The CompTIA A+ training program covers two modules of training; you're seen as A+ competent when you've passed the test for both subjects. If you decide to become a student on the A+ training course you'll become familiar with how to work in antistatic conditions and build and fix computers. You'll also cover fault finding and diagnostics, through both hands-on and remote access. Should you want to work towards maintaining networks, add the very comprehensive Network+ to the CompTIA A+ training you're doing. This will mean you can command a more senior job role. Alternatively, you may prefer the networking qualifications from Microsoft, i.e. MCP, MCSA MCSE.

Trainees looking at this market can be very practical by nature, and aren't really suited to the classroom environment, and struggling through thick study-volumes. If you're thinking this sounds like you, opt for more involving, interactive learning materials, where learning is video-based. Our ability to remember is increased when all our senses are brought into the mix - learning experts have been saying this for many years.

Interactive audio-visual materials utilising video demo's and practice lab's will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And they're a lot more fun to do. Don't take any chances and look at some examples of the kind of training materials you'll be using before you hand over your cheque. Always insist on instructor demonstrations, video tutorials and a variety of audio-visual and interactive sections.

It's unwise to go for purely on-line training. With highly variable reliability and quality from most broadband providers, ensure that you have access to disc based courseware (On CD or DVD).

So, why is it better to gain commercial qualifications instead of familiar academic qualifications obtained from the state educational establishments? With university education costs climbing ever higher, and the IT sector's recognition that vendor-based training often has more relevance in the commercial field, we've seen a large rise in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe authorised training programmes that provide key skills to an employee for much less time and money. In essence, only that which is required is learned. It's not quite as straightforward as that, but principally the objective has to be to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (with some necessary background) - without going into too much detail in all sorts of other things (as academia often does).

What if you were an employer - and your company needed a person with some very particular skills. Which is the most straightforward: Trawl through reams of different degrees and college qualifications from graduate applicants, trying to establish what they know and what commercial skills they've acquired, or choose particular accreditations that exactly fulfil your criteria, and draw up from that who you want to speak to. You'll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview - rather than on the depth of their technical knowledge.

A knowledgeable and specialised advisor (vs a salesperson) will talk through your current level of ability and experience. This is paramount to establishing your starting point for training. It's worth remembering, if you've got any work-experience or certification, then you may be able to pick-up at a different starting-point to a trainee with no history to speak of. Starting with a foundation module first is often the best way to start into your IT programme, depending on your current skill level.

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