CompTIA A Plus Training Discussions Considered

The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you're qualified as competent at A+ when you've passed the test for just two specialist areas. This is the reason that most training providers only have two of the courses on their syllabus. In fact you will need the information on each subject as a lot of employment will require an understanding of the entire course. Don't feel pressured to pass exams in all of them, although it would seem prudent that you learn about all four.

Alongside being taught about building and fixing computers, trainees on an A+ training course will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, how to fault find, to diagnose and to remotely access problems.

In addition, you could look to think about doing Network+ as it will give you the knowledge to work with networks, which means greater employment benefits.

Commercially accredited qualifications are now, most definitely, taking over from the more academic tracks into the IT industry - so why is this the case?

Industry is of the opinion that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, the right accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - and a fraction of the cost and time.

In essence, the learning just focuses on what's actually required. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but the most important function is always to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (along with a certain amount of crucial background) - without attempting to cover a bit about every other area (as universities often do).

Just like the advert used to say: 'It does what it says on the tin'. Employers simply need to know what they're looking for, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. That way they can be sure they're interviewing applicants who can do the job.

Working on revolutionary new technology is about as exciting as it can get. You're involved with impacting progress around the world.

There are people who believe that the increase in technology we've had over recent years is lowering its pace. This couldn't be more wrong. Terrific advances are ahead of us, and most especially the internet will be the biggest thing to affect the way we live.

A typical IT worker in Great Britain is likely to receive a lot more money than his or her counterpart in another industry. Standard IT salaries are around the top of national league tables.

It seems there is a lot more room for IT increases in Great Britain as a whole. The industry is continuing to expand enormously, and as we have a skills gap that means we only typically have three IT workers for every four jobs it's most unlikely that things will be any different for the significant future.

Beware of putting too much emphasis, like so many people do, on the accreditation program. Training is not an end in itself; you should be geared towards the actual job at the end of it. You need to remain focused on where you want to go.

Imagine training for just one year and then end up doing the job for 20 years. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of taking what may be an 'interesting' training program only to spend 20 years doing a job you don't like!

Prioritise understanding the exact expectations industry will have. What precise exams you'll be required to have and how to gain experience. Spend some time setting guidelines as to how far you reckon you're going to want to progress your career as often it can force you to choose a particular set of exams.

Look for advice and guidance from an experienced industry advisor, even if you have to pay - it's much safer and cheaper to discover early on if something is going to suit and interest you, instead of finding out after two full years that you aren't going to enjoy the job you've chosen and have wasted years of effort.

If your advisor doesn't question you thoroughly - chances are they're just trying to sell you something. If they're pushing towards a particular product before understanding your background and experience, then you know it's true.

Often, the level to start at for a trainee experienced in some areas can be massively different to the student with no experience.

Always consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can often make your learning curve a a little easier.

(C) Jason Kendall. Go to LearningLolly.com for smart advice. Comptia A+ Certification or Comptia Training Course.