UK CompTIA Network Plus Training – Update

In the fast-paced world we live in, support workers who can mend computers and networks, plus give constant help to users, are indispensable in all sections of the economy. The need for more skilled and qualified individuals multiplies, as we turn out to be vastly more reliant on computers in today’s environment.

A subtle way that course providers make more money is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and offering an exam guarantee. It looks impressive, but is it really:

Certainly it isn’t free – you are paying for it – it’s just been included in your package price.

Evidence shows that if students pay for their relevant examinations, one at a time, the chances are they’re going to get through on the first attempt – because they’re aware of what they’ve paid and so will prepare more thoroughly.

Go for the best offer you can find when you’re ready, and keep hold of your own money. You’ll then be able to select where you take your exam – meaning you can choose a local testing centre.

Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for examinations when there’s absolutely nothing that says you have to? A great deal of money is made because training colleges are getting paid upfront for exams – and then hoping that you won’t take them all.

It’s worth noting, with most ‘Exam Guarantees’ – they control when and how often you are allowed to do a re-take. You’ll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they’ll pay for another exam.

Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is short-sighted – when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is actually the key to your success.

Trainees looking to kick off an IT career often haven’t a clue what direction is best, or which market to get certified in.

Because with no commercial skills in IT, how should we possibly understand what a particular job actually consists of?

Often, the key to unlocking this question properly stems from a full discussion of several areas:

* Personalities play a starring part – what gives you a ‘kick’, and what are the activities that ruin your day.

* Why you’re looking at starting in the IT industry – maybe you want to triumph over a long-held goal such as working for yourself for instance.

* Is the money you make further up on your list of priorities than other requirements.

* Always think in-depth about the time expected to achieve their goals.

* You should also think long and hard about what kind of effort and commitment that you will set aside for your education.

In all honesty, it’s obvious that the only real way to gain help on these issues tends to be through a good talk with an advisor or professional that has years of experience in IT (as well as the commercial needs.)

Getting into your first IT role sometimes feels easier to handle if you’re offered a Job Placement Assistance service. However sometimes too much is made of this feature, as it is genuinely quite straightforward for a well trained and motivated person to get a job in the IT industry – as there is such a shortage of skilled employees.

Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however – you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don’t procrastinate and leave it until you’ve qualified.

You’ll often find that you will get your first role whilst you’re still studying (even in the early stages). If your course details aren’t on your CV (and it isn’t in the hands of someone with jobs to offer) then you won’t even be considered!

If it’s important to you to find work near your home, then you’ll probably find that a local (but specialised) recruitment consultancy may work much better for you than some national concern, due to the fact that they’re far more likely to know the local job scene.

Various trainees, it seems, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for their first job. Market yourself… Do your best to get yourself known. Don’t think a job’s just going to jump out in front of you.

A ridiculously large number of organisations only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely miss the reasons for getting there – which is a commercial career or job. Always begin with the end in mind – too many people focus on the journey.

It’s a terrible situation, but the majority of trainees start out on programs that sound great from the prospectus, but which provides a job that is of no interest. Talk to many college graduates to see what we mean.

Get to grips with the income level you aspire to and whether you’re an ambitious person or not. This can often control which particular certifications will be required and what’ll be expected of you in your new role.

Always seek guidance and advice from a skilled advisor, even if you have to pay – it’s usually much cheaper and safer to discover early on whether a chosen track will suit, instead of discovering after two full years that you’re doing entirely the wrong thing and have to return to the start of another program.

(C) 2009 Scott Edwards. Go to Distance Learning Course or Computer Repair Courses.