Both of the examinations have quite recently undergone a 2009 update in line with CompTIA's work towards ISO standardisation. The former A+ (version 2006/2007) exams that were classified with the 600 pre-fix are being retired internationally during 2010. In Britain, they discontinue on 31st August 2010. As 2009 exams (version 700) are currently available at test centres up and down the country, the newer learning programs are probably a more practical alternative anybody just about to start. CompTIA 'A+' Essentials & 'CompTIA' 'A+' Practical Application are the new examination titles (220-701 & 220-702 respectively). The 4 previous examinations have been streamlined into two brand new examinations, and some further up-dated material has been included. The previous format was 1 compulsory Essentials examination and three electives, of which just one was required to be taken. Over the last 4 years, the marketplace has evolved to the stage where all four exams are now considered necessary - hence the reformatting into two required exams. CompTIA have also introduced the BR-003 bridging examination, for trainees certified under the '600' exams who want to update to the current 700 exams. This would probably involve extra learning, although less so if you covered information on all 4 of the previous examinations, rather than just the required 2. Obviously however the new technological content will have to be studied.

The Network+ 2009 examination is now coded N10-004, superseding the old N10-003. Along with retaining it's teaching on network management & infrastructure, the updated '2009' exam places a greater importance on Security, wireless networking abilities and network design principles.

Always expect an authorised exam preparation system as part of your course package. Don't fall foul of depending on non-official exam preparation questions. Their phraseology can be completely unlike authorised versions - and often this creates real issues when the proper exam time arrives. Practice exams will prove invaluable for confidence building - so when it comes to taking the real deal, you don't get phased.

Remember: the training course or a qualification is not the ultimate goal; the particular job that you want is. Too many training companies place too much importance on just the training course. Avoid becoming one of the unfortunate masses who choose a training program that seems 'fun' or 'interesting' - only to end up with a qualification for an unrewarding career path.

Stay focused on what you want to achieve, and build your study action-plan from that - don't do it back-to-front. Stay on target and study for a job that'll reward you for many long and fruitful years. You'd also need help from someone that knows the commercial realities of the sector you're hoping to qualify in, and who can offer 'A day in the life of' type of explanation of the job being considered. These things are absolutely essential because you need to know if you're barking up the wrong tree.

One of the most important things to insist on has to be proper direct-access 24x7 support through expert mentors and instructors. It's an all too common story to find providers that only provide office hours (or extended office hours) support. Be wary of any training providers which use 'out-of-hours' messaging systems - where you'll get called back during normal office hours. It's no use when you're stuck on a problem and need help now.

The very best training providers have many support offices around the globe in several time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to seamlessly link them all, irrespective of the time you login, help is just seconds away, without any contact issues or hassle. If you opt for less than direct-access 24x7 support, you'll regret it. You may not need it late in the night, but you're bound to use weekends, evenings and early mornings at some point.

Interactive Self-Study Career Computer Certification Training For Adobe CS4 Design >>