams up-front and then including an ‘Exam Guarantee’. It looks impressive, but is it really:
It’s become essential these days that we have to be a tad more knowledgeable about sales gimmicks – and most of us cotton on to the fact that we’re actually paying for it (it isn’t free or out of the goodness of their hearts!) If it’s important to you to get a first time pass, then the most successful route is to fund each exam as you take it, prioritise it appropriately and apply yourself as required.
Doesn’t it make more sense to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you’re ready, not to pay any mark-up to the training college, and to take it closer to home – instead of the remote centre that’s convenient only to the trainer? Including money in your training package for examinations (and interest charges if you’re borrowing money) is insane. Don’t line companies bank accounts with your money only to please their Bank Manager! Many will hope you don’t even take them all – then they’ll keep the extra money. Additionally, many exam guarantees are worthless. Many training companies will not pay for re-takes until you’re able to demonstrate an excellent mock pass rate.
Average exam fees were around the 112 pounds mark in the last 12 months through VUE or Pro-metric centres in the UK. So don’t be talked into shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds more to get ‘an Exam Guarantee’, when it’s obvious that the most successful method is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software. Visit Network Training for smart recommendations.
Some training providers will provide an useful Job Placement Assistance facility, to help you get your first job. Because of the growing need for more IT skills in the UK right now, there’s no need to become overly impressed with this service however. It really won’t be that difficult to land a job as long as you’re correctly trained and certified.
Update your CV at the beginning of your training though – look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don’t wait for when you’re ready to start work. Various junior support jobs have been bagged by trainees who’re still on their course and have still to get qualified. This will at the very least get your CV into the ‘possible’ pile and not the ‘no’ pile. The best services to help you land that job are normally independent and specialised local recruitment services. Because they make their money when they’ve found you a job, they’re perhaps more focused on results.
A slight grievance of some training course providers is how hard students are focused on studying to get qualified, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the role they’re qualified for. Have confidence – the IT industry needs YOU.
The way in which your courseware is broken down for you isn’t always given the appropriate level of importance. How is the courseware broken down? And in what order and at what speed is it delivered? The majority of training companies will set up some sort of program spread over 1-3 years, and courier the materials in pieces as you complete each section or exam. This sounds reasonable until you consider the following: Students often discover that their training company’s usual training route isn’t ideal for them. You may find that a different order of study is more expedient. And what if you don’t get to the end inside of the expected timescales?
Ideally, you’d ask for every single material to be delivered immediately – so you’ll have them all to return to any point – as and when you want. This allows a variation in the order that you complete each objective if you find another route more intuitive.
Written by Tyler E. V. Merrill-Lassiter. Pop over to this site for the best ideas ~ Networking Security or Network Security Training.
