There are two specialist areas of training in a full CompTIA A+ program; you're qualified as competent at A+ when you've gained exams for both specialist areas. Alongside being taught about the ins and outs of building and maintaining computers, students on an A+ training course will be taught how to operate in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics. It could be a good idea to consider supplementing the A+ with Network + as you'll then be in a position to look after networks of computers, and become a more senior IT professional.

Far too many companies only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and forget the reasons for getting there - which will always be getting the job or career you want. You should always begin with the final destination in mind - too many people focus on the journey. It's unfortunate, but the majority of trainees kick-off study that often sounds great in the sales literature, but which provides the end-result of a job that is of no interest. Try talking to typical college leavers and you'll see where we're coming from.

You'll want to understand what industry will expect from you. What precise exams you'll need and in what way you can gain some industry experience. It's also worth spending time considering how far you reckon you're going to want to go as often it can affect your choice of qualifications. Obtain help from a skilled professional that has commercial knowledge of your chosen market-place, and will be able to provide 'A typical day in the life of' synopsis of what duties you'll be performing with each working day. It makes good sense to ensure you're on the right track well before you commence your studies. There's really no reason in starting your training only to discover you're on the wrong course.

The classroom style of learning we remember from school, with books and manuals, is often a huge slog for most of us. If you're nodding as you read this, check out study materials which feature interactive and multimedia modules. Research has time and time again confirmed that getting into our studies physically, is proven to produce longer-lasting and deeper memory retention.

Find a course where you'll receive a selection of CD and DVD ROM's - you'll start with videos of instructor demonstrations, and then have the opportunity to hone your abilities through virtual lab's. It's wise to view examples of the courseware provided before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be instructor demonstrations, video tutorials and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.

It's usually bad advice to select online only courseware. Due to the variable nature of connection quality from the ISP (internet service provider) market, you should always obtain CD or DVD ROM based materials.

One of the most important things to insist on has to be 24x7 round-the-clock support via trained professional instructors and mentors. Too many companies only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Be wary of any training providers who use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - where an advisor will call back during normal office hours. This is useless when you're stuck and want support there and then.

The very best programs utilise a web-based 24 hours-a-day package involving many support centres throughout multiple time-zones. You will have an interface that accesses the most appropriate office any time of the day or night: Support when you need it. If you accept anything less than direct-access 24x7 support, you'll regret it. You might not want to use the service during the night, but what about weekends, early mornings or late evenings.

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