Two specialist training areas feature in the A+ syllabus, of which you need to pass both for your A+ qualification. A+ computer training courses cover diagnostics and fault finding - both remote access and hands-on, alongside building, fixing, repairing and having knowledge of antistatic conditions. In addition, you could look to consider supplementing the A+ with Network + as it will enable you to become a networking engineer, which is where the bigger salaries are.

It's not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - inevitably that means paying for the exams at the start of your training. However, prior to embracing a course with such a promise, why not look at the following:

They've allowed costings for it somehow. You can be assured it's not a freebie - it's just been rolled into the price of the whole package. Those who take exams one at a time, paying as they go are much more likely to pass. They are conscious of the cost and take the necessary steps to make sure they're ready.

Find the best exam deal or offer available when you take the exam, and hang on to your cash. You'll then be able to select where you do the examinations - so you can choose somewhere closer to home. A lot of extra profit is made by a number of companies who take the exam money up-front. For various reasons, many students don't take their exams and so they pocket the rest. Surprising as it sounds, providers exist who depend on students not taking their exams - as that's where a lot of their profit comes from. It's also worth noting that exam guarantees often have very little value. Many training companies won't pay again for an exam until you have demonstrated conclusively that you won't fail again.

On average, exams cost around the 112 pounds mark in the last 12 months via UK VUE or Prometric centres. So don't be talked into shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds more to get 'Exam Guarantees', when it's obvious that the best guarantee is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software.

Training support for students is an absolute must - locate a good company providing 24x7 full access, as not obtaining this level of support will severely impede your ability to learn. Avoid, like the plague, any organisations that use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - with your call-back scheduled for the next 'working' day. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and need help now.

Keep looking and you'll come across professional training packages who recommend and use online support 24x7 - at any time of day or night. Unless you insist on direct-access 24x7 support, you'll regret it very quickly. You may not need it in the middle of the night, but you're bound to use weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.

Some training providers have a handy Job Placement Assistance service, to help you get your first job. The honest truth is that it's not as hard as some people make out to land a job - once you're trained and certified; the shortage of IT personnel in Britain looks after that.

Having said that, it's important to have help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews though; and we'd recommend any student to bring their CV up to date as soon as training commences - don't wait until you've qualified. It's not unusual to find that you'll secure your initial job while still studying (occasionally right at the beginning). If you haven't updated your CV to say what you're studying - or it's not getting in front of interviewers, then you aren't even in the running! The most efficient companies to get you a new position are generally specialised and independent recruitment consultants. Because they make their money when they've found you a job, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.

In a nutshell, as long as you put the same commitment into securing a position as into studying, you won't have any problems. Some people strangely invest a great deal of time on their learning program and just give up once certified and seem to suppose that interviewers know they're there.

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