CompTIA launches training awards scheme

IT trade body CompTIA has launched a new industry standard designed to help companies get the most out of training.

The CompTIA Authorised Partner Programme was announced at the group’s member conference, and should make it easier for organisations to choose accredited training partners.

Training organisations that take part will become CompTIA partners, which the group claimed would improve their standing.

“In the current climate, companies and individuals are investing in education to give them the edge in a tough market,” said Matthew Poyiadgi, European vice president at CompTIA.

“With so many options available, partner status helps organisations to rise above the competition in attracting customers, and will give students assurance that courses provide the skills they need to secure the jobs they want. This programme will raise the bar of quality across the training industry.”

The first UK partner to be announced is Advent Training. Ashley Jones, director of the firm, argued that during a recession it is even more important to be able to show students they are getting value for money, and that the courses on offer are industry recognised.

“This is a fantastic achievement for us as we recognise the value of CompTIA certifications for students, especially those who are new to the industry, and the real difference this can make to their career prospects,” he added.

CompTIA was keen to point out that its awards would guarantee that all instructors are correctly certified in training and in the products they teach.

Tips In Choosing An IT Career

Author: Jennifer Petersen

Need assistance getting into the IT industry? The following expert advice is designed to help those interested in getting into this field.

1. If entering into the IT field for the first time, it is important that you learn your trade. Select a technical area of interest and become an expert. Although necessary, more is required than simply studying the printed circuit-board layout. Start out by attending trade shows and interacting with customers, vendors and competitors. By doing this and joining professional associations you will be on the road to setting up your knowledge base and reputation for a career in IT.

2. A career with a medium-sized to large firm makes you less vulnerable than if you start out as an independent IT consultant. Increase your value by developing and enhancing your skills. Know what’s hot — J2EE and Net, the leading portals, and business analytical and intelligence skills fall into this category.

3. Join three high traffic job boards, three IT career job boards and three college boards. Search job postings and apply to those that are of interest to you and those that you are qualified for.

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Certified IT professionals are in high demand

Certified IT professionals are in high demand even in the current weak econoomy. Taking a course or a series of courses in information technology (IT), can give your career a boost, and increase your value to a potential employer.

-         Updating your training, and getting certified as an IT professional can:

-         Help you find a new job in your current industry

-         Help you train for an entirely new and different career

-         Help you advance in your current career, or in your current company.

Completing an IT course supplies you with certifiable skills and the ability to obtain important credentials that will expand your possibilities in today’s computer oriented marketplace. The best IT courses will provide you with all the skills you need to pass the exam in your chosen field. Some IT programs even assist with job placement once you have received your certification.

There are several different ways you can complete an IT training program. You can attend classes at a traditional college or university, enrol in a technical school, take classes online, or even work at home at your own pace. Some programs are designed for the working professional, with intensive week long or weekend seminars designed to totally immerse you in the training program of your choice. Don’t forget to check with your employer – they may offer training incentives, or even be willing to send you to school to increase your abilities. Explore all of you options, and make sure you consider what you will be taught, the method of teaching (online, in person, in a classroom setting), and what the program will cost. No matter what program you choose, make sure it is designed to help you prepare for the IT certification exam you are interested in.

Depending on your time and on your specific needs, you may choose to enrol in a full or part time IT training program. You can also enrol in one class at a time, or even focus on a single aspect like security, networking, or database work, and focus all of your training in that area. Make sure you look into the courses offered in your local area, and compare local offerings with the programs you can enrol in online. You will need to evaluate programs for cost, focus, and on any special features and benefits they offer their graduates, like exam prep services or job placement assistance. Chances are, more than one program will suit your needs, allowing you the luxury of choosing what you want to learn, and the way you want to learn it.

Make sure your current employers know you are seeking to expand your skills – when you increase your experience and understanding of information technology, you increase your value as an employee as well. Once you complete your training, make sure you add your new skills to your resume. When you complete your certification exam, you will want to be ready to look for a position in your new field.

Using IT Certification to Get a Job in IT

By Tom Lord

One question I often hear asked by people wanting to get an IT job is “how much will I earn if I get certification X”, another is “What type of job can I get with certification X”.

They are under the belief that achieving one of these certifications will get them a particular job role, or an increase in salary. Many assume that if they can pass an MCSA then they will be able to walk in to systems administrator role, or if they get a CCNA they will be able to easily get a role as a Cisco network admin. If these people have the necessary experience to backup these qualifications then I wish them all the best. However the people who usually ask these questions are the ones with no experience.

Quite often you will see adverts from training providers offering a training course for people wanting to get into IT with the promise of a £30K+ at the end of it. The sad truth is that unless you are extremely lucky the chances of this happening are very slim.

There are also instance of people cheating to get these certifications using “brain dumps”, this is where people get hold of copies of the actual test questions and answers. This allows them to memorise the correct answers to pass the test. These people would quickly be found out in a job scenario and promptly fired.

Certification should not be perceived as a method to get a job, it should be used as method to validate existing experience. Interviewers will quickly be able to see whether you have the experience required for a role, and if you have the necessary knowledge to go with your qualifications.

Using certification to validate your existing experience and skills will certainly help when applying for a new role as the potential employer will be able to look at these certifications along with your previous job history to get a better picture of your talents.

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Tips on Choosing an IT Certification Course

By Tiffany Provost

For a career in IT, it is advisable to only pursue reputable certification courses such as those found through Cisco. Even in a competitive job market IT skills continue to be in high demand, so be sure to follow this advice and get the best IT certification.
 
Consider only the well-known courses. There are large amount of IT certification programs but most employers won’t select employees who have taken obscure courses.

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