Comptia Multimedia Career Certification - Insights

The CompTIA A+ training program covers two modules of training; you're seen as an A+ achiever when you've achieved certifications for both subjects.

Once on the A+ training program you'll become familiar with how to build computers and fix them, and work in antistatic conditions. Fault finding and diagnostic techniques through hands on and remote access are also covered.

Should you decide to add Network+ to your A+ course, you will additionally be able to take care of networks, which means you'll be able to move further up the career path.

Getting your first commercial position can be a little easier with a Job Placement Assistance facility. The honest truth is that it isn't so complicated as you might think to land the right work - as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications; because there's still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.

Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however (advice and support for this should come from your course provider). Don't wait till the exams have actually been passed.

Having the possibility of an interview is better than being rejected. Many junior positions are given to trainees who are still at an early stage in their studies.

You can usually expect better results from a specialist independent regional employment service than you'll experience from any course provider's centralised service, because they'll know the area better.

Not inconsiderable numbers of trainees, it seems, are prepared to study their hearts out (sometimes for years), and then just stop instead of finding their first job. Sell yourself... Do your best to let employers know about you. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.

Students eager to begin an Information Technology career usually have no idea of which route to follow, or what area to get qualified in.

As with no commercial skills in the IT industry, how could any of us be expected to know what any job actually involves?

Ultimately, the right decision can only grow from a systematic study of several altering factors:

* Your personality can play a significant part - what gives you a 'kick', and what tasks really turn you off.

* Why you want to consider getting involved with IT - is it to overcome a life-long goal such as firing your boss and working for yourself maybe.

* Your earning needs that guide you?

* Often, trainees don't consider the level of commitment required to achieve their goals.

* Having a good look at what commitment and time you'll make available.

To cut through all the jargon and confusion, and discover what'll really work for you, have an informal chat with an industry expert and advisor; someone who understands the commercial reality and of course each accreditation.

We'd hazard a guess that you probably enjoy fairly practical work - a 'hands-on' personality type. Usually, the trial of reading reference books and manuals would be considered as a last resort, but it's not ideal. Consider interactive, multimedia study if books just don't do it for you.

Studies in learning psychology have shown that much more of what we learn in remembered when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we get physically involved with the study process.

Interactive audio-visual materials involving demonstration and virtual lab's will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And you'll find them fun and interesting.

Always insist on a training material demonstration from any training college. You'll want to see expert-led demonstrations, slideshows and interactive labs where you get to practice.

It's folly to select online only courseware. With highly variable reliability and quality from your average broadband company, make sure you get CD or DVD ROM based materials.

Get rid of the typical salesperson that recommends a training program without a decent chat to assess your abilities and also your experience level. Make sure they can draw from a expansive product range from which they could give you an appropriate solution.

If you've got a strong background, or perhaps a bit of live experience (some certifications gained previously perhaps?) then obviously the level you'll need to start at will vary from a trainee who has no experience.

It's wise to consider some basic PC skills training first. It will usually make the learning curve a bit more manageable.