There are actually 4 different sectors in the overall A+ programme, of which 2 passes are needed to be considered A+ qualified. But only studying two of the four specialities might well not equip you for a job. Look for training that covers all the specialist areas - employers will notice the difference.

CompTIA A+ in isolation will allow you to repair and fix computers and Macs; ones that are generally not connected to a network - this generally applies to home use and small companies. If you feel it appropriate to add Network+ training to your A+, you'll additionally be equipped to look after networks, allowing you to apply for more senior positions.

The A+ training & the Network+ training are 'CompTIA's' most widely recognised accreditations. Collectively they encompass the first step toward a good number of career-paths in I.T., and therefore are leaders in their field. Students get to grips with many fundamental PC principles with A+ , including repair, maintenance, support security, installation and fault finding. So that you can become established in the I.T. market, the 'A+' also covers various communication & personal skills. Expanding on this knowledge, the 'Network+' qualification covers networks, (which includes routers and servers) and describes how they inter-connect. The vital matter of Security is underlined, & Wireless networks are reviewed at an elementary level. Both accreditations complement each other well, & together provide a good starting platform for further exam programs, or a solid career in IT support.

The two exams have recently been subject to a 2009 upgrade in-line with CompTIA's move towards ISO standardisation. Worldwide the 2006/2007 versions of 'A+' (with the exam pre-fix number 600) will disappear over the coming 12 months. In Britain, they cease being offered on August 31st 2010. As both these, and the recently released 700 examinations are now allowed to be taken in 'prometric' and Vue test centres, it seems sensible to study for the '700' examinations now, & avoid having to re-certify later on. CompTIA 'A+' Essentials & 'CompTIA' 'A+' Practical Application are the new examination titles (220-701 and 220/702 respectively). The 4 original examinations have been re-structured into 2 brand new examinations, and some more up-dated material has been added. The old format was one compulsory 'essentials' exam & three 'electives', of which just one needed to be sat. As the market has progressed, the knowledge from all four examinations is actually considered crucial, & so has been condensed in to 2 compulsory assessments. CompTIA also have introduced the 'BR-003' 'up-grade' examination, for people accredited in the '600' exams who need to up-date to the current 700 examinations. This would almost definitely involve additional study, although less so if you covered all of the older exams, as opposed to only the minimum two. Sufficient study hours really should be allowed for the new technology aspects however.

Several companies supply a practical Job Placement Assistance program, to assist your search for your first position. Because of the great skills shortage in the United Kingdom today, it's not necessary to place too much emphasis on this feature however. It really won't be that difficult to land the right work once you're well trained and qualified.

Update your CV at the beginning of your training though (advice and support for this should come from your course provider). Don't put it off till you've finished your exams. It's possible that you won't have even got to the exam time when you will be offered your first junior support role; however this is not possible if interviewers don't get sight of your CV. The best services to help you land that job are most often independent and specialised local recruitment services. Because they only get paid when they place you, they'll work that much harder to get a result.

A regular aggravation for a number of training providers is how much men and women are prepared to study to get qualified, but how ill-prepared they are to market themselves for the role they've acquired skills for. Have confidence - the IT industry needs YOU.

Full support is of the utmost importance - ensure you track down something that includes 24x7 access, as not obtaining this level of support will severely hold up your pace and restrict your intake. Many only provide email support (too slow), and phone support is usually just a call-centre which will chat nicely with you for 5 minutes to ask what the issue is and then simply send an email to an instructor - who will call back over the next day or so (assuming you're there), when it's convenient to them. This is all next to useless if you're stuck with a particular problem and only have a specific time you can study.

Keep looking and you'll come across professional companies that recommend and use direct-access support around the clock - no matter what time of day it is. Don't accept second best when you're looking for the right support service. The vast majority of would-be IT professionals that drop-out or fail, are in that situation because they didn't get the support necessary for them.