'CompTIA' A+ & Network+ are easily the most commonly recognised of their qualifications. An incredibly valuable set considered as a package, they're the starting point for many thriving career-tracks. Individuals learn a good deal of basic computer principles with A+ , such as repair, maintenance, support installation, security & fault-finding. To help you to become established within the I.T. marketplace, the 'A+' also addresses several communication and personal skill-sets. 'Network+' takes the subject further, by working on a more in depth understanding of how networks function and communicate with one another. 'Security' is of course vital, and wireless technology is discussed to a certain extent. 'CompTIA' A+ and N+ will give you a firm foundation for a Systems career in I.T., & furthermore a very good basis for other more more senior qualification programs.

If you forget everything else - then just remember this: Always get full 24x7 support from professional instructors. You'll definitely experience problems if you don't heed this. Email support is too slow, and phone support is often to a call-centre that 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 then call back sometime over the next 24hrs, at a time suitable for them. This is no use if you're stuck with a particular problem and have a one hour time-slot in which to study.

It's possible to find the top providers that provide their students direct-access online support at all times - even in the middle of the night. Never settle for less than you need and deserve. Online 24x7 support is really your only option for IT training. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for most of us, we're out at work during the provided support period.

Always expect accredited simulation materials and an exam preparation system included in your course. Students regularly can get thrown by trying to prepare themselves with questions that don't come from authorised sources. Sometimes, the way questions are phrased can be completely unlike un-authorised versions and you need to be ready for this. Practice exams are very useful as a resource to you - so when it comes to taking the real thing, you will be much more relaxed.

One feature offered by some training providers is a programme of Job Placement assistance. This is designed to steer you into your first IT role. However sometimes people are too impressed with this facility, because it's really not that difficult for well qualified and focused men and women to get work in IT - because companies everywhere are seeking well trained people.

Work on polishing up your CV right away however - look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don't procrastinate and leave it till the exams have actually been passed. Various junior support roles have been offered to students who are still learning and have still to get qualified. At least this will get you on your way. If it's important to you to find work near your home, then you'll often find that an independent and specialised local employment service can generally serve you better than some national concern, for they're far more likely to be familiar with the local job scene.

To bottom line it, as long as you focus the same level of energy into getting your first job as into training, you're not likely to experience problems. Some people inexplicably put hundreds of hours into their learning program and then call a halt once certified and seem to suppose that interviewers know they're there.

Commencing from the viewpoint that it's good to home-in on the market that sounds most inviting first, before we're even able to consider what career development program ticks the right boxes, how do we decide on the right direction? Consequently, without any background in IT in the workplace, how can you expect to know what some particular IT person actually does day-to-day? Let alone arrive at what training route will be most suitable for ultimate success. Reflection on the following points is important when you want to dig down the right answer for you:

- The type of personality you have and interests - the sort of working tasks you like and dislike.

- Why you're looking at starting in computing - maybe you'd like to triumph over a long-held goal like being self-employed for example.

- Your earning requirements you may have?

- Learning what typical career areas and sectors are - including what sets them apart.

- The level of commitment and effort you'll put into the training program.

The bottom line is, your only chance of understanding everything necessary is from a long chat with someone who understands the market well enough to give you the information required.

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