The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you're thought of as an A+ achiever when you've achieved certifications for just two specialist areas. Because of this, most training providers only have two of the courses on their syllabus. In fact to carry out a job effectively, you'll need the training for all four areas as many positions will be looking for knowledge and skills of all four areas. It's not essential to take all four exams, although it would seem prudent that you take tutorials in all 4 subjects.

When you embark on the A+ computer training course you'll become familiar with how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. You'll also cover fault finding and diagnostics, through both hands-on and remote access. It could be a good idea to consider adding Network+ training to your A+ as you can then also work with networks, which is where the bigger salaries are.

Think about the following facts very carefully if you've been persuaded that the sales ploy of examination guarantees seems like a good idea:

Of course it isn't free - you're still being charged for it - it's just been included in your package price. Qualifying on the first 'go' is what everyone wants to do. Progressively working through your exams one by one and paying for them just before taking them has a marked effect on pass-rates - you revise thoroughly and are mindful of the investment you've made.

Why should you pay your college up-front for exam fees? Find the best exam deal or offer at the appropriate time, rather than pay marked up fees - and sit exams more locally - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call. Including money in your training package for exams (and if you're financing your study there'll be interest on that) is bad financial management. It's not your job to boost the training company's account with additional funds just to give them more interest! There are those who hope that you won't get to do them all - but they won't refund the cash. It's worth noting, with most 'Exam Guarantees' - they control when and how often you are allowed to have another go. They'll only allow a re-take once completely satisfied.

With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric examinations in the United Kingdom costing around 112 pounds, 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. A commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

Validated exam preparation packages are a must - and should definitely be sought from your training provider. Be sure that the mock exams are not only asking questions on the right subjects, but also asking them in the way the real exams will ask them. This really messes up people if the phraseology and format is completely different. Simulations and practice exams are enormously valuable as a resource to you - so that when you come to take the proper exam, you don't get phased.

Make sure you don't get caught-up, as many people do, on the training course itself. Your training isn't about getting a plaque on your wall; this is about employment. You need to remain focused on where you want to go. Don't let yourself become one of those unfortunate people who choose a training program that on the surface appears interesting - and end up with a plaque on the wall for an unrewarding career path.

You must also consider what your attitude is towards earning potential, career development, and whether you intend to be quite ambitious. It makes sense to understand what will be expected of you, what qualifications are needed and how you'll gain real-world experience. Sense dictates that you take guidance from a skilled advisor before embarking on a particular learning programme, so there's no doubt that the specific package will give the skills for the job being sought.