For the A+ exams set aside for yourself something like 100 to 150 hours to train and prepare, and slightly less for the 'Network+' examinations (possibly around 75-100 hrs). This means obtaining them both in 6 months part time studying entirely viable, providing good quality multi-media training materials utilised, in conjunction with good examination preparation-software.

Many training academies still use the rather old-fashioned idea of classroom lessons. Often sold as a benefit, following a chat with most students who've had to attend a couple, you'll hear a common theme of many or most of the following problems:

- Constant journeys to the training centre - normally 100's of miles.

- For those of us that work, then Monday to Friday events are difficult to make. More than likely you will be looking at two or three days together to make it worse.

- At just 4 weeks off each year, sacrificing half of them for educational days leaves very little time for holidays.

- 'In-Centre' workshop days sometimes get way too big.

- Maybe you like to work at a different pace to others in the class. Sometimes this causes tension in the class.

- And let's not forget the added cost of arranging transport and accommodation for the duration either. Often, this will cost hundreds and even thousands of pounds extra. Take some time to add it all up - you may be surprised.

- Maintaining the privacy of our training is often very important to a lot of trainees. Why would you want to give up any lift up the ladder, salary hikes or accomplishment with your current employer because of your studies. When your boss discovers you're putting yourself through training in another area entirely, what are they going to be thinking?

- It's common to find that, at times, it's uncomfortable to raise questions when surrounded by our fellow students - because none of us wants to look like we don't understand.

- It should be remembered that classes frequently become pretty much undoable, if you work elsewhere in the country for part of the week.

Doesn't it make much more sense to study at a time that's convenient for you - not the school - and use interactive videos of instructors teaching a class. You could study at home on your PC or out in the garden on your laptop. If you've got questions, then logon to the 24x7 support facility (that you should have insisted on for any technical study.) You can watch and re-watch the modules whenever you want to brush up. There's absolutely no need to jot down any notes because you'll always have access to the teaching. Whilst this can't completely take away every problem, it undoubtedly vastly reduces stress and simplifies things. And you've reduced costs, travel and hassle.

The area most overlooked by potential students considering a training program is the concept of 'training segmentation'. This is essentially the breakdown of the materials to be delivered to you, which completely controls the point you end up at. Drop-shipping your training elements piece by piece, according to your exam schedule is how things will normally arrive. This sounds sensible, but you should consider these factors: How would they react if you didn't complete everything at the required speed? Sometimes their preference of study order doesn't work as well as another different route may.

The ideal circumstances are to get all the learning modules posted to your home before you even start; the whole caboodle! This way, nothing can happen down the line which could affect your capability of finishing.

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