Working on progressive developments in new technology really is electrifying. You personally play your part in shaping the next few decades. There are people who believe that the increase in technology we have experienced is lowering its pace. Nothing could be further from the truth. Terrific advances are ahead of us, and the internet particularly is going to dominate how we conduct our lives.

The money in IT isn't to be sniffed at either - the usual income over this country as a whole for the usual IT worker is a lot greater than remuneration packages in other sectors. Odds are you'll bring in a whole lot more than you would in most other jobs. The search for certified IT specialists is assured for the significant future, because of the constant expansion in this sector and the vast deficiency still in existence.

As a part of their ISO standardisation drive, 'CompTIA' have up-dated both 'A+' & N+ exams to 2009 editions. Globally the 2006/2007 versions of A+ (with the exam prefix number 600) will disappear over the coming twelve months. After 31st August 2010 they will no longer be accessible in Britain. As 2009 exams ('700') are already offered at test centres up and down the country, these newer learning programs are probably a more sensible solution for someone just starting out. The individual 'A+' 2009 examinations have become: 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials (examination 220/701) & CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application (exam 220/702.) Together with some extra subject matter on newer technology, there are now two examinations which cover components of all 4 of the previous examinations. The previous structure was 1 compulsory 'essentials' examination & 3 'electives', of which just one was required to be sat. During the last several years, the marketplace has developed to the stage where all four examinations have become considered essential - hence the re-formatting in to two essential examinations. CompTIA also have released the 'BR-003' 'up-grade' examination, for trainees certified in the 600 examinations who wish to get up to date with the current '700' exams. Passing the up-grade examination will generally require further study, although this shouldn't be too onerous for people who initially studied all four. Clearly however the newer technological content must be mastered.

Starting with the understanding that it makes sense to find the market that sounds most inviting first, before we can weigh up which training program fulfils our needs, how can we choose the correct route? Perusing lists of IT career possibilities is just a waste of time. Most of us have no idea what the neighbours do for a living - so we're in the dark as to the subtleties of a specific IT job. Contemplation on these different points is important when you need to get to the right answers:

- Your personal interests and hobbies - often these point towards what areas will give you the most reward.

- Do you hope to realise a specific dream - like working for yourself as quickly as possible?

- How highly do you rate salary - is an increase your main motivator, or does job satisfaction rate a lot higher on your priority-list?

- With many, many areas to train for in IT - you will have to achieve a solid grounding on what differentiates them.

- Having a serious look at the level of commitment, time and effort you can give.

In these situations, the only way to investigate these areas is via a conversation with an experienced advisor that has experience of computing (as well as the commercial needs.)

If you are excited about any of these roles, the 'A+' will work well : Call Centre Technician, Remote Support Technician, Depot Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Service Technician, PC Technician & IT Administrator. 'CompTIA' Network+ unwraps opportunities for Network Technicians & Administrators, IT Cable Installers and Network Installers.

For the 'A+' examinations set aside for yourself something like 100-150 hours to train and prepare, & somewhat less for the N+ examinations (maybe up to 100 hrs). With the right multi-media training package that is backed up by authorised exam practice software, the two certifications could be completed within just half a year for the individual who is studying around a job.

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