There are four specialised areas of training in the full CompTIA A+ syllabus, of which you need to pass two for competency in A+. Be aware though that only learning about 2 of the study sections is likely to leave your knowledge base somewhat light. Look for training that covers all the specialist areas – this will give you the edge in the working environment.

As well as learning about the ins and outs of building and maintaining computers, trainees on A+ courses will learn how to operate in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics.

If your ambition is looking after computer networks, you’ll need to add Network+ to your A+ course. Taking this course as well will mean you can apply for more interesting jobs. You may also want to consider the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA and MCSE).

If an advisor doesn’t question you thoroughly – the likelihood is they’re actually nothing more than a salesman. If they wade straight in with a specific product before learning about your history and whether you have any commercial experience, then it’s definitely the case.

If you’ve got any work-based experience or base qualifications, you could discover that your appropriate starting-point is now at a different level to a new student.

If this is going to be your first crack at IT study then you should consider whether to practice with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first.

Let’s admit it: There really is pretty much no individual job security anymore; there can only be market or business security – a company will let anyone go when it fits the business’ trade needs.

Now, we only experience security through a rapidly escalating marketplace, driven forward by work-skills shortages. This shortage creates the appropriate environment for a higher level of market-security – a much more desirable situation.

The IT skills deficit throughout Great Britain falls in at around twenty six percent, as shown by the most recent e-Skills analysis. Alternatively, you could say, this reveals that the UK only has three qualified staff for each four job positions that exist today.

Properly qualified and commercially accredited new professionals are accordingly at an absolute premium, and in all likelihood it will stay that way for a long time.

Surely, now, more than ever, really is a fabulous time to consider retraining into Information Technology (IT).

One feature offered by some training providers is a programme of Job Placement assistance. The service is put in place to help you get your first commercial position. Often, too much is made of this feature, as it’s really not that difficult for any motivated and trained individual to land work in the IT industry – as there is such a shortage of skilled employees.

Get your CV updated straight-away though – you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don’t wait until you’ve qualified.

Being considered a ‘maybe’ is far better than not even being known about. A surprising amount of junior support roles are offered to students (sometimes when they’ve only just got going.)

The best services to get you a new position are usually local IT focused employment agencies. As they will get paid by the employer when they’ve placed you, they’ll work that much harder to get a result.

A common frustration of some training companies is how hard people are prepared to work to become certified, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the position they’re trained for. Don’t falter at the last fence.

Watch out that all certifications that you’re considering will be recognised by employers and are bang up to date. ‘In-house’ exams and the certificates they come with are generally useless.

All the major commercial players like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco all have globally approved proficiency programs. These heavyweights will give some sparkle to your CV.

(C) 2009 Scott Edwards. Try APlusCertification4IT.co.uk or CLICK HERE.