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There are a total of 4 specialist training sectors in the overall A+ programme, of which 2 passes are needed for competency in A+. We would advise however that only studying two out of the 4 subjects available is likely to leave your knowledge base somewhat light. At least learn about all four - you’ll be glad you did when it comes to interview time.

Alongside being taught about building and fixing computers, trainees on an A+ training course will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, how to fault find, to diagnose and to remotely access problems.

In addition, you could look to think about doing Network+ as it will give you the knowledge to work with networks, which means greater employment benefits.

We’re regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are being replaced by more commercial certificates?

With the costs of academic degree’s climbing ever higher, plus the industry’s recognition that accreditation-based training is often far more commercially relevant, we’ve seen a great increase in Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA accredited training programmes that supply key solutions to a student for much less time and money.

They do this through focusing on the actual skills required (along with a relevant amount of associated knowledge,) rather than trawling through all the background detail and ‘fluff’ that degree courses often do (to fill up a syllabus or course).

Assuming a company understands what they’re looking for, then they just need to look for someone with a specific qualification. Syllabuses all have to conform to the same requirements and do not vary between trainers (like academia frequently can and does).

Working on revolutionary new technology is about as exciting as it can get. You’re involved with impacting progress around the world.

There are people who believe that the increase in technology we’ve had over recent years is lowering its pace. This couldn’t be more wrong. Terrific advances are ahead of us, and most especially the internet will be the biggest thing to affect the way we live.

Let’s not ignore salaries either - the usual income across the UK for an average person working in IT is considerably better than in other market sectors. Chances are you’ll bring in a much greater package than you’d typically expect to bring in elsewhere.

The need for appropriately qualified IT professionals is certain for the significant future, because of the ongoing growth in the technology industry and the very large deficiency that we still have.

Beware of putting too much emphasis, like so many people do, on the accreditation program. Training is not an end in itself; you should be geared towards the actual job at the end of it. You need to remain focused on where you want to go.

Imagine training for just one year and then end up doing the job for 20 years. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of taking what may be an ‘interesting’ training program only to spend 20 years doing a job you don’t like!

Prioritise understanding the exact expectations industry will have. What precise exams you’ll be required to have and how to gain experience. Spend some time setting guidelines as to how far you reckon you’re going to want to progress your career as often it can force you to choose a particular set of exams.

All students are advised to chat with an experienced industry advisor before they embark on a learning path. This is required to ensure it contains the relevant skills for the career that is sought.

Ignore any salesperson that pushes one particular program without performing a ‘fact-find’ to gain understanding of your current abilities plus your experience level. Ensure that they have a large stable of training programs so they’re actually equipped to provide you with what’s right for you.

Where you have a strong background, or maybe some work-based experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it’s likely your starting level will vary from someone with no background whatsoever.

Always consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can often make your learning curve a a little easier.

(C) Jason Kendall. Look at LearningLolly.com for smart information. www.learninglolly.com or Comptia Training Courses.

There are actually 4 different sectors in the full CompTIA A+ syllabus, but you’re just required to achieve pass marks in 2 for your A+ qualification. But only learning about 2 out of the 4 subjects available could expose flaws in your knowledge when applying for a job. Choose a course with all 4 subjects - employers will notice the difference.

If you decide to become a student on the A+ training course you’ll be taught how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. Fault finding and diagnostic techniques through hands on and remote access are also covered.

It could be a good idea to consider adding Network+ training to your A+ as it will give you the knowledge to look after networks of computers, and become a more senior IT professional.

Don’t forget: the training itself or a certification is not what you’re looking for; the particular job you’re training for is. Too many training companies over-emphasise the certificate itself.

It’s unfortunate, but a great many students commence training that sounds marvellous in the sales literature, but which delivers a career that doesn’t fulfil at all. Just ask several university graduates and you’ll see where we’re coming from.

Stay tuned-in to what you want to achieve, and create a learning-plan from that - don’t do it back-to-front. Keep on track and study for a job that will keep you happy for many years.

The best advice for students is to talk with a skilled advisor before deciding on their retraining program. This is required to ensure it has the required elements for the chosen career path.

