The CompTIA A+ training program covers two modules of training; you're considered competent at A+ when you've gained exams for both specialist areas. Once you start your CompTIA A+, you will develop an understanding of how to build computers and fix them, and work in antistatic conditions. Diagnostic techniques and fault finding are also on the syllabus, as is remote access. In addition, you could look to think about doing Network+ as it will give you the knowledge to look after networks of computers, which is where the bigger salaries are.

Many students think that the traditional school, college or university track is the right way even now. So why then are commercial certificates becoming more in demand? Vendor-based training (to use industry-speak) is more effective in the commercial field. Industry is aware that specialisation is necessary to service the demands of a technologically complex marketplace. Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA are the key players in this arena. This is done through focusing on the actual skills required (along with a relevant amount of background knowledge,) instead of spending months and years on the background 'padding' that academic courses can get bogged down in - to fill a three or four year course.

Assuming a company is aware what areas they need covered, then they just need to look for a person with the appropriate exam numbers. Commercial syllabuses are set to exacting standards and don't change between schools (like academia frequently can and does).

Many training companies have a handy Job Placement Assistance service, to help you into your first commercial role. Ultimately it's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to find employment - assuming you're well trained and qualified; because there's still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.

Advice and support about getting interviews and your CV is sometimes offered (if not, see one of our sites for help). It's essential that you polish up your CV immediately - not after you've qualified! You'll often find that you'll secure your initial job while you're still a student (sometimes when you've only just got going). If your CV doesn't show your latest training profile (and it hasn't been posted on jobsites) then you're not even going to be known about! In many cases, an independent and specialised local employment service (who will get paid commission to place you) will perform better than any division of a training company. They should, of course, also be familiar with the local area and commercial needs.

In a nutshell, if you put as much hard work into finding your first job as into studying, you're not likely to experience problems. A number of people bizarrely conscientiously work through their training course and just give up once they've passed their exams and seem to suppose that interviewers know they're there.

Potential Students hoping to start a career in IT usually don't know which path they should take, let alone which area to achieve their certification in. What is our likelihood of grasping the tasks faced daily in an IT career if we've never been there? Most likely we don't know someone who does that actual job anyway. The key to answering this predicament in the best manner comes from an in-depth chat, covering several areas:

* What hobbies you have and enjoy - these often highlight what things will provide a happy working life.

* Are you aiming to accomplish a closely held aspiration - like being your own boss someday?

* What scale of importance is the salary - is it of prime importance, or does job satisfaction rate further up on your list of priorities?

* Considering the huge variation that Information Technology encompasses, you'll need to be able to absorb the differences.

* You should also think long and hard about the amount of time and effort you're going to invest in your education.

For the majority of us, sifting through all these ideas needs a long talk with a professional that can explain things properly. And not just the qualifications - you also need to understand the commercial expectations and needs of industry too.

It's quite a normal occurrence for students not to check on something of absolutely vital importance - the way their training provider breaks up the courseware elements, and into what particular chunks. The majority of training companies will set up a program typically taking 1-3 years, and send out each piece as you complete each section or exam. Sounds reasonable? Well consider these facts: What would happen if you didn't finish each section at the required speed? Often the staged order won't be as easy as some other structure would for you.

The ideal solution is to have all the learning modules sent to your address right at the beginning; the whole caboodle! Then, nothing can hinder your progress.

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