CompTIA A+ consists of 2 training sections; you’re considered A+ competent when you’ve passed the test for both of these areas. Alongside being taught how to build and fix computers, students of A+ will be taught how to work in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics. It could be a good idea to think about doing Network+ as it will give you the knowledge to take care of computer networks, and become a more senior IT professional.

One of the most important things to insist on has to be 24×7 round-the-clock support from professional mentors and instructors. Too many companies will only offer a basic 9am till 6pm support period (maybe later on certain days) with very little availability over the weekend. Avoid certification programs which can only support students with a call-centre messaging system after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Training schools will give you every excuse in the book why you don’t need this. The simple fact of the matter is – support is required when it’s required – not at times when they find it cheaper to provide it.

We recommend that you search for providers that have multiple support offices across multiple time-zones. All of them should be combined to give a single entry point and also round-the-clock access, when it suits you, without any problems. Search out a training company that is worth purchasing from. Only proper round-the-clock 24×7 support delivers what is required.

One interesting way that colleges make a big mark-up is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. It looks like a good deal, until you think it through:

Everyone knows they’re ultimately paying for it – it’s obviously already been included in the full cost of the package supplied by the course provider. It’s certainly not free – and it’s insulting that we’re supposed to think it is! The fact is that when trainees fund their relevant examinations, one after the other, they’ll be in a better position to qualify each time – as they’re aware of what they’ve paid and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.

Isn’t it in your interests to not pay up-front, but when you take the exam, not to pay any mark-up to the training college, and to do it in a local testing office – rather than possibly hours away from your area? Including money in your training package for exam fees (and if you’re financing your study there’ll be interest on that) is insane. Resist being talked into filling the training company’s account with your money just to give them a good cash-flow! Many will hope you won’t get round to taking them – but they won’t refund the cash. You should fully understand that re-takes via companies with an ‘Exam Guarantee’ are monitored with tight restrictions. They’ll insist that you take mock exams first to make sure they think you’re going to pass.

VUE and Prometric examinations are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in the UK. Why pay exorbitant ‘Exam Guarantee’ fees (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) – when the best course materials, the right level of support and consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through. Look at Security Certification Courses for well-rounded ideas.

Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance program, to help you get your first job. However sometimes people are too impressed with this facility, as it’s really not that difficult for well qualified and focused men and women to get work in this industry – as there is such a shortage of trained staff.

Get your CV updated straight-away though (advice and support for this should come from your course provider). Don’t wait until you’ve qualified. Many junior support jobs are offered to trainees who’re still on their course and haven’t even passed a single exam yet. At least this will get you on your way. The top companies to help you land that job are usually independent and specialised local recruitment services. Because they get paid commission to place you, they have more incentive to get on with it.

A common frustration of various training companies is how hard trainees are prepared to study to get top marks in their exams, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the job they’re trained for. Get out there and hustle – you might find it’s fun.

One area often overlooked by people thinking about a course is the concept of ‘training segmentation’. This basically means the way the course is divided up for timed release to you, which makes a huge difference to the point you end up at. Training companies will normally offer a 2 or 3 year study programme, and drop-ship the materials to you piecemeal as you complete each section or exam. On the surface this seems reasonable – until you consider the following: With thought, many trainees understand that the company’s ‘standard’ path of training is not what they would prefer. They might find it’s more expedient to use an alternative order of study. Could it cause problems if you don’t get everything done in the allotted time?

For the perfect solution, you want ALL the study materials up-front – so you’ll have them all to come back to in the future – irrespective of any schedule. This allows a variation in the order that you complete each objective as and when something more intuitive seems right for you.

By Tyler E. V. Merrill-Lassiter. Take a look at my site for logical info ~ Forensics Security Training or Security Training.