CompTIA Computer Training Clarified

There are a total of 4 specialist training sectors in the A+ syllabus, of which 2 passes are needed for your A+ qualification. Be aware though that limiting yourself to 2 of the specialised areas could expose flaws in your knowledge when applying for a job. Choose a course with all 4 subjects - employers will notice the difference.

If you decide to become a student on the A+ training program 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 want to work towards looking after computer networks, you should add Network+ to the CompTIA A+ training you're doing. Including Network+ will put you in a position to get a higher paid position. Alternatively, you may prefer the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA and MCSE).

Those that are drawn to this type of work are often very practical, and don't always take well to classrooms, and endless reading of dry academic textbooks. If this is putting you off studying, try the newer style of interactive study, where learning is video-based.

If we're able to get all of our senses involved in our learning, then the results are usually dramatically better.

The latest audio-visual interactive programs involving demonstration and virtual lab's will beat books every time. And they're far more fun.

You really need to look at courseware examples from any company that you may want to train through. It's essential they incorporate video demo's and interactive elements such as practice lab's.

Plump for actual CD or DVD ROM's if possible. You can then avoid all the difficulties of broadband outages, failure and signal quality issues etc.

Don't accept anything less than the current Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages.

Make sure that the simulated exams aren't just asking you the right questions on the right subjects, but additionally ask them in the way the real exams will ask them. This throws people if the questions are phrased in unfamiliar formats.

It's a good idea to have some simulated exam questions that will allow you to check your knowledge at all times. Mock exams add to your knowledge bank - so the actual exam is much easier.

An important area that is sometimes not even considered by trainees considering a training program is 'training segmentation'. This is essentially how the program is broken down into parts to be delivered to you, which can make a dramatic difference to what you end up with.

Often, you will join a program requiring 1-3 years study and get sent one module each time you pass an exam. It seems to make sense on one level, but consider these issues:

What would their reaction be if you find it difficult to do each and every module at the speed they required? Often the prescribed exam order doesn't come as naturally as some other structure would for you.

To provide the maximum security and flexibility, it's normal for most trainees to make sure that every element of their training is posted to them in one go, with nothing held back. It's then your own choice in which order and at what speed you want to work.

Does job security truly exist anymore? In the UK for instance, with industry changing its mind at alarming speeds, it seems increasingly unlikely.

We're able though to reveal security at the market sector level, by searching for high demand areas, together with a lack of qualified workers.

Offering the IT market for example, the 2006 e-Skills analysis highlighted a skills shortage throughout Great Britain of around 26 percent. Showing that for each four job positions in existence throughout IT, we've only got three properly trained pro's to fulfil that role.

Properly trained and commercially educated new employees are consequently at a total premium, and it seems it will continue to be so for a long time to come.

Unquestionably, now, more than ever, really is the very best time to train for IT.

Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Look at mcse-training-uk.co.uk or Comptia Certification.