There are two A+ exams and sections to study, and you're expected to pass both of them to qualify for your A+. A+ certification in isolation will allow you to fix and repair computers and Macs; principally ones that aren't joined to a network - which means the home or small business market. If your ambition is looking after computer networks, add the excellent Network+ to your A+ course. Including Network+ will prepare you to get a higher paid position. Alternatively, you may prefer the route to networking via Microsoft, in the form of MCP's, MCSA or the full MCSE.

Far too many companies focus completely on the certification process, and completely miss the reasons for getting there - which is of course employment. Always begin with the end in mind - don't make the journey more important than where you want to get to. It's a testament to the marketing skills of the big companies, but the majority of trainees commence training that sounds spectacular in the marketing materials, but which delivers a career that doesn't satisfy. Talk to many college leavers for a real eye-opener.

Make sure you investigate what your attitude is towards earning potential, career development, and how ambitious you are. It makes sense to understand what will be expected of you, which exams are needed and in what way you can develop commercial experience. We recommend that students look for advice and guidance from an experienced industry advisor before making your final decision on a study path, so you're sure from the outset that the content of a learning package provides the skill-set required for your career choice.

You have to make sure that all your certifications are current and commercially required - don't even consider programs which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself). If your certification doesn't come from a big-hitter like Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe, then you may discover it will have been a waste of time - because no-one will recognise it.

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