There are two specialised areas of training in the A+ syllabus, and you're just required to achieve pass marks in each for competency in A+. In addition to learning about building and fixing computers, trainees of A+ will learn how to operate 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 you'll then be in a position to look after networks of computers, which means greater employment benefits.

Watch out that all qualifications you're working towards are commercially relevant and are the most recent versions. 'In-house' certificates are usually worthless. The top IT companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe all have widely recognised skills programmes. Huge conglomerates such as these will give some sparkle to your CV.

Ignore the typical salesperson who just tells you what course you should do without a decent chat so as to understand your abilities plus your experience level. Always check they have access to a generous stable of training programs so they're actually equipped to give you an appropriate solution. With a bit of live experience or some accreditation, you may find that your starting point is different from a beginner. For those students embarking on IT studies as a new venture, it can be useful to break yourself in gently, by working on some basic PC skills training first. This is often offered with most accreditation programs.

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