A lot of training schools still use the rather old-fashioned idea of classroom days. Very often portrayed as a huge benefit, following a chat with most students who’ve had to attend a couple, you’ll hear a common theme of many or most of the following problems:

* Loads of travelling - multiple visits and quite often over 100 miles a pop.

* Getting time out of work - many trainers only offer Mon-Fri workshop availability and typically group 2-3 days together. This is generally difficult for those of us who work for a living, even more so if you include the travel time on top.

* If we’ve got 4 weeks holiday each year, giving half of them to educational events often means losing out on family and vacation time.

* Workshops typically get way too big.

* Often, tension develops inside the classroom where students want to progress at their own pace.

* Rising travel prices - driving backwards and forwards to the training centre and of course accommodation over-night can cost a lot every time you have to go. With only 5-10 classes at a cost of 35 pounds for a single over-night room, plus 40 pounds petrol and food at 15.00, we find an extra four to nine hundred pounds of hidden costs that we now have to fund.

* We all enjoy our privacy. We should never risk losing any advancement that could awarded to us because our employer knows we’re retraining.

* Asking questions in front of other class-mates often makes us feel uncomfortable. Ever avoided asking a question as you honestly thought you might seem thick?

* There are those of us who on occasion live away for part of the week, consider the added problems of making the requisite days in-centre, as time is now more scarce than ever.

Wouldn’t it be better to watch a video and study with instructors one-to-one in pre-filmed modules, doing them at your convenience - not somebody else’s.

Do them at home on your PC or if you have laptop, why not get outside if the weather’s nice. If you’ve got questions, then use the provided 24×7 live support (that should come with any technical program.)

There’s no need to take notes - all the lessons and background info are laid out on a plate. Any time you want to repeat something, just go for it.

The result: Reduced hassle, saved money, and no wasted travelling time.

(C) Jason Kendall. Check out LearningLolly.com for logical career advice on Comptia Training and Comptia Network+.

It’s really great that you’ve made it this far! Just ten percent of people are happy and satisfied by their jobs, but a huge number complain to each other and take no action. Because you’ve done research we can guess that you’re giving retraining some thought, so you’ve already stood out from the crowd. The next step is to research and follow-through.

We’d strongly advise that prior to beginning any study program, you run through some things with a mentor who is familiar with the working environment and can advise you. Such a person will go through personality profiling with you and assist in finding the right role for you:

* Is collaborating with others important to you? Would you prefer to work with a small team or with a lot of new people? Perhaps working alone in a task-based situation would be more your thing?

* What do you need from the area of industry you choose? (If it’s stability you’re after, you might think twice about banks or the building industry right now.)

* Once you’ve trained, how many years work do anticipate working, and can your chosen industry provide you with that possibility?

* Would it be useful for the course you’re re-training in to be in an area where you believe your chances of gainful employment are high up to retirement age?

A predominant industry in the UK that fulfils the above criteria is the IT industry. There is a requirement for greater numbers of skilled technicians in this sector, simply have a look at a local job site and you will find them yourself. But don’t think it’s only geeky nerds looking at their computerscreens every day - there are many more roles than that. The majority of employees in IT are just like you and me, with jobs they enjoy and better than average salaries.

Training support for students is an absolute must - find a program offering 24×7 direct access to instructors, as anything less will not satisfy and will also hamper your progress.

Beware of institutions who use call-centres ‘out-of-hours’ - with the call-back coming in during normal office hours. It’s not a lot of help when you’ve got study issues and want support there and then.

The best trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. They use an online interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, any time of the day or night, help is just seconds away, without any contact issues or hassle.

Find a trainer that is worth purchasing from. Only true round-the-clock 24×7 support provides the necessary backup.

Many people question why qualifications from colleges and universities are being replaced by more commercial certificates?

Accreditation-based training (as it’s known in the industry) is far more specialised and product-specific. Industry has become aware that such specialised knowledge is necessary to cope with a technologically complex workplace. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the key players in this arena.

The training is effectively done by concentrating on the particular skills that are needed (along with an appropriate level of related knowledge,) rather than going into the heightened depths of background ‘padding’ that degrees in computing often do - to fill a three or four year course.

