There are four A+ exams and sections to study, but your only requirement is to pass two of them for qualification purposes. For this reason, a great number of colleges restrict their course to just 2 areas. But giving you all four options will give you a much wider knowledge and understanding of your subject, which you'll find a Godsend in the working environment.

Once on the CompTIA A+, you'll become familiar with how to work in antistatic conditions and build and fix computers. Diagnostic techniques and fault finding are also on the syllabus, as is remote access. Should you be thinking of taking care of computer networks, you'll need to add CompTIA Network+ to your A+ course. Including Network+ will enable you to apply for more interesting jobs. Other ones that might be interesting to you are the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA and MCSE).

'CompTIA' 'A+' & the Network+ are easily the most broadly recognised of their accreditations. An exceptionally valuable set taken as a bundle, they're the starting point for many excellent career tracks. The CompTIA A+ accreditation goes over the basics of computer maintenance, support, security, installation, fault finding and repair. To help you establish yourself within the IT marketplace, the 'A+' also handles a number of communication & personal abilities. The 'CompTIA' 'Network+' accreditation stretches this teaching to a deeper comprehension of networking, servers & routers, & how they connect together. 'Security' is naturally vital, & wireless technology is discussed to some degree. Getting both of these qualifications will provide a good platform for anybody considering getting into the 'systems' area of the IT market, together with a platform of understanding for further certification.

In 2009 both programmes underwent updates, and new examinations are actually to be found for them both. The former A+ (version 2006-2007) exams that were categorised with the '600' pre-fix are now being retired globally through 2010. After 31st August 2010 they will no longer be accessible in the United Kingdom. As '2009' examinations ('700') are currently available at test centres across the country, the newer study programs would be a more practical option for someone just starting out. The specific A+ '09 examinations are now: CompTIA 'A+' Essentials (examination 220-701) & CompTIA A+ Practical Application (examination 220-702.) The four earlier exams have been re-structured in to 2 brand new exams, & some more updated material has been added. Even though the old A+ had 4 examinations in the whole program, only two were expected for the certification. During the last several years, the market has evolved to the point where all 4 exams are actually thought to be necessary - hence the reformatting into two required examinations. 'CompTIA' have also produced the BR/003 'up-grade' test, for trainees certified under the '600' exams who need to update to the current 700 examinations. Further training will almost certainly end up being needed, especially for individuals who just originally worked on 2 of the four electives. The extra subject areas will of course need some extra studying.

Potential trainees hopeful to build a career in IT normally don't know which direction to follow, let alone which sector to build their qualifications around. As having no previous experience in Information Technology, how could any of us be expected to know what someone in a particular job does? Generally, the way to deal with this predicament correctly flows from a thorough discussion of a number of areas:

* Personality factors and what you're interested in - what work-oriented areas you enjoy or dislike.

* Why you want to consider moving into IT - is it to triumph over some personal goal like being self-employed for instance.

* Any personal or home needs you may have?

* Many students don't properly consider the work demanded to get fully certified.

* You have to understand what differentiates all the training areas.

In all honesty, your only option to gain help on these matters is via a conversation with an advisor who has years of experience in computing (and more importantly the commercial needs and requirements.)

A proficient and specialised advisor (vs a salesman) will talk through your current situation. This is paramount to calculating your starting point for training. If you have a strong background, or sometimes a little commercial experience (possibly even some previous certification?) then it's more than likely your starting level will be quite dissimilar from a trainee who has no experience. If this is going to be your first attempt at an IT exam then you might also want to begin with some basic PC skills training first.