Computer training for CompTIA A+ has four specialist sections - you'll need exam certification in just two sectors to be considered competent in A+. Because of this, most training providers limit their course to 2 of the 4 sectors. To us, this isn't enough - yes you'll have qualified, but training on all 4 will give you greater confidence in industry, where knowledge of all four will be necessary. This is why you should train in all 4 specialities.
A+ certification by itself will mean that you're able to mend and maintain computers and Macs; ones that are most often not part of a network - essentially the domestic or small business sector. Should you want to work towards taking care of computer networks, you'll need to add CompTIA Network+ to your training package. This qualification will enable you to assist you greatly in the job market. You may also want to consider the route to networking via Microsoft, in the form of MCP's, MCSA or the full MCSE.
Training support for students is an absolute must - ensure you track down something that includes 24x7 access, as not opting for this kind of support could put a damper on the speed you move through things. Many only provide email support (too slow), and so-called telephone support is normally just routed to a call-centre that will just take down the issue and email it over to their technical team - who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, when it's convenient to them. This is no good if you're stuck with a particular problem and have a one hour time-slot in which to study.
It's possible to find professional companies which recommend and use direct-access support 24x7 - even in the middle of the night. Never ever take second best with the quality of your support. Most IT hopefuls that can't get going properly, are in that situation because of support (or the lack of).
Be careful that the exams you're considering doing will be commercially viable and are the most recent versions. Training companies own certificates are usually worthless. You'll find that only recognised accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe and CompTIA will be useful to a future employer.
Usually, trainers will provide a big box of books. This can be very boring and not ideal for taking things in. If we're able to get all of our senses involved in our learning, then the results are usually dramatically better.
Fully interactive motion videos utilising video demo's and practice lab's will turn you off book-based study for ever more. And you'll find them fun and interesting. It's imperative to see the type of training provided by your chosen company. It's essential they incorporate instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab's.
It doesn't make sense to opt for on-line only training. Due to the variable nature of connection quality from most broadband providers, ensure that you have access to disc based courseware (On CD or DVD).
Most people don't even think to ask about something of absolutely vital importance - the way their training provider segments the physical training materials, and into how many bits. Most companies will sell you a program spread over 1-3 years, and courier the materials in pieces as you pass each exam. Sounds reasonable? Well consider these facts: With thought, many trainees understand that the company's usual training route isn't the easiest way for them. It's often the case that a different order of study is more expedient. Could it cause problems if you don't get everything done in the allotted time?
In an ideal situation, you'd ask for every single material to be delivered immediately - giving you them all to come back to in the future - irrespective of any schedule. This allows a variation in the order that you move through the program if another more intuitive route presents itself.
