In total, there are 2 A+ examinations and specialised sectors, and you have to achieve certification in both for qualification purposes. CompTIA A+ training programs cover diagnostics and fault finding - both remote access and hands-on, in addition to building computers and repairing them and operating in antistatic conditions. You may also want to think about adding Network+ training to your A+ as you can then also become a networking engineer, which is where the bigger salaries are.

Including examination fees up-front then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status is common for a good many training companies. But look at the facts:

Patently it isn't free - you're still being charged for it - the price has simply been included in the whole thing. People who take each progressive exam, paying as they go are much more likely to pass. They're mindful of their investment and prepare more appropriately to make sure they're ready.

Doesn't it make more sense to go for the best offer when you're ready, not to pay any mark-up to a training course provider, and to do it locally - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call? A lot of so-called credible training providers net huge profits by getting paid for examinations upfront then hoping you won't see them all through. Don't forget, with most 'Exam Guarantees' - the company controls how often and when you are allowed to have another go. Subsequent exam attempts are only authorised at the company's say so.

Exam fees averaged about 112 pounds twelve months or so ago via local VUE or Pro-metric centres throughout the country. Therefore, why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra to get 'Exam Guarantees', when any student knows that what's really needed is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software.

Potential trainees eager to build a career in IT usually don't know what route is best, or which area to get qualified in. What chances do most of us have of understanding the many facets of a particular career when we haven't done that before? We normally don't even know anybody who works in that sector anyway. Consideration of the following areas is most definitely required if you need to get to the right answer for you:

* Personalities play a major role - what things get your juices flowing, and what are the activities that really turn you off.

* For what reasons you're moving into the IT industry - it could be you're looking to conquer a particular goal like working from home for example.

* Your earning needs you have?

* Always think in-depth about the level of commitment required to get fully certified.

* It makes sense to take in what is different for each individual training area.

To completely side-step the industry jargon, and discover what'll really work for you, have an informal meeting with an advisor with years of experience; an individual who appreciates and can explain the commercial realities whilst covering the accreditations.

OK, why is it better to gain commercial qualifications and not traditional academic qualifications taught at the state educational establishments? With 3 and 4 year academic degree costs becoming a tall order for many, plus the industry's increasing awareness that key company training is often far more commercially relevant, we have seen a great increase in Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA based training courses that educate students at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time. Academic courses, as a example, become confusing because of a lot of background study - and a syllabus that's too generalised. Students are then held back from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.

Imagine if you were an employer - and your company needed a person with some very particular skills. What should you do: Trawl through reams of different degrees and college qualifications from hopeful applicants, asking for course details and what workplace skills they've mastered, or choose a specific set of accreditations that exactly fulfil your criteria, and draw up from that who you want to speak to. Your interviews are then about personal suitability - instead of having to work out if they can do the job.

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