Training For a Career in Networking Simplified
Computer and network support workers are ever more sought after in Great Britain, as businesses become progressively more dependent on their technical advice and fixing and repairing abilities. Due to the progressively multifaceted levels of technological advances, growing numbers of trained staff are required to specialise in the many areas we need to be sure will work effectively.
Potential trainees looking to begin a career in computers and technology often have no idea of what route to follow, or even what market to obtain accreditation for.
Reading a list of IT job-titles is no use whatsoever. Most of us have no idea what our next-door neighbours do at work each day - so what chance do we have in understanding the complexities of a new IT role.
To attack this, a discussion is necessary, covering many different aspects:
* Our personalities play a starring role - what gives you a 'kick', and what are the areas that you really dislike.
* For what reasons you're stepping into computing - it could be you're looking to achieve a life-long goal like being self-employed maybe.
* Where do you stand on salary vs job satisfaction?
* Understanding what the normal job roles and markets are - and what differentiates them.
* The level of commitment and effort you'll have available to spend on obtaining your certification.
For the average person, considering so much data requires a good chat with someone that can investigate each area with you. And we don't just mean the accreditations - but also the commercial requirements and expectations of industry too.
Don't accept anything less than the current Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) authorised exam preparation packages.
Ensure that the simulated exams aren't just asking you the right questions on the correct subjects, but ask them in the way that the actual final exam will phrase them. This can really throw some trainees if they're met with completely different formats and phraseologies.
As you can imagine, it is vital to know that you've thoroughly prepared for your actual certification exam prior to doing it. Rehearsing mock-up tests adds to your knowledge bank and will save a lot of money on thwarted exam entries.
A knowledgeable and specialised advisor (in contrast with a salesperson) will talk through your current situation. There is no other way of establishing the starting point for your education.
Where you have a strong background, or even a touch of work-based experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then obviously the level you'll need to start at will be very different from a trainee who has no experience.
Starting with a foundation module first can be the best way to get up and running on your computer studies, but depends on your skill level.
It's not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - this always means exams have to be paid for upfront, at the very beginning of your studies. Before you jump at guaranteed exams, consider this:
Everybody's aware that they're still being charged for it - it's quite obvious to see that it's already in the overall figure from the training company. It's absolutely not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money!
People who take each progressive exam, funding them one at a time are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They're conscious of their investment and so are more inclined to ensure they are ready.
Isn't it outrageous to have to pay the training course provider up-front for exam fees? Find the best deal you can when you take the exam, instead of paying a premium - and do it in a local testing centre - rather than in some remote place.
Why borrow the money or pay in advance (plus interest of course) on examination fees when there's absolutely nothing that says you have to? Huge profits are made because training colleges are getting money in early for exam fees - and then cashing in when they're not all taken.
It's also worth noting that 'Exam Guarantees' often aren't worth the paper they're written on. Most companies won't pay for re-takes until you have demonstrated conclusively that you won't fail again.
Prometric and VUE exams are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in this country. What's the point of paying huge 'Exam Guarantee' costs (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.
We're often asked why traditional academic studies are now falling behind more commercially accredited qualifications?
As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, industry has had to move to specific, honed-in training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - for example companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. Often this saves time and money for the student.
Clearly, an appropriate degree of associated information has to be learned, but core specialisation in the areas needed gives a commercially trained person a distinct advantage.
It's a bit like the TV advert: 'It does what it says on the tin'. All an employer has to do is know where they have gaps, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. They'll know then that all applicants can do what they need.
About the Author:
(C) Jason Kendall. Look at LearningLolly.com for in-depth advice on Network+ Training Courses and Comptia Networking Courses.
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