There are four A+ exams and specialised sectors, but your only requirement is to get certified in 2 to qualify for your A+. Because of this, the majority of training providers simply offer two. Yet learning about all 4 will equip you with a far deeper level of understanding of it all, which you'll find a Godsend in industry.

When you embark on the A+ training program you will learn how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. Diagnostic techniques and fault finding are also on the syllabus, as is remote access. If your ambition is taking care of computer networks, add the very comprehensive CompTIA Network+ to your A+ course. Taking this course as well will put you in a position to assist you greatly in the job market. Also look at the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.

A service that several companies offer is a Job Placement Assistance program. The service is put in place to help you get your first commercial position. It can happen though that this feature is bigged up too much, as it is actually not that hard for any focused and well taught person to get work in this industry - as there is such a shortage of skilled employees.

Ideally you should have CV and Interview advice and support though; and we'd recommend any student to bring their CV up to date as soon as training commences - don't put it off until you've graduated or passed any exams. You'll often find that you'll secure your initial position while you're still a student (sometimes when you've only just got going). If your CV doesn't say what you're learning - or it's not getting in front of interviewers, then you won't even be considered! You'll normally experience quicker service from a specialised and independent local recruitment service than any training provider's national service, because they'll know local industry and the area better.

To bottom line it, as long as you focus the same level of energy into securing a job as into studying, you're not going to hit many challenges. Some people curiously put hundreds of hours into their training and studies and just give up once they've got certified and seem to suppose that interviewers know they're there.

A subtle way that course providers make a big mark-up is through up-front charges for exams and then including an 'Exam Guarantee'. This sounds impressive, till you look at the facts:

You'll pay for it somehow. It's definitely not free - they've simply charged more for the whole training package. Should you seriously need to qualify first 'go', you must fund each exam as you take it, give it the priority it deserves and give the task sufficient application.

Sit the exam somewhere local and find the best exam deal or offer available then. A lot of so-called credible training course providers net huge profits through charging for exam fees early then hoping that you won't take them all. It's also worth noting that 'Exam Guarantees' often aren't worth the paper they're written on. Most companies will not pay for re-takes until you can prove to them you're ready to pass.

With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric exams coming in at around 112 pounds in the UK, by far the best option is to pay for them as you take them. It's not in the student's interests to fork out hundreds or thousands of pounds for exams when enrolling on a course. Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.