Shade, Shutters & Blinds

There are four A+ exams and areas of study, but you’re just expected to get certified in 2 to be considered A+ competent. For this reason, most training colleges only offer 2 paths. But allowing you to learn about all 4 options will provide you with a far greater perspective of the subject, which you’ll find an important asset in professional employment.

If you decide to become a student on the A+ training course you’ll be taught how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. Fault finding and diagnostic techniques through hands on and remote access are also covered.

It could be a good idea to consider adding Network+ training to your A+ as it will give you the knowledge to look after networks of computers, and become a more senior IT professional.

Don’t forget: the training itself or a certification is not what you’re looking for; the particular job you’re training for is. Too many training companies over-emphasise the certificate itself.

It’s unfortunate, but a great many students commence training that sounds marvellous in the sales literature, but which delivers a career that doesn’t fulfil at all. Just ask several university graduates and you’ll see where we’re coming from.

Set targets for the income level you aspire to and how ambitious you are. Sometimes, this affects what particular accreditations will be expected and how much effort you’ll have to give in return.

The best advice for students is to talk with a skilled advisor before deciding on their retraining program. This is required to ensure it has the required elements for the chosen career path.

If you’re thinking of using a training school that is still using workshops as a benefit of their course, then consider these problems met by most IT hopefuls:

* Loads of travelling - multiple visits and quite often over 100 miles a pop.

* Workshop accessibility; often weekdays only and sometimes two to three days together. It’s not easy to get the days away from work.

* Let’s not disregard the lost holiday days. Most of us have 4 weeks off each year. If over 50 percent is used in classes, then there’s very little left over for us.

* Workshops typically get way too big.

* Often, tension develops inside the classroom where students want to progress at their own pace.

* You shouldn’t overlook the added financial outlay of driving or taking public transport and over-night accommodation either. This can run to 00’s or even 000’s extra. Do the maths yourself - you’ll get a shock.

* Many trainees want training privacy to avoid any kind of come-back whilst in their current job.

* Asking questions in front of other class-mates often makes us feel uncomfortable. Ever avoided asking a question as you honestly thought you might seem thick?

* Often, workshops are simply undoable, where you work elsewhere in the country for part of the week.

The most elegant solution comes from viewing a pre-made workshop - giving you the opportunity of instructor-led coaching at a time that’s convenient to you alone.

Just imagine… With a notebook PC you’re able to study in any location you choose. And 24×7 support is just a web-browser away in case you get challenged.

There’s no need to take notes - all the lessons and background info are laid out on a plate. Any time you want to repeat something, just go for it.

The result: Reduced hassle, saved money, and no wasted travelling time.

(C) Jason Kendall. Check out LearningLolly.com for the best career tips on Comptia Training and Comptia Network+.