Computer training for CompTIA A+ covers 4 different sectors – the requirement is exam passes in two of these areas to reach the level of A+ competent. This is why, most training providers simply provide 2 of the training options. We think this is too much of a compromise – yes you’ll have qualified, but experience of all four will give you a distinct advantage in industry, where you’ll need to know about all of them. That’s the reason why you deserve training in everything.

CompTIA A+ without additional courses will allow you to fix and repair computers and Macs; ones which are usually not part of a network – which means the home or small business market.

If you would like to be someone who works for a larger company – supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, add Network+ to your CompTIA A+, or consider the Microsoft networking route (MCSA – MCSE) in order to have a better comprehension of how networks work.

We’re regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are being replaced by more commercial certificates?

Key company training (to use industry-speak) is far more effective and specialised. The IT sector has realised that this level of specialised understanding is essential to cope with a technically advancing commercial environment. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the big boys in this field.

Obviously, an appropriate amount of closely linked information must be learned, but core specifics in the exact job role gives a vendor educated student a huge edge.

Assuming a company understands what they’re looking for, then they just need to look for someone with a specific qualification. Syllabuses all have to conform to the same requirements and do not vary between trainers (like academia frequently can and does).

The world of information technology is one of the most stimulating and innovative industries that you can get into right now. To be dealing with leading-edge technology means you’re a part of the huge progress that will affect us all over the next generation.

We’re barely beginning to get to grips with what this change will mean to us. The way we interact with the world will be massively affected by computers and the internet.

Let’s not ignore salaries either – the usual income across the UK for an average person working in IT is considerably better than in other market sectors. Chances are you’ll bring in a much greater package than you’d typically expect to bring in elsewhere.

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.

Of course: the training course or an accreditation isn’t what this is about; the particular job you’re training for is. Too many training companies over-emphasise the certificate itself.

It’s not unheard of, in many cases, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study and then spend 20 miserable years in a job you hate, entirely because you stumbled into it without some quality research when it was needed – at the start.

Spend some time thinking about how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. This can often control what accreditations will be expected and how much effort you’ll have to give in return.

Our recommendation would be to always seek guidance and advice from an experienced professional before making your final decision on a particular training program, so there’s no doubt that the chosen route will give you the appropriate skill-set.

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.

If this is your opening crack at IT study then you might also want to practice with some basic PC skills training first.

(C) Jason Kendall. Look at LearningLolly.com for smart career tips. www.learninglolly.com or Comptia Training Courses.

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