The CompTIA A+ training program covers two modules of training; you're considered an A+ achiever when you've achieved certifications for both subjects. As well as learning how to build and fix computers, trainees on an A+ training course will have instruction on how to operate in antistatic conditions, how to fault find, to diagnose and to remotely access problems. Perhaps you see yourself as a man or woman who works for a larger company - in network support, you should include CompTIA Network+ to your training package, or consider an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft as you'll need a wider knowledge of the way networks work.

One of the most important things to insist on has to be 24x7 round-the-clock support via expert mentors and instructors. So many companies we come across only provide support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later (but not weekends usually). Avoid, like the plague, any organisations which use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - with the call-back coming in during office hours. This is no use if you're stuck and need an answer now.

We recommend that you search for training programs that incorporate three or four individual support centres from around the world. All of them should be combined to offer a simple interface and also 24x7 access, when you need it, with no fuss. If you accept anything less than online 24x7 support, you'll quickly find yourself regretting it. You might not want to use the service in the middle of the night, but what about weekends, early mornings or late evenings.

It's not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, before you've even made a start on the course. Before you get carried away with this so-called guarantee, be aware of the facts:

In this day and age, we tend to be a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and generally we cotton on to the fact that we're actually paying for it - it's not because they're so generous they want to give something away! Qualifying on the first 'go' is what everyone wants to do. Taking your exams progressively one at a time and funding them as you go puts you in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt - you prepare appropriately and think carefully about the costs.

Find the best exam deal or offer available when you take the exam, 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. A lot of extra profit is secured by many companies who get money upfront for exam fees. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams and so the company is quids-in. Amazingly, there are companies around that actually bank on it - and that's how they increase their profits. Re-takes of any failed exams through organisations with an 'Exam Guarantee' inevitably are heavily regulated. They will insist that you take pre-tests first till you've proven conclusively that you can pass.

Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is short-sighted - when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is actually the key to your success.

Many trainees think that the traditional school, college or university path is still the most effective. Why then is commercial certification beginning to overtake it? With fees and living expenses for university students spiralling out of control, and the industry's increasing awareness that accreditation-based training is closer to the mark commercially, there has been a large rise in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe accredited training paths that create knowledgeable employees for much less time and money. Of course, a reasonable portion of associated detail needs to be covered, but focused specifics in the areas needed gives a vendor trained person a massive advantage.

Imagine if you were an employer - and your company needed a person with some very particular skills. What should you do: Pore through loads of academic qualifications from several applicants, trying to establish what they know and what trade skills they've mastered, or choose a specific set of accreditations that specifically match what you're looking for, and draw up from that who you want to speak to. You can then focus on how someone will fit into the team at interview - instead of long discussions on technical suitability.

Only consider training courses which will grow into industry recognised qualifications. There are way too many small companies suggesting their own 'in-house' certificates which will prove unusable when it comes to finding a job. From the perspective of an employer, only the top companies like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco (as an example) really carry any commercial clout. Nothing else hits the mark.

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