The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you're qualified as an achiever in A+ when you've gained exams for 2 out of 4 subjects. Because of this, the majority of training establishments only teach 2 specialised areas. The truth is you will need the training for all four areas as many jobs will be looking for knowledge and skills of the entire course. It's not essential to take all four exams, although it would seem prudent that you study for all four areas.

If you decide to become a student on the A+ training course you'll be taught how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. You'll also cover fault-finding and diagnostic techniques, both remotely and via direct access. In addition, you could look to consider doing Network+ as you can then also take care of computer networks, and have a more responsible working role.

Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always proper direct-access 24x7 support through expert mentors and instructors. Too many companies will only offer a basic 9am till 6pm support period (maybe later on certain days) with very little availability over the weekend. Don't accept certification programs which can only support students with a call-centre messaging system after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Training companies will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. The simple fact of the matter is - you want to be supported when you need the help - not at times when they find it cheaper to provide it.

The best trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres across multiple time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, at any time you choose, help is just a click away, avoiding all the delays and problems. Don't under any circumstances take a lower level of service. 24x7 support is the only way to go when it comes to computer-based learning. Maybe late-evening study is not your thing; often though, we're at work during the provided support period.

Traditional teaching in classrooms, involving piles of reference textbooks, is an up-hill struggle for the majority of us. If this describes you, dig around for more practical courses which feature interactive and multimedia modules. Where we can study while utilising as many senses as possible, then the results are usually dramatically better.

Start a study-program in which you'll get a host of CD and DVD ROM's - you'll learn by watching video tutorials and demonstrations, and then have the opportunity to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills. It's very important to see examples of the study materials provided by your chosen company. Be sure that they contain full motion videos of instructors demonstrating the topic with lab's to practice the skills in.

It is generally unwise to go for purely on-line training. Connection quality and reliability varies hugely across the ISP (internet service provider) market, you should always obtain disc based courseware (On CD or DVD).

Considering how a program is 'delivered' to you isn't always given the appropriate level of importance. How is the courseware broken down? And in what sequence and at what speed is it delivered? Most companies will sell you a program spread over 1-3 years, and courier the materials in pieces as you complete each section or exam. This sounds reasonable until you consider the following: Sometimes the steps or stages prescribed by the provider doesn't suit you. You may find it a stretch to finalise every element inside of their particular timetable?

For the perfect solution, you'd ask for every single material to be delivered immediately - enabling you to have them all to come back to in the future - irrespective of any schedule. This also allows you to vary the order in which you complete each objective as and when something more intuitive seems right for you.