Four specialist training areas feature in the overall A+ programme, of which you need to pass two to gain A+ competency. Be aware though that restricting yourself to two of the specialised areas could expose flaws in your knowledge when applying for a job. Try to cover all four - employers will notice the difference.
In addition to learning how to build PC's and fix them, trainees of A+ will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, as well as diagnostics, fault-finding and remote access. If you would like to be someone who works in a multi-faceted environment - in network support, you'll need to add CompTIA Network+, or follow the Microsoft route - MCP's, MCSA or MCSE because it's necessary to have a better comprehension of the way networks operate.
It's essential to have the current Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Ensure that the practice exams aren't just asking you the right questions from the right areas, but also asking them in the way that the actual final exam will structure them. It completely unsettles trainees if they're faced with unrecognisable phrases and formats. Why don't you verify whether you're learning enough by doing quizzes and practice in simulated exam environments to get you ready for the real thing.
A fatal Faux-Pas that students everywhere can make is to focus entirely on getting a qualification, instead of focusing on where they want to get to. Training academies are stacked to the hilt with unaware students that chose an 'interesting' course - in place of something that could gain them the career they desired. Students often train for a single year but end up performing the job-role for decades. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of opting for what may seem to be an 'interesting' training program and then spend decades in something you don't even enjoy!
Stay focused on what it is you're trying to achieve, and create a learning-plan from that - don't do it the other way round. Stay focused on the end-goal and study for a job you'll still be enjoying many years from now. Prior to embarking on a learning program, you'd be well advised to discuss the exact career needs with an experienced advisor, to be absolutely sure the study programme covers all the necessary elements.
It's usual for students to get confused with a single training area usually not even thought about: The breakdown of the course materials before being delivered to your home. Individual deliveries for each training module one stage at a time, taking into account your exam passes is the usual method of releasing your program. This sounds sensible, but you might like to consider this: What happens when you don't complete every single exam? And what if the order provided doesn't meet your requirements? Due to no fault of yours, you mightn't complete everything fast enough and not receive all the modules you've paid for.
For future safety and flexibility, it's normal for most trainees to insist that all study materials are couriered out in one package, all at the beginning. It's then up to you in what order and how fast or slow you want to go.
One crafty way that course providers make a big mark-up is through up-front charges for exams then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status. This sounds impressive, but is it really:
You'll be charged for it ultimately. You can be assured it's not a freebie - they've simply charged more for the whole training package. If you want to pass in one, then the most successful route is to fund each exam as you take it, give it the necessary attention and apply yourself as required.
Don't you think it's more sensible to hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the time, instead of paying a premium to a college, and also to sit exams more locally - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer? Including money in your training package for exam fees (and interest charges if you're borrowing money) is insane. Why fill a company's coffers with your money just to give them more interest! There are those who hope that you don't even take them all - so they get to keep the extra funds. Remember, with most 'Exam Guarantees' - the company controls how often and when you can re-take the exam. Subsequent exam attempts are only authorised at the company's say so.
Exams taken at VUE and Prometric centres are approximately 112 pounds in the United Kingdom today. What's the point of paying huge charges for 'Exam Guarantees' (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and exam preparation systems and a dose of commitment and effort are what's required.
Author Resource:-
(C) Jason Kendall. Hop over to LearningLolly.com for excellent ideas. www.learninglolly.com or CLICK HERE.
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