CompTIA A+ consists of 2 training sections; you're qualified as an A+ achiever when you've gained exams for both of these areas. In addition to learning how to build and fix computers, students involved in this training will learn how to operate in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics. If you're considering being the kind of individual who is involved with a big team - in network support, build on A+ with Network+, or alternatively look at doing an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft because it's necessary to have a more advanced experience of how networks work.

At the top of your shopping list for a training program should be comprehensive 24x7 direct-access support through dedicated instructors and mentors. Far too often we see trainers who only provide office hours (or extended office hours) support. Beware of institutions which use 'out-of-hours' call-centres - with the call-back coming in during normal office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and could do with an answer during your scheduled study period.

It's possible to find the very best companies which recommend and use online support around the clock - no matter what time of day it is. If you accept anything less than 24x7 support, you'll regret it very quickly. It may be that you don't use it late at night, but you may need weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.

Review the following facts in detail if you've been persuaded that that old marketing ploy of 'guaranteeing' exams sounds like a benefit to the student:

They've allowed costings for it by some means. It certainly isn't free - they've just worked it into the package price. Those who enter their exams one by one, funding them one at a time are much more likely to pass. They are aware of their investment and so are more inclined to make sure they're ready.

Go for the best offer you can find at the appropriate time, and keep hold of your own money. You'll also be able to choose where to do the examinations - so you can find somewhere local. Including money in your training package for examination fees (which also includes interest if you've taken out a loan) is madness. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with your hard-earned cash simply to help their cash-flow! Some will be pinning their hopes on the fact that you won't get to do them all - but they won't refund the cash. Pay heed to the fact that, with 'Exam Guarantees' from most places - they control when and how often you can do your re-takes. They'll only allow a re-take once completely satisfied.

Exams taken at VUE and Prometric centres are around 112 pounds in Great Britain. What's the point of paying huge fees for 'exam guarantees' (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

The area most overlooked by trainees considering a training program is that of 'training segmentation'. Basically, this means the method used to break up the program to be delivered to you, which completely controls the point you end up at. You may think that it makes sense (with a typical time scale of 1-3 years to pass all the required exams,) for your typical trainer to courier one section at a time, as you complete each part. But: What would happen if you didn't finish every module at the required speed? Sometimes their preference of study order won't fit you as well as some other structure would for you.

In all honesty, the perfect answer is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but get all the study materials at the start. It's then all yours should you not complete it within their ideal time-table.

A successful training course package will undoubtedly have Microsoft (or key company) exam preparation systems. Steer clear of relying on non-accredited preparation materials for exams. The way they're phrased can be completely unlike authorised versions - and sometimes this can be a real headache in the actual examination. Simulated exams are enormously valuable for confidence building - so that when you come to take your actual exams, you will be much more relaxed.

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