As long as an employer understands what areas they need covered, then they just need to look for the exact skill-set required to meet that need. Syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and aren’t allowed to deviate (as academic syllabuses often do).

Always expect the current Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages.

Confirm that the mock exams aren’t just asking you the right questions on the right subjects, but additionally ask them in the exact format that the real exams will formulate them. It completely unsettles trainees if the phraseology and format is completely different.

Clearly, it is vital to know that you are completely prepared for your final certified exam prior to going for it. Rehearsing ‘mock’ exams helps build your confidence and will save a lot of money on failed exams.

Trainees eager to start an Information Technology career usually don’t know which path they should take, or which market to achieve their certification in.

As having no solid background in the IT industry, how could any of us understand what someone in a particular job does?

Consideration of these different factors is most definitely required when you want to discover the right answers:

* Your hobbies and interests - as they can highlight what possibilities you’ll get the most enjoyment out of.

* Why you want to consider stepping into Information Technology - is it to conquer some personal goal like self-employment for instance.

* Where is the salary on a scale of importance - is it very important, or does job satisfaction rate higher up on your list of priorities?

* Some students don’t fully understand the amount of work demanded to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* You need to understand what differentiates each individual training area.

In these situations, your only option to gain help on these matters tends to be through a good talk with someone that has experience of computing (and chiefly it’s commercial needs and requirements.)

(C) Jason Kendall. Pop over to LearningLolly.com for intelligent information on CompTIA Training Courses and Computer Training Courses.

If you’d like to find an MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) training program, pay attention to the fact that training varies from company to company; and you’ll relate to some more than others. You will find a variety of courses, both if you’re new to network support, or a professional hoping to gain acknowledged certifications.

Should you be contemplating entering the IT workplace for the 1st time, you will possibly need to improve your skill-set prior to tackling all four MCP’s (Microsoft Certified Professional exams) required to become MCSA qualified. Find a provider that will design a course to fit your requirements - you should be able to discuss this with an advisor to determine your best course of action.

It only makes sense to consider study courses which lead to industry recognised exams. There’s an endless list of small companies promoting ‘in-house’ certificates which will prove unusable in today’s commercial market.

From an employer’s perspective, only the major heavyweights like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA (as an example) give enough bang for your buck. Nothing else will cut the mustard.

A key training course package will undoubtedly also offer accredited exam preparation systems.

Due to the fact that many examination boards in IT tend to be American, you’ll need to be used to the correct phraseology. It’s not sufficient simply understanding random questions - they have to be in the same format as the actual exams.

Clearly, it’s essential to ensure that you are completely prepared for your final certified exam before embarking on it. Practicing ‘mock’ exams will help to boost your attitude and will save a lot of money on failed exams.

An important area that is sometimes not even considered by people considering a training program is ‘training segmentation’. Essentially, this is the way the course is divided up for delivery to you, which completely controls how you end up.

You may think it logical (with a typical time scale of 1-3 years to achieve full certification,) for your typical trainer to courier a single section at a time, as you pass each element. But:

What if for some reason you don’t get to the end of every exam? And what if you find the order of the modules counter-intuitive? Without any fault on your part, you might take a little longer and consequently not get all your materials.

For the perfect solution, you want ALL the study materials up-front - giving you them all to return to any point - whenever it suits you. You can also vary the order in which you complete each objective if another more intuitive route presents itself.

Students who consider this area of study often have a very practical outlook on work, and don’t really enjoy classrooms, and endless reading of dry academic textbooks. If this is putting you off studying, opt for more involving, interactive learning materials, where learning is video-based.

Learning psychology studies show that much more of what we learn in remembered when we use all our senses, and we put into practice what we’ve been studying.

Courses are now available on CD and DVD discs, where everything is taught on your PC. Using video-streaming, you can watch instructors demonstrating how something is done, with some practice time to follow - in a virtual lab environment.

It makes sense to see examples of the courseware provided before you make your decision. You should expect instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.

Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Physical CD or DVD ROM materials are preferable where obtainable, so you can use them wherever and whenever you want - it’s not wise to be held hostage to a quality and continuous internet connection.

(C) 2009. Go to LearningLolly.com for great career advice on MCSA Certification and MCSA Training Courses.