A+ certification - baseline for excellence

Jon Ingram, Managing Director of CPC Training, explains the value of A+ certification and its place in the spectrum of computing qualifications

There is little doubt that the fast-paced, exciting and rewarding world of information and communications technology (ICT) offers a whole range of opportunities to anyone looking to develop a new profession. According to research by International Data Corporation and Microsoft, Europe will be short of about 1.7 million IT workers in 2003/2004. The UK will be one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe, being expected to face a shortfall of 14 per cent in the numbers needed.

So there has never been a better time to get involved. However, whether you are new to IT or have already been trained there are bound to be certain questions you will be asking as you research which training path is the best one for you. One recommendation, either as a starting point or as a solid career foundation for anyone considering a future as a computer service technician, is to look seriously at the Computing Technology Industry Association's (CompTIA) A+ certification.

A+ certification was launched in 1993, following extensive discussion and participation across the computing industry, as a vendor-neutral, internationally acknowledged accreditation. The certification was deliberately designed to be vendor-neutral, to produce a baseline standard applicable across the industry, which would serve as a foundation credential.

Compaq, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Tandy and many other key players have contributed to the development of A+. Individuals who are A+ certified are well prepared to work on a very broad range of equipment, which is not specific to any one manufacturer. A+ now represents an internationally recognised standard of professionalism and proficiency, and, to date, over 500,000 people have obtained it.

Covering a broad range of technologies, A+ training enables students to demonstrate basic knowledge of:
• installation, configuration and upgrading
• diagnosis and troubleshooting
• preventative maintenance
• motherboard, processors and memory
• printers
• basic networking.

A+ certification signifies that the certified individual possesses the knowledge and skills essential for an entry-level computer service technician, as defined by industry experts.

Such is the reputation of this qualification that employers across the world recognise and accept A+ accreditation. It is an international standard that can give holders that vital edge in finding the position they want.

'The A+ credential demonstrates an individual's readiness for entry into the workforce and is a certification well recognised and valued by employers across the globe. By offering A+ certification we continue to promote and provide a flexible range of qualifications that recognise the achievements of learners through all phases of life and work,' according to Lutz Ziob, CompTIA vice president of certification.

Of course, there are other training programmes that deserve to be considered, such as the vendor-specific courses run by Microsoft. It is worth noting, however, that A+ certification is accepted as a valid component on many of these alternative training schemes. For example, Microsoft regards CompTIA certifications as an alternative to passing an elective exam in the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Windows 2000 certification.

'CompTIA's A+ certification gives individuals a solid software and hardware background that can serve as an excellent stepping stone into the MCSE programme,' says Donna Senko, director of skills and certification at Microsoft. Intel has also announced that A+ certification meets the baseline requirements for their Intel Certified Integration Specialist (ICIS) platform integration track.

No experience is necessary to start A+ certification. The course is suitable both for those new to computers and those seeking to further enhance their skills, although a little IT knowledge is preferable. A flick through Quest will reveal a whole host of organisations that provide IT training courses. There are, however, only five fully authorised CompTIA instructor-led training centres in the UK, including CPC Training - also a Career Transition Partnership preferred supplier.

A+ training could be provided as a four-week residential course, or you may prefer a package deal that teaches A+, Network+ and MCP over a period suited to your individual needs. Service leavers should also look for pre-transition guidance, career consultancy and advice on appropriate learning paths as components of any re-skilling programme. Courses should be conducted in purpose-built, networked training suites by fully qualified staff. Work placements, help with producing CVs that are suitable for the IT industry and job-seeking guidance should also be on offer to all students.

Further information
For more information on the CompTIA A+ qualification, visit http://www.comptia.org/certification/aplus/index.htm to look at A+ core hardware and software exam blueprints, read the Frequently Asked Questions and find out about both CompTIA and A+.

For additional information, a downloadable assessment, and course schedules on the CPC A+ training programmes please visit www.cpctraining.co.uk or www.cpcbarcelona.co.uk or call Laura on 0044 (0)1452 553344 or Freephone 0800 3598546.