CompTIA A+ consists of 2 training sections; you're thought of as an A+ achiever once you've passed your exams for both subjects. When you embark on the A+ training course you'll be taught how to work in antistatic conditions and build and fix computers. Fault finding and diagnostic techniques through hands on and remote access are also covered. If your ambition is maintaining networks, add the very comprehensive Network+ to your A+ course. This qualification will put you in a position to get a higher paid position. You may also want to consider the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.

We can guess that you've always enjoyed practical work - the 'hands-on' personality type. Usually, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides can be just about bared when essential, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. Consider interactive, multimedia study if book-based learning really isn't your style. We see a huge improvement in memory retention when all our senses are brought into the mix - experts have been clear on this for as long as we can remember.

Top of the range study programs now offer interactive discs. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you'll take everything in by way of the demonstrations and explanations. Then it's time to test your knowledge by interacting with the software and practicing yourself. Each company you're contemplating should be able to show you some simple examples of the materials provided for study. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and a variety of interactive modules.

You'll find that many companies will only provide training that is purely available online; and while this is acceptable much of the time, think what will happen when you don't have access to the internet or you get slow speeds and down-time etc. It's much safer to rely on DVD or CD discs which will solve that problem.

Consider the facts below very carefully if you've been persuaded that the marketing blurb about examination guarantees seems like a good idea:

Everyone knows they're still footing the bill for it - it's quite obvious to see that it's been added into the overall price charged by the training provider. Certainly, it's not a freebie (it's just marketing companies think we'll fall for anything they say!) We all want to pass first time. Progressively working through your exams in order and paying as you go makes it far more likely you'll pass first time - you put the effort in and think carefully about the costs.

Don't you think it's more sensible to go for the best offer when you're ready, instead of paying a premium to the college, and to do it locally - rather than in some remote centre? A surprising number of current training providers net a great deal of profit by getting paid for all the exam fees up-front and cashing in if they're not all taken. The majority of companies will insist on pre-tests and hold you back from re-takes until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which makes an 'Exam Guarantee' frankly useless.

Shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds on an 'Exam Guarantee' is short-sighted - when study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really see you through.

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