Training for your CompTIA A+ comprises of 2 specialised sectors - you'll have to qualify in both sectors to reach the level of competent in A+. CompTIA A+ training programs cover diagnostics and fault finding - remotely as well as hands on, in addition to learning to build, repair and fix and operating in antistatic conditions. If you aspire to being responsible for networks of computers, you'll need to add Network+ to the CompTIA A+ training you're doing. This will mean you can apply for more interesting jobs. Alternatively, you may prefer the route to networking via Microsoft, in the form of MCP's, MCSA or the full MCSE.

Accredited exam simulation and preparation packages are a must - and should definitely be sought from your training provider. Be sure that the practice exams are not only asking questions from the right areas, but also asking them in the same way that the proper exam will ask them. It completely unsettles people if they're faced with unrecognisable phrases and formats. Clearly, it is vital to know that you're completely ready for your commercial exam prior to doing it. Going over 'mock' tests adds to your knowledge bank and saves you time and money on thwarted exam entries.

Qualifications from the commercial sector are now, undoubtedly, beginning to replace the traditional academic paths into IT - but why is this the case? With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, industry has been required to move to the specialised core-skills learning that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - for example companies like Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA. Often this saves time and money for the student. The training is effectively done through honing in on the particular skills that are needed (along with an appropriate level of associated knowledge,) instead of going into the heightened depths of background detail and 'fluff' that academic courses often do - to pad out the syllabus.

In simple terms: Commercial IT certifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have - it says what you do in the title: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Planning and Maintaining a Windows 2003 Infrastructure'. Therefore an employer can look at their needs and what certifications are required to perform the job.

Cisco Technical Support Online Courses >>