One of the things I've always appreciated about CompTIA's method is the layered approach for certs. A candidate might start with Tech+, before going to A+, to Net+, Sec+ and so on.
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The problem I have always observed with students is
patience. Students don't want to have to, as
@jasoneckert pointed out in the last TTT session for Linux+, invest the "sweat equity" in order to gain the skills. In my experience, this is so true because many of these exams and the associated skills require time. Time to learn the theory; time to learn the skills, processes, - the how and why things are done. They either want the quick-and-easy path to acquiring a certification, or they just don't truly have the aspiration to achieve.
As
@BrianFord pointed out, we can dump tons of knowledge onto them, but if they aren't willing to put in the time - real time, to learn, then no amount of teaching by any instructor, no matter how good he/she is, will meet the goal.
I personally have little grace for students who opt to cut corners or even cheat their way to a cert, just because they are impatient or lazy. I remember all the hours that I've had to personally put in to get to where I am - and many of the 'old-salts' here in the forum can say the same thing. The late nights, studying until bleary eyed and unable to keep my eyes open, the sacrifices made, all of that. In my 35 years of doing IT, I don't regret the hours of learning, but I do become irate at students who don't want to put in the time and effort.
Students who are genuine and want to learn will put in the time and will appreciate the journey, no matter how arduous. The ones that are there for a piece of paper, well, not really worth my time.
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