The CompTIA A+ course comprises of 2 specialised sectors - you need to pass exams in both specialities to be A+ compliant. Once on the CompTIA A+, you'll be taught how to build computers and fix them, and work in antistatic conditions. Fault finding and diagnostic techniques through hands on and remote access are also covered. You might also choose to think about doing Network+ as you'll then be in a position to work with networks, and become a more senior IT professional.

When was the last time you considered your job security? For the majority of us, we only think of this after something dramatic happens to shake us. However, the reality is that job security is a thing of the past, for most of us. We're able though to hit upon market-level security, by digging for high demand areas, tied with shortages of trained staff.

The computer industry skills-gap across the country clocks in at just over 26 percent, as reported by the most recent e-Skills study. Or, to put it differently, this reveals that the country can only locate 3 trained people for each 4 positions in existence currently. Appropriately skilled and commercially educated new staff are therefore at an absolute premium, and it seems it will continue to be so for a long time. It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market circumstances will exist for acquiring training in this hugely growing and developing market.

The classroom style of learning we remember from school, using textbooks and whiteboards, is an up-hill struggle for the majority of us. If this sounds like you, look for learning programmes that are multimedia based. Our ability to remember is increased when multiple senses are involved - educational experts have expounded on this for many years.

Interactive full motion video with demonstrations and practice sessions will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And they're a lot more fun to do. It makes sense to see some examples of the kind of training materials you'll be using before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.

It's usually bad advice to choose training that is only available online. With highly variable reliability and quality from all internet service providers, ensure that you have access to physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's.

Beware of putting too much emphasis, as many people do, on the certification itself. Training for training's sake is generally pointless; this is about employment. Focus on the end-goal. It's possible, in many cases, to find immense satisfaction in a year of study and then spend 20 miserable years in something completely unrewarding, as a consequence of not performing the correct research when it was needed - at the start.

Get to grips with earning potential and how ambitious you are. Sometimes, this affects what qualifications you'll need to attain and what industry will expect from you in return. Chat with an experienced advisor who has a commercial understanding of the realities faced in the industry, and could provide a detailed run-down of what to expect in that role. Contemplating this well before starting out on a study course makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?

You'll come across courses which guarantee examination passes - this always means exams have to be paid for upfront, before you've even made a start on the course. Before you get carried away with a course with such a promise, why not consider this:

It's become essential these days that we are a bit more aware of hype - and the majority of us ought to realise that of course it is actually an additional cost to us - they're not just being charitable and doling out freebies! If you want to pass first time, then you should fund each exam as you take it, focus on it intently and apply yourself as required.

Why pay the college early for exam fees? Find the best deal you can when you're ready, don't pay mark-ups - and do it locally - rather than in some remote place. Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for exam fees when you don't need to? Big margins are made because training colleges are charging upfront for all their exams - and banking on the fact that many won't be taken. It's worth noting that exam re-takes with organisations with an 'Exam Guarantee' are monitored with tight restrictions. You will be required to do mock exams till you've proven conclusively that you can pass.

Exam fees averaged 112 pounds or thereabouts last year when taken at UK VUE or Prometric centres. So what's the point of paying maybe a thousand pounds extra for 'Exam Guarantees', when it's obvious that what's really needed is a regular, committed, study programme, with an accredited exam preparation system.

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