The CompTIA A + training program covers four areas of training; you're qualified as an achiever in A + once you've passed your exams for just two specialist areas. This is why most colleges limit themselves to 2 study areas. You'll find that it's necessary to have the teaching in all areas as many jobs will require an understanding of all four areas. Do not feel pressured to qualify in them all, but we would recommend you learn about all four.
Training courses in A + cover fault-finding and diagnostics – both through hands-on and remote access, as well as building computers and repairing them and operating in antistatic conditions. Should you want to work towards maintaining networks, you'll need to add CompTIA Network + to the CompTIA A + training you're doing. This will mean you can assist you greatly in the job market. Also look at the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA, and MCSE).
It only makes sense to consider learning courses that grow into commercially recognized certificates. There's an endless list of trainers proposing their own 'in-house' certificates that are essentially useless when it comes to finding a job. From the perspective of an employer, only top businesses such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe (to give some examples) will make the right impression. Anything less will not make the grade.
The probability intimidating chore of finding your first computer related job can be facilitated by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance service. With the massive shortage of skills in the United Kingdom right now, it's not necessary to get too much up in this feature though. It's actually not as hard as some people make out to land a job once you're well trained and qualified.
Help and assistance with preparing a CV and obtaining interviews may be available (if it is not, consult one of our sites). Be sure to you update that dusty old CV today – do not wait until you've finished your exams! Having the possibility of an interview is better than being rejected. Often junior jobs are given to students (who've only just left first base.) The best services to get you a new position are typically local IT focused employment agencies. Because they only get paid when they place you, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.
A big aggravation of many training course providers is how much trainees are prepared to work to pass exams, but how un-prepared that student is to get the job they're acquainted skills for. Do not falter at the last fence.
Being a part of the information technology industry is among the most electrifying and revolutionary industries that you can get into right now. To be dealing with leading-edge technology is to do your bit in the gigantic changes that will affect us all over the next generation. Technology, computers and interaction through the web will noticeably shape the way we live our lives in the near future; remarkably so.
And do not forget that typical remuneration in the IT sector across the UK is significantly higher than in other market sectors, so in general you'll be in a good position to gain noticeably more in the IT sector, than you've got in most other industries. Demand for properly certified IT professionals is guaranteed for the significant future, due to the constant development in the marketplace and the vast skills gap still in existence.
Your training program should always include the very latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Students routinely can be thrown off course by going through practice questions that are not recognized by official sources. It's not uncommon that the way questions are phrased can be quite different and it's important to prepare yourself for this. A way to build self-confidence is if you analyze how much you know through quizzes and practice exams to get you ready for the proper exam.