Two separate areas of study make up a full CompTIA A+; you're seen as an achiever in A+ once you've passed your exams for both of them. In addition to learning about building and fixing computers, trainees involved in this training will be taught how to work in antistatic conditions, how to fault find, to diagnose and to remotely access problems. Should you want to work towards taking care of computer networks, add the excellent Network+ to your training package. This qualification will prepare you to get a higher paid position. You may also want to consider the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.

Remember: the actual training or a qualification isn't the end-goal; the job or career you're training for is. Many trainers unfortunately place too much importance on the qualification itself. It's a sad fact, but a great many students commence training that sounds magnificent from the sales literature, but which provides a job that doesn't satisfy. Try talking to typical university graduates and you'll see where we're coming from.

Prioritise understanding the exact expectations industry will have. Which certifications you'll be required to have and how you'll build your experience level. Spend some time assessing how far you wish to go as it will often force you to choose a particular set of certifications. We recommend that students seek advice from an experienced professional before settling on a learning program, so there's no doubt that a program provides the appropriate skill-set.

We're regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are being overtaken by more commercially accredited qualifications? Industry now acknowledges that for an understanding of the relevant skills, official accreditation from companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA most often has much more specialised relevance - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. University courses, for example, clog up the training with vast amounts of background study - with a syllabus that's far too wide. This holds a student back from getting enough specific knowledge about the core essentials.

In simple terms: Recognised IT certifications provide exactly what an employer needs - the title says it all: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network'. Therefore companies can look at the particular needs they have and what certifications are required to perform the job.

It's so important to understand this key point: It's essential to obtain proper 24x7 round-the-clock support from professional instructors. You'll definitely experience problems if you let this one slide. some companies only provide email support (slow), and telephone support is usually to a call-centre which will take the information and email an instructor - who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, when it suits them. This is no use if you're lost and confused and have a one hour time-slot in which to study.

The best trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. An online system provides an interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, at any time you choose, help is just seconds away, avoiding all the delays and problems. Find a training company that offers this level of study support. Because only round-the-clock 24x7 support truly delivers for technical programs.

Charging for examinations with the course fee and offering an 'Exam Guarantee' is common for many training course providers. However, let's consider what's really going on:

Everyone knows they're still being charged for it - it's not so hard to see that it's been inserted into the gross price invoiced by the training company. It's certainly not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! If it's important to you to pass in one, you must pay for one exam at a time, give it the priority it deserves and be ready for the task.

Do your exams somewhere local and don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you when you're ready. Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for exam fees when there's absolutely nothing that says you have to? Big margins are made because training colleges are getting paid upfront for exams - and banking on the fact that many won't be taken. Also, many exam guarantees are worthless. Most companies won't pay for re-takes until you're able to demonstrate an excellent mock pass rate.

VUE and Prometric examinations are in the region of 112 pounds in Great Britain. Why pay exorbitant fees for 'exam guarantees' (most often hidden in the package) - when a quality course, support and consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

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