Should I take Comp Tia A+ ?

[DanteWilhelm]

I've only just completed my ITQ level 2 qualification after failing to obtain a qualification in I.T at school. I was universally praised for my knowledge and high test scores, relatively high anyway (83% 83% 94% 92%) and now I am perhaps only temporarily motivated and want to take the next step.

There are two exams in the A+ qualification, one is general troubleshooting, learning to administer technical support and learning general things about the OS, hardware and software etc. Seems like a general I.T course but more aimed towards giving technical support and of course, at a slightly higher level than Level 2 (from what I gather).

The 2nd one needed to achieve the qualification is Network+ which covers grounds I am unfamiliar with.

I have been granted funding for access to the learning material for the first exam (£65) but have to pay for the material associated with Network+.

On top of that I will have to buy an ''Exam Voucher'' for ~£114 x2 for both exams.


Will it be worth it? Has anyone gotten a job on the strength of this qualification alone? Is ITQ worth it? I honestly will see no point to my life if I do all of this and pay all the money and then get nowhere. I've wasted a lot of time in my life putting money and effort into things with no successful outcome.

I'm not willing to waste anymore of my life and have given up for the last 2 years, I don't want to go back into that depressive slump but I'm not willing to waste my time.

I just need help and advice. All I want to do is offer my services and knowledge to the world, work with computers and earn a fair wage.

Thank you.

 

[DanteWilhelm]

This is what I am currently studying for, I paid nothing for the learning materials but it's only the first part (out of two) required to gain the qualifications.

http://www.e-careers.com/comptia/comptia/comptia-a-essentials-220-701

 

[tom_gr7]

hey mate

well, I think you should go for the exams mate. All qualifications are worth it! Also as you know, IT is becoming a massive part of the workplace, im sure there will be a job out there for you.

you aint given up the last two years mate, you have worked hard and it shows from the test results!

Why not go for A- levels in something to do with IT afterwards?

 

[DanteWilhelm]

hey mate

well, I think you should go for the exams mate. All qualifications are worth it! Also as you know, IT is becoming a massive part of the workplace, im sure there will be a job out there for you.

you aint given up the last two years mate, you have worked hard and it shows from the test results!

Why not go for A- levels in something to do with IT afterwards?

Thanks for the advice,

well the way I see it A+ should be enough, I don't want to go back into formal education at 22 years old but will happily work towards any Microsoft qualification (whilst working) thereafter so I can get a job in I.T management or server/network administration. Any of the highly-paid I.T jobs basically, that's the long-term goal.

I'm just wondering if having ITQ Level 2 and working towards A+ will be enough for an employer to take me on as I am now otherwise I'm going to rely on Ebay for the majority of next year.

 

[Jack Guinea]

Im doing a college course next year in IT, its the level 3 diploma and if you pass you gain 180 UCAS points which is equivalent to 3 A-levels, while doing the course you also get all the CISCO certificates and ive you do the second year you get to choose between business in IT, networking or programming.

 

[samwil]

Yea 3 A levels are 180 UCAS points, but you usually take 4 AS and 3 A levels, so it's more like 240 at the minimal grade of straight E's.
Can't really compare A levels to BTEC's, they are so much harder, although yes some BTECS are hard, A levels are more universal, more sought after and open more doors than a BTEC.
Plenty of people I know took btec courses and they have provided little to no benefit after qualification.
and no! Not all qualifications are worth it! General studies, nuh uh! A friend of mine does sports science level 2 btec, it's not going to get him a job or anything at the end of it, he knows it, but he's just wasting time because he doesn't want to go into the world of work.
But yea, in reply to the OP, I'm taking A levels myself, if you want the big £££, try and pick up some A levels in something your interested in, and try and get into university if your looking for some more qualifications, maybe the BTEC will get you the equal amount of UCAS points, but any day of the week, an employer or a university will take the person with the 3 levels over the single Btec.

 

[DanteWilhelm]

I already have a triple-grade BTEC National Diploma.

Going to University will be like going backwards in many regards.

I'll see what I can do, I have level 2 IT but would like level 3 IT but going back to college for even 1 year is out of the window, im 22 now it's just not possible.


Just started doing Comp Tia A+, just hours of looking at a screen and an American with a very annoying voice talking to you.

ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhjorejdfvks;fddskf;o4r3[ v93i0

 

[LiddleP]

Don't give in, get tooled up & go for it, you will soon be able to look back and laugh.

Are the qualifications worth it ? - Yes, most definitely, nothing to fear with the Networking course either, none are born with this knowledge.

Will you get a job based on the strength of your Q's alone ? - Highly unlikely, even for those significantly more Q'd

Do not give up yet, glean from what little advice there is on offer. take what best fits your needs.

You, like many others, are in a bit of a catch-22 situation, employers prefer to take on people with experience, you need a job to give you experience - but people are still able to break in because opportunities do exist for the right individuals - and you, if you set yourself up for it, could be one of these individuals - give yourself a break and help things along, if you can't no one else will.

Technical support is one route into into the I.T. industry and experience often opens doors to other career paths that otherwise may be inaccessible, you are heading in the right direction.

