The CompTIA A+ course comprises of 4 specialised sectors - you need to pass exams in 2 specialities to be considered A+ competent. Because of this, most colleges restrict their A+ to just two of the four in the syllabus. To us, this is too much of a compromise - sure, you can pass an exam, but experience of all four will prepare you more fully for when you're in the workplace, where you'll need a more comprehensive understanding. This is why you should train in everything.

Passing the A+ exam without additional courses will give you the ability to fix and repair laptops, Macs and PC's; ones which are usually not part of a network - essentially the domestic or small business sector. If you're considering being a man or woman who is involved with a big team - in network support, build on A+ with Network+, or alternatively look at doing an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft to give you a better comprehension of how networks work.

CompTIA A+ and Network+ are undoubtedly the most extensively recognised of their accreditations. A very important set considered as a package, they are the starting point for a lot of excellent career-tracks. A+ training teaches all of the basics of Computer maintenance, fault finding and repair; including support, security & installation. It also covers several personal and communication skillsets needed to get your foot on the ladder of IT. The 'CompTIA' N+ accreditation stretches this knowledge to a more thorough grasp of networks, servers and routers, and how they connect together. Both Security & 'Wi-Fi' are dealt with to a certain extent. The two qualifications complement each other well, & collectively provide a very good start-up platform for other examination packages, or a strong career in IT support.

Both of the exams have recently undergone a 2009 'facelift' in-line with CompTIA's efforts towards 'ISO' standardisation. A+ examinations that began with the number 600 (i.e. the 2006-2007 version) are being phased-out around the world. At the end of Aug 2010, the examinations will be retired in Britain. Up until then, trainees can take either the 600 or the newer 700 exams at local test-centres (specifically Vue and 'Prometric'). Reason dictates that new entrant trainees should learn edition 2009. 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials & 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application are the new exam titles (220/701 & 220/702 respectively). The 4 original exams have been re-structured into two new exams, and some additional up-dated information has been introduced. The old structure was one required Essentials exam and 3 electives, of which just one needed to be sat. Over the last four years, the industry has developed to the stage where all 4 examinations have become considered necessary - hence the re-formatting in to two essential exams. Those who have previously achieved the '600' exam may bring their certification up-to-date by taking a bridging exam : BR-003. Additional training will undoubtedly be necessary, especially for many who only originally studied for two of the four electives. The new technology topics will naturally need some extra studying.

Each programme of learning must provide a properly recognised certification at the end - and not some unimportant 'in-house' plaque for your wall. From the viewpoint of an employer, only top businesses like Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe (for example) really carry any commercial clout. Nothing else makes the grade.

The market provides a plethora of work available in IT. Arriving at the correct choice for you is a mammoth decision. As without any commercial skills in the IT industry, how can most of us be expected to understand what a particular job actually consists of? Getting to the right resolution can only grow via a methodical investigation of several varying factors:

* What hobbies you're involved with in your spare-time - often these point towards what possibilities will provide a happy working life.

* Why you're looking at getting involved with the IT industry - maybe you'd like to achieve a life-long goal such as working from home for instance.

* Your earning needs that guide you?

* With many, many markets to choose from in computing - it's wise to get some background information on what sets them apart.

* Having a good look at the level of commitment, time and effort that you're going to put into it.

In all honesty, it's obvious that the only real way to gain help on these matters tends to be through a good talk with an experienced advisor who has years of experience in computing (and chiefly it's commercial requirements.)