Training for your CompTIA A+ has four specialist sections – you need to pass exams in just two sectors to be seen as competent in A+. Because of this, most colleges only offer two of the four in the syllabus. To us, this is selling you short – of course you can gain accreditation, but knowing about the others will give you a distinct advantage in industry, where knowledge of all four will be necessary. So that’s why you deserve training in all 4 specialities.

Alongside being taught how to build and fix computers, trainees on an A+ training course will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics.

If you add Network+ to your A+ course, you’ll also have the ability to take care of networks, giving you the facility to move further up the career path.

A key training program will incorporate Microsoft (or key company) exam preparation systems.

Due to the fact that the majority of examining boards for IT come from the United States, you need to become familiar with their phraseology. It’s no use just understanding random questions – they must be in an exam format that exactly replicates the real thing.

As you can imagine, it is really important to know that you’ve thoroughly prepared for the real exam prior to doing it. Going over simulated exams adds to your knowledge bank and will avoid you getting frustrated with wasted exam attempts.

If you’re like many of the students we talk to then you’re a practical sort of person – the ‘hands-on’ type. Typically, the world of book-reading and classrooms is something you’ll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but you really wouldn’t enjoy it. Consider interactive, multimedia study if you’d really rather not use books.

Many studies have proved that we remember much more when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we take action to use what we’ve learned.

Programs are now found via DVD-ROM discs, where your computer becomes the centre of your learning. Utilising the latest video technology, you can sit back and watch the teachers showing you precisely how to do something, with some practice time to follow – via the interactive virtual lab’s.

It’s imperative to see examples of the study materials provided by any company that you may want to train through. They have to utilise instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab’s.

Many companies provide just online versions of their training packages; while you can get away with this much of the time, imagine the problems if internet access is lost or you get intermittent problems and speed issues. A safer solution is the provision of CD and DVD ROM materials which will not have these problems.

A proficient and professional advisor (in contrast with a salesperson) will talk through your current situation. This is paramount to establishing your starting level of study.

It’s worth remembering, if you have some relevant previous certification, then you will often be able to start at a different point than someone new to the industry.

Where this will be your first stab at studying for an IT examination then you might also want to begin with some basic PC skills training first.

One crafty way that colleges make a big mark-up is by charging for exams up-front and then including an ‘Exam Guarantee’. It looks like a good deal, till you look at the facts:

They’ve allowed costings for it one way or another. It’s definitely not free – it’s just been rolled into the price of the whole package.

People who take exams one at a time, paying for them just before taking them are much more likely to pass. They are conscious of what they’ve paid and prepare more appropriately to make sure they’re ready.

Why should you pay your college early for examinations? Hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the appropriate time, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance – and sit exams more locally – rather than in some remote place.

What’s the point in paying early for examinations when you didn’t need to? Big margins are made by companies charging all their exam fees up-front – and banking on the fact that many won’t be taken.

It’s also worth noting that exam guarantees often have very little value. The majority of organisations will not pay for you to re-take until you can prove to them you’re ready to pass.

Splashing out often many hundreds of pounds extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is remiss – when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is what will get you through.

(C) Jason Kendall. Look at LearningLolly.com for smart career tips. Comptia Course or A+ Training Courses.