There are two specialist areas of training in a full CompTIA A+ program; you're qualified as an A+ achiever when you've passed the test for both of these areas. Courses in A+ computer training teach diagnostic techniques and fault-finding - both remote access and hands-on, as well as building and fixing and understanding antistatic conditions. Should you be thinking of looking after computer networks, you'll need to add Network+ to your training package. Including Network+ will prepare you to apply for more interesting jobs. Other ones that might be interesting to you are the route to networking via Microsoft, in the form of MCP's, MCSA or the full MCSE.

If you're like many of the students we talk to then you're a practical sort of person - a 'hands-on' individual. If you're like us, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides would be considered as a last resort, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. You should use video and multimedia based materials if book-based learning really isn't your style. If we can involve all our senses in the learning process, our results will often be quite spectacular.

Interactive audio-visual materials featuring instructor demo's and practice lab's will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And they're a lot more fun to do. Make sure to obtain a study material demo' from the school that you're considering. You'll want to see demo's from instructors, slideshows and lab's for you to practice your skills in.

Go for CD and DVD ROM based physical training media where possible. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with broadband 'downtime' or slow-speeds.

A expert and professional advisor (as opposed to a salesman) will want to thoroughly discuss your current situation. This is useful for understanding your starting point for training. Where you have a strong background, or maybe some work-based experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then it could be that your starting level will be different from someone with no background whatsoever. Always consider starting with some basic PC skills training first. Beginning there can make the learning curve a much more gentle.

Usually, your average student has no idea how they should get into Information Technology, or what area is worth considering for retraining. What is our likelihood of grasping the day-to-day realities of any IT job when we haven't done that before? Often we don't know someone who is in that area at all. Arriving at the right choice only comes through a meticulous analysis of several altering key points:

* The sort of individual you think yourself to be - which things you really enjoy, and conversely - what you hate to do.

* Are you hoping to get certified for a precise raison d'etre - for instance, are you looking at working based at home (self-employment?)?

* Is salary further up on your priority-scale than anything else.

* Considering the huge variation that computing encompasses, you really need to be able to take in what is different.

* You'll also need to think hard about what kind of effort and commitment that you will set aside for the accreditation program.

For most of us, considering all these ideas requires a good chat with an experienced pro that has direct industry experience. And we're not only talking about the accreditations - you also need to understand the commercial needs and expectations besides.

Make sure you don't get caught-up, like so many people do, on the accreditation program. Your training isn't about getting a plaque on your wall; this is about employment. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve. Never let yourself become part of that group who select a program that on the surface appears interesting - only to end up with a qualification for something they'll never enjoy.

It's well worth a long chat to see what industry will expect from you. Which precise exams they'll want you to gain and how you'll go about getting some commercial experience. Spend some time thinking about how far you reckon you're going to want to build your skill-set as it will often control your selection of certifications. It's worth seeking guidance from an advisor who knows the commercial realities of the sector you're considering, and who can offer 'A day in the life of' type of explanation of the job being considered. All of these things are incredibly important as you'll need to fully understand whether or not you've chosen correctly.

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