Four separate areas of study make up a full CompTIA A+; you're seen as an achiever in A+ when you've achieved certifications for 2 out of 4 subjects. Because of this, the majority of training establishments only have two of the courses on their syllabus. You'll find that it's necessary to have the training for all four areas as industry will require an understanding of the entire course. You don't have to complete all 4 certifications, although it would seem prudent that you at least have a working knowledge of every area.
Once you start your A+ training course you'll become familiar with how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. You'll also cover fault finding and diagnostics, through both hands-on and remote access. If you aspire to being responsible for networks of computers, you'll need to add CompTIA Network+ to your A+ course. This will mean you can command a more senior job role. Also look at the route to networking via Microsoft, in the form of MCP's, MCSA or the full MCSE.
Trainees looking at this market can be very practical by nature, and aren't really suited to the classroom environment, and slogging through piles of books. If you identify with this, opt for more involving, interactive learning materials, where you can learn everything on-screen. Research over recent years has consistently demonstrated that an 'involved' approach to study, where we utilise all our senses, is much more conducive to long-term memory.
Search for a course where you're provided with an array of DVD-ROM's - you'll start with videos of instructor demonstrations, and then have the opportunity to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills. All companies must be able to demonstrate a few examples of the type of training materials they provide. You should hope for instructor-led videos and a wide selection of interactive elements.
Often, companies will only use online training only; and while this is acceptable much of the time, consider what happens if your access to the internet is broken or you get intermittent problems and speed issues. It's much safer to rely on physical CD or DVD discs that will solve that problem.
Throw out any salesperson who pushes one particular program without performing a 'fact-find' to gain understanding of your current abilities plus your level of experience. They should be able to select from a expansive product range from which they could give you a program that suits you.. With a bit of real-world experience or base qualifications, you may find that your starting point is very different to someone completely new. Commencing with a basic PC skills module first may be the ideal way to commence your IT training, but depends on your skill level.
Be careful that the qualifications you're considering doing will be commercially viable and are the most recent versions. 'In-house' certificates are often meaningless. All the major IT organisations such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe have widely recognised proficiency programs. Huge conglomerates such as these will ensure your employability.
Many trainers only provide office hours or extended office hours support; not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly. Try and find training with help available at any time of day or night (even 1am on Sunday morning!) You'll need access directly to professional tutors, and not a call-centre that will take messages so you're waiting for tutors to call you back at a convenient time for them.
Keep looking and you'll come across the top providers that give students direct-access support all the time - no matter what time of day it is. Never make the mistake of compromise when it comes to your support. The majority of students that throw in the towel, are in that situation because they didn't get the support necessary for them.
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