The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you’re thought of as an A+ achiever when you’ve gained exams for 2 out of 4 subjects. Because of this, most colleges only teach 2 specialised areas. In fact you will need the teaching in all areas as many jobs will require an understanding of the whole A+ program. It isn’t necessary to pass exams in all of them, but it seems common sense that you study for all four areas.

CompTIA A+ training programs are about fault finding and diagnosing – remotely as well as hands on, in addition to learning to build, repair and fix and operating in antistatic conditions. Should you decide to add Network+ training, you’ll also have the ability to take care of networks, giving you the facility to expect a better remuneration package.

A lot of students assume that the state educational route is still the most effective. Why then are commercial certificates slowly and steadily replacing it? With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, the IT sector has moved to specialist courses that can only be obtained from the actual vendors – for example companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. Often this saves time and money for the student. Patently, a necessary quantity of associated knowledge has to be taught, but core specialised knowledge in the exact job role gives a vendor educated person a real head start.

In simple terms: Accredited IT qualifications provide exactly what an employer needs – the title is a complete giveaway: i.e. I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Windows XP Administration and Configuration’. Consequently an employer can look at the particular needs they have and which qualifications are required to perform the job.

Usually, your normal student really has no clue how they should get into IT, let alone which sector to focus their retraining program on. As without any commercial background in the IT industry, how should we possibly be expected to know what any job actually involves? Generally, the way to deal with this issue correctly stems from an in-depth chat, covering several areas:

* Your individual personality and what you’re interested in – the sort of work-related things you enjoy or dislike.

* Why you want to consider getting involved with computing – maybe you want to overcome a particular goal such as working for yourself maybe.

* Any personal or home requirements you may have?

* Because there are so many markets to choose from in computing – it’s wise to achieve some background information on what sets them apart.

* Having a serious look at how much time and effort that you’re going to put into it.

To cut through the confusing industry jargon, and uncover the most viable option for your success, have an informal chat with an industry-experienced advisor; a person who will cover the commercial realities and truth and of course each qualification.

Don’t listen to any salesman who recommends a training program without a thorough investigation to better understand your current abilities and also your level of experience. They should be able to select from a wide-enough choice of training products from which they could give you an appropriate solution. Remember, if you have some relevant qualifications that are related, then you can sometimes expect to start at a different point than someone who is new to the field. Opening with a foundation program first is often the best way to get up and running on your IT training, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.

Students who consider this area of study can be very practical by nature, and don’t always take well to classrooms, and endless reading of dry academic textbooks. If you identify with this, go for more modern interactive training, where everything is presented via full motion video. Where we can utilise all of our senses into our learning, then the results are usually dramatically better.

Interactive full motion video with demonstrations and practice sessions will beat books every time. And you’ll actually enjoy doing them. Be sure to get a look at some courseware examples from the training company. You’ll want to see slide-shows, instructor-led videos and virtual practice lab’s for your new skills.

Some companies only have access to purely on-line training; and while this is acceptable much 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 CD and DVD ROM materials which don’t suffer from these broadband issues.

Many companies focus completely on the certification process, and forget the reasons for getting there – getting yourself a new job or career. Your focus should start with the end goal – too many people focus on the journey. It’s unfortunate, but a great many students begin programs that seem fabulous in the sales literature, but which delivers a career that is of no interest at all. Just ask several university leavers for examples.

Take time to understand what your attitude is towards career progression and earning potential, and if you’re ambitious or not. It makes sense to understand what the role will demand of you, which qualifications are required and in what way you can develop commercial experience. All students are advised to speak to a professional advisor before they embark on a study path. This is required to ensure it contains the relevant skills for the chosen career path.