In total, there are 4 A+ examinations and sections to study, but your only requirement is to get your exams in 2 of them for qualification purposes. For this reason, many educational establishments only offer 2 paths. But allowing you to learn about all 4 options will equip you with a more confident perspective of the subject, something you'll appreciate as a Godsend in the working environment.

As well as being taught how to build and fix computers, students of A+ will be shown how to operate in antistatic conditions, as well as diagnostics, fault-finding and remote access. Should you fancy yourself as the person who works in a multi-faceted environment - in network support, add Network+ to your CompTIA A+, or consider the Microsoft networking route (MCSA - MCSE) to give you a deeper understanding of how networks function.

Including examinations with the course fee then including an exam guarantee is a popular marketing tool with a number of training colleges. However, let's consider what's really going on:

Thankfully, today we're a tad more knowledgeable about sales gimmicks - and generally we cotton on to the fact that it is actually an additional cost to us (it's not a freebie because they like us so much!) Passing first time is everyone's goal. Taking your exams progressively one at a time and paying as you go has a marked effect on pass-rates - you revise thoroughly and think carefully about the costs.

Shouldn't you be looking to not pay up-front, but when you take the exam, not to pay the fees marked up by the training company, and to take it closer to home - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer? Paying upfront for examination fees (and interest charges if you're borrowing money) is insane. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with additional funds simply to help their cash-flow! There are those who hope that you don't even take them all - then they'll keep the extra money. The majority of companies will require you to sit pre-tests and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

VUE and Prometric examinations are in the region of 112 pounds in the UK. What's the point of paying huge charges for 'Exam Guarantees' (often hidden in the cost) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and exam preparation systems and a dose of commitment and effort are what's required.

Many training companies offer a Job Placement Assistance service, to help you get your first job. Sometimes, this feature is bigged up too much, as it's really not that difficult for any focused and well taught person to get a job in the IT industry - because there's a great need for trained staff.

Ideally you should have help with your CV and interview techniques though; and we'd recommend all students to update their CV the day they start training - don't put it off until you've graduated or passed any exams. Being considered a 'maybe' is more than not being known. Many junior positions are offered to people who are still at an early stage in their studies. The most reliable organisations to help you land that job are most often independent and specialised local recruitment services. As they're keen to place you to receive their commission, they're perhaps more focused on results.

A good number of students, apparently, put a great deal of effort into their studies (sometimes for years), only to do nothing special when looking for the right position. Market yourself... Make an effort to get in front of employers. Don't expect a job to just fall into your lap.