Don't however just plan for the Q's, plan for practical experience to match those Q's - many people with higher I.T. Q's can't find a job because they don't have a clue how to do anything in their field, cannot partition a disk, or access their bios, etc, & they wonder why they can't get a job.

Don't be self limiting or make the mistake of relying on your training alone for hands on experience. Set yourself up to become more intimately familiar with what you learn as you learn. Practice and Passion is key - but bear in mind that it is not always what you know but how adept at finding out what you need to know to get the job done - you need to be resourceful.

Acquiring hands-on-experience starts at home with your own Home Lab and searching on the internet, the information is at your fingertips, use it.

The 2 main limitations with a home lab would generally be the ability to work server-side and developing your soft skills, ... You can overcome both.

One way - set up a server if you can, power is irrelevant helpful to be able to connect to internet but not really required initially - master the fundamentals, creating your network ([Server] 2 nics, cables, OS and your [Workstation] 1 nic, Dual Boot OS helpful) Latest Server OS's not required, Linux Server is viable alternative - deal with basic tasks, connectivity, creating users locally and remotely within your intranet (if permitable, learn about stuff like port-fwding DMZ's etc- pro's, con's).

Learn about supporting the main packages in use, for email, backups, recovery (local & remote), remote support, etc. - find out main Software packages in use & about basic support and take things from there - better being able to offer the most basic support than none - main thing here is to be able to back up your qualifications - Step by step - always start with basic fundamentals.

Free support tutorials online for most packages at entry level and above, most recent software not needed, latest versions are generally built on obsolete versions and so provide you with a strong foundation - some organisations throw them away complete with the hardware they are installed on.

Soft skills !!? ... simply a basic understanding of business and the ability to communicate with others confidently and coherently.

Cannot set up a server? ... There are charities out there with the infrastructure that require assistance with relatively minor I.T. related tasks you have already covered getting your Q's and otherwise - taking them on not only gives you relevant hands on experience but provides "references" that demonstrate this - search internet for them, one might be very close to you and require little travel - Job centre might also be able to find you one.

Without references it is harder to vet your suitability for any job, having references sets you ahead of those that don't - Volunteering also helps you with building up your soft skills & your own personal network. If you confident you are up to the task, ask if they will assist with your expenses beforehand, not too late to ask after your first day or even later if you are finding it difficult, don't be afraid to ask, it is the norm

You say you've been out of circulation for 2 years, ok - You might need to rebuild up your social network.
Go to church, or the Mosque or whatever, get social, get back in touch with friends if you have dropped them, especially working ones
Let people know your skills - become the “tech-nerd” and first port-of-call to your family, friends & acquaintances - They get a good idea of what you have to offer and you are gaining some useful experience technically and soft skill-wise.

You are not thinking or looking for the immediate rewards here - give more than you receive and you leave a memorable impression - they see a vacancy and know what you are capable of -> you are the first one that will come to mind.

One of the main Tools in your arsenal is your CV - If you do not have one start working on it now, not when you are ready to start looking for a job.
While your technical skills and training are important, if you cannot market yourself, getting a job is a daunting task.

Think, what can you offer prospective employers? - soft skills ? hands-on experience gained from training, voluntary and/or part-time positions ? work in you Home Lab, Hardware, Software, OS's etc.?

Identify your personal traits & skills that companies would consider valuable - attitude, time keeping, reliability, communication skills, able to work effectively on own, contribute to team effort, focus, work to tight deadlines, etc these should be self evident.

Highlight all these attributes in your CV - Update it as you progress, compare with others when you can, see how they do it

Your CV's job is to help get you to interview - Though a lot of companies today ask one to fill out an application you can sometimes back this up with your CV,
if not at least you have all the info to hand to assist in transcribing, it is not a rush job.

If you use an agency, a good idea, ask them to vet it and advise on how to improve on it
You could probably even get one or more to vet it without having started a job search, just walk in, ask if there are any jobs and if they can vet it, they would prefer a CV that does their job for them - and when you do start using an agency, do not limit yourself - some jobs do not use agencies and even if they do there is no harm in applying directly - but try not to duplicate applications - you can ask that they confirm with you before sending out so they do not send to one you have, do not provide then with your list

Be realistic, focus on entry-level jobs - be ready to start from the bottom rung of the ladder - once your leg is in that door and are able to hang on to the job past the trial period, you should then be able to work your way up within that company or by searching for a better job in about 6 months to a year- it is easier to find another job while you are in a job.

There are online Job Search engines, find out about them and use them - this is where having a ready CV helps you respond to the latest jobs faster than those that are unprepared
* looking through job specs also helps you with finding out about the main packages in use that you might want to familiarise yourself with as well as help keep up to date with the current trends and even prepare target specific jobs

Marketing yourself entails developing your soft skills, be likeable, confident and don't exagerate your skills, you might just be called out on it.
Be confident in your abilities, not bullish, You are no know-it-all, Your willingness to learn new stuff is a positive, as is your ability to readily take on and adhere to company policy, and this can be an ever changing policy

The mere fact that you get to interview means you have a chance, you met the criteria on paper - now they want to know what you are like in person, do you have the right attitude, will you get along with others, can you deal effectively with customers, this along with your ability to get the job done is key

Package yourself up well and back it up right through but do not go OTT. - when asked a question even if you have a ready answer, pause for thought.

