There are four specialist areas of training in a full CompTIA A+ program; you're thought of as an achiever in A+ when you've passed the test for 2 out of 4 subjects. This is the reason that the majority of training establishments offer only two of the training courses. In fact you will need the information on each subject as many jobs will ask for the skills and knowledge of all four areas. Don't feel pressured to complete all 4 certifications, however we'd advise that you take tutorials in all 4 subjects.

If you decide to become a student on the A+ training course you'll become familiar with how to build and repair PC's and operate in antistatic conditions. Diagnostic techniques and fault finding are also on the syllabus, as is remote access. Should you want to work towards taking care of computer networks, you'll need to add Network+ to your A+ course. Taking this course as well will put you in a position to apply for more interesting jobs. Alternatively, you may prefer the route to networking via Microsoft, in the form of MCP's, MCSA or the full MCSE.

Students who consider this area of study often have a very practical outlook on work, and aren't really suited to the classroom environment, and poring through books and manuals. If you're thinking this sounds like you, go for more modern interactive training, where learning is video-based. Recent studies into the way we learn shows that much more of what we learn in remembered when all our senses are involved, and we put into practice what we've been studying.

Interactive full motion video involving demonstration and virtual lab's will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And you'll find them fun and interesting. You'll definitely want a training material demonstration from the school that you're considering. You'll want to see slide-shows, instructor-led videos and fully interactive skills-lab's.

Many companies provide training that is purely available online; and although this is okay the majority of the time, consider what happens when you don't have access to the internet or you get a slow connection speed. It's much safer to rely on DVD or CD discs which removes the issue entirely.

An important area that is sometimes not even considered by potential students mulling over a new direction is that of 'training segmentation'. This basically means the method used to break up the program for timed release to you, which vastly changes how you end up. Drop-shipping your training elements stage by stage, taking into account your exam passes is how things will normally arrive. This sounds sensible, but you should take these factors into account: Many students find that their providers standard order of study is not what they would prefer. You may find that it's more expedient to use an alternative order of study. Perhaps you don't make it inside of the expected timescales?

To provide the maximum security and flexibility, most students now choose to request that all their modules (now paid for) are delivered immediately, and not in stages. It's then up to you in what order and how fast or slow you'd like to work.

Proper support should never be taken lightly - find a program that includes 24x7 access, as anything less will frustrate you and could hamper your progress. Find a good quality service with proper support available at any time you choose (even 1am on Sunday morning!) Ensure you get direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not a message system as this will slow you down - parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back - probably during office hours.

The very best programs utilise an online 24x7 package combining multiple support operations across the globe. You will have a simple interface which switches seamlessly to the best choice of centres irrespective of the time of day: Support available as-and-when you want it. If you fail to get yourself direct-access 24x7 support, you'll quickly find yourself regretting it. You may avoid using the support during late nights, but you may need weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.

Remember: the training course or the accreditation isn't what this is about; the particular job that you want is. Too many training companies completely prioritise the actual accreditation. It's quite usual, for instance, to obtain tremendous satisfaction from a year of studying and then spend 20 miserable years in a job you hate, simply because you did it without some decent due-diligence when it was needed - at the start.

Make sure you investigate what your attitude is towards earning potential and career progression, plus your level of ambition. It's vital to know what (if any) sacrifices you'll need to make for a particular role, which accreditations are required and how you'll gain real-world experience. Before you embark on a training course, it's good advice to chat over specific job requirements with an experienced industry professional, to ensure the study course covers everything needed.