Tips on How to Study and Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam

Passing the CompTIA A+ certification exam is quite a challenge for many aspirants. The exam is unique in the field of IT and cyber-security for its course structure and training methodology. CompTIA is also reputed for its CASP certification, which is meant for practitioners. This certification helps the trainees to understand the root causes of network security, cyber management, etc. The CompTIA A+ training is reputed for its methodology, which is very effective in training young minds.

Of course, training alone won't make you an expert network manager; however, it provides a base of understanding that can be applied to network situations. Most employers, when hiring network and program managers, will look at your experience profile. A balance of experience and continued training and growth opportunities is key to your training. Let's explore an example of what this might look like. Let's review the training and skills by level, starting with the entry-level network manager. At the entry-level, fundamental network management knowledge, including network management technical skills and some problem-solving skills, are necessary.

At the base level, the network manager needs more advanced technical skills, including best practices in the profession. Also, notice that more leadership skills are now required since networks at this level will start to have increased complexity. Additionally, an understanding of the business becomes important. At the advanced level, primarily, the network manager is now learning program management techniques, as well as more advanced leadership and business skills, including value management. At this level, a network or program manager would be expected to be able to successfully lead a virtual team or a global team. At the senior level, all the levels of the OPM Framework are now evident. This level requires an in-depth understanding of the entire OPM Framework, including details of the business plan and how value is generated and delivered through specific programs and networks.

And at the strategic level, there is direct involvement in the creation of the business plan and a complete understanding of how value is generated and delivered across the entire portfolio. Notice that knowledge and experience are gained over time. Just as in any other profession, your ability to move up to each level is directly impacted by your dedication to seeking out the opportunities that support your growth. Each level builds upon the level below it. It is assumed that the training and the skills are acquired at each level before you can progress to the more advanced training. Also, notice that as you advance your career, your base of knowledge across technical, leadership, and strategic and business management skills also grows in relation to the talent triangle. For someone with training but lacking in experience, it can be a challenge finding a network management role.

Combining Skills with Experience

Some options to gain network management experience may be to approach your current leader and request to lead the next small network for the group or request to work on a larger network by supporting the network manager with some management tasks. You can perform a network management role in a volunteer or non-profit organization, such as organizing a small event, or you can seek out companies with entry-level network management roles to fill. Combining experience with formal training is an excellent way to grow your skills. Be careful not to assume that just because you are successful in managing a small network, that you are ready to take on a larger network. What you will find is that the complexity of the network, as it grows in size, is not a linear relationship. As the network size grows, the complexity grows exponentially. This means that you have to continue to grow your skills in order to take on more complex networks.