Know that you are not perfect, after every interview try and look back and see where you could have done better - do not berate yourself or consider yourself a failure - take each interview as a learning experience, the next one will be better.

Rejection can be quite painful especially, I should know but I won't go there, what I will say is "Look at it as a challenge and a worthwhile one at that" If you don't. You and You alone will knock yourself down - failure is a perception, experience is mans best excuse for his mistakes, be willing to learn and grow from yours.

It is not just about you and your qualifications so do not take it personal if it happens, the company wants to hire the right person for the job - while that person may be you, something might put them off and you both loose out. Know what they seek - people who add value - problem solvers & solution providers.

Even when, or let me rephrase that, Especially when you are not getting results, the solution is not to give up, Face the reality, something is not quite right, address it and and get right back on track.

Sorry for the book - hope it helps

 

[DanteWilhelm]

Awesome thanks, some invaluable information there.

That's the problem, making somebody give a ****.

I always try to help people out with their systems and offer advice but I'm out of touch now and don't talk to a lot of people; I don't like social situations I prefer to work/be by myself but can get along with people fine.

As for customer service and communicating with people; outside of Ebay I don't do any of that.

I don't have to go to the job centre for like a month, which is stupid. But I'll hassle them to point me in the right direction. I'm trying to look for a job but there are none which don't require experience.

I'll keep looking for that trainee role because there's no way I'm going to do this ''course'' sit at a computer at home staring at a screen whilst not actually DOING any of it. Drive 40 miles to the exam, look like a ****ing idiot then drive off a cliff on the way home...

In the last week or so I've definitely thought hard about what I can put on my CV, outlining skills etc. There has to be SOMEONE out there who will train someone up. Otherwise it's like they just want you to fail. The system is flawed and has failed. There is little help for someone like me.

Right now I'm just here, put on this course but I won't get any help. Time has proven that I can't do things by myself.

 

[DanteWilhelm]

Well I've updated my CV, gonna see what I can do.

 

[LiddleP]

You are most Welcome.

Go for it, as I suggested, Voluntary roles help with getting you the references that should help towards a job or at least get you to interview which is the first and most important stage - if you can get at least 2 of these under your belt you are set to go. That should boost your confidence in your abilities and tells a potential employer that you have what it takes - treat it like a job, be at ease, you are the one offering help that they need, at the same time remain professional about things, time-keeping, etc.

When it comes to them providing a reference you can more or less provide them with a letter that they will transcribe highlighting the areas that show these things as they will readily back up what was - that way, you can send the letter to back up your CV/application, in addition to them acting as referees who are contactable by phone to answer any further questions about you should the need arise.

When you take on a voluntary role, If you feel you can get what they want done in 2 days, say it might take 4, don't put yourself under undue pressure - remember, also ask that they at least pay something toward your travel and maybe lunch expenses

Best of Luck and have a Merry Xmas.

PS - By the way, the fact that you don't have to go to the job centre for like a month is a plus, having to visit them more often than that can bog you down, as it stands you are more independent this way and will get better results, IMO - but do feel free to go in whenever you are passing or feel the need to press them about whatever opportunities or questions you have in mind, that is what they are there for - and they prefer to work with people who are as keen as you.

 

[DanteWilhelm]

Happy Holidays to you too!

I got 92% on the first part of the A+ course, just about understanding the computer, cooling systems, memory, CPUs etc.

Onto connectors, storage devices etc right now, pretty easy stuff so far.

I'll keep trawling the web for the voluntary role and send out speculative letters to companies.

 

[DanteWilhelm]

You are most Welcome.

Go for it, as I suggested, Voluntary roles help with getting you the references that should help towards a job or at least get you to interview which is the first and most important stage - if you can get at least 2 of these under your belt you are set to go. That should boost your confidence in your abilities and tells a potential employer that you have what it takes - treat it like a job, be at ease, you are the one offering help that they need, at the same time remain professional about things, time-keeping, etc.

When it comes to them providing a reference you can more or less provide them with a letter that they will transcribe highlighting the areas that show these things as they will readily back up what was - that way, you can send the letter to back up your CV/application, in addition to them acting as referees who are contactable by phone to answer any further questions about you should the need arise.

When you take on a voluntary role, If you feel you can get what they want done in 2 days, say it might take 4, don't put yourself under undue pressure - remember, also ask that they at least pay something toward your travel and maybe lunch expenses

Best of Luck and have a Merry Xmas.

PS - By the way, the fact that you don't have to go to the job centre for like a month is a plus, having to visit them more often than that can bog you down, as it stands you are more independent this way and will get better results, IMO - but do feel free to go in whenever you are passing or feel the need to press them about whatever opportunities or questions you have in mind, that is what they are there for - and they prefer to work with people who are as keen as you.

Yeh it bums me out having to go there but now I think they can help me as I never actually ask questions. I expressed interest of gaining qualifications and straight away they put me onto the training company so they do help you out if you show interest.