There are four specialist areas of training in a full CompTIA A+ program; you're thought of as an A+ achiever when you've passed the test for 2 out of 4 subjects. Because of this, most colleges limit themselves to 2 study areas. You'll find that it's necessary to have the training for all four areas as many positions will ask for the skills and knowledge of each specialist area. Don't feel pressured to qualify in them all, but we would recommend you at least have a working knowledge of every area.

In addition to learning how to build and fix computers, students on A+ courses will be taught how to work in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics. If you feel it appropriate to add Network+ training, you'll also have the ability to take care of networks, meaning you're in a position to expect a better remuneration package.

A skilled and specialised advisor (as opposed to a salesman) will want to thoroughly discuss your abilities and experience. This is useful for understanding your starting level of study. Don't forget, if you've had any relevant accreditation or direct-experience, then it's not unreasonable to expect to start at a different point than a student who's starting from scratch. Consider starting with user-skills and software training first. This can help whip your basic knowledge into shape and make the learning curve a much easier going.

At times folks don't catch on to what information technology is doing for all of us. It is electrifying, revolutionary, and means you're working on technology that will change our world over the next few decades. It's a common misapprehension that the technological advancement we've had over recent years is slowing down. This couldn't be more wrong. Massive changes are on the horizon, and most especially the internet will be the most effective tool in our lives.

Let's not ignore salaries also - the usual income across the UK for a typical IT employee is significantly more than remuneration packages in other sectors. It's a good bet you'll bring in quite a bit more than you could reasonably hope to get in other industries. There is a great UK-wide need for professionally qualified IT workers. And with the constant growth in the marketplace, it appears this will be the case for the significant future.

We need to make this very clear: It's essential to obtain proper 24x7 round-the-clock instructor and mentor support. We can tell you that you'll strongly regret it if you don't. Don't buy training courses that only support students via an out-sourced call-centre message system when it's outside of usual working hours. Companies will always try to hide the importance of this issue. Essentially - you want to be supported when you need the help - not when it's convenient for them.

Keep looking and you'll come across the top providers who offer direct-access online support 24x7 - even in the middle of the night. Always choose a trainer that goes the extra mile. Only proper live 24x7 round-the-clock support gives you the confidence to make it.

Consider only learning paths that progress to industry accepted accreditations. There are far too many small colleges suggesting minor 'in-house' certificates that are essentially useless in the real world. Unless your qualification is issued by a company like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco, then you may discover it won't be commercially viable - because no-one will recognise it.