The old fashioned style of teaching, using textbooks and whiteboards, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If this describes you, find training programs which have a majority of interactive, multimedia parts. Our ability to remember is increased when we use multiple senses - experts have been clear on this for as long as we can remember.

Locate a program where you'll receive a library of CD or DVD ROM's - you'll learn by watching video tutorials and demonstrations, followed by the chance to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills. All companies should willingly take you through some simple examples of their courseware. Make sure you encounter videos of instructor-led classes and interactive areas to practice in.

Go for CD or DVD ROM based materials every time. This then avoids all the potential pitfalls with broadband outages, failure and signal quality issues etc.

For the 'A+' examinations allow yourself somewhere around 100-150 hours to train and prepare, & slightly less for the N+ examinations (perhaps around 100 hours). Using the appropriate multimedia training that is supported by accredited exam preparation software, the two qualifications could be achieved within six months for the individual who is studying whilst holding down employment.

Your training program should always include the current Microsoft (or any other key organisation's) authorised exam preparation packages. Make sure that the mock exams are not only asking questions on the correct subjects, but are also posing them in the same way that the proper exam will pose them. It can really throw some trainees if the phraseology and format is completely different. Why don't you test whether you're learning enough through tests and practice in simulated exam environments before you take the real thing.

Only consider study courses which will grow into commercially approved certifications. There are loads of small colleges promoting minor 'in-house' certificates which aren't worth the paper they're printed on when it comes to finding a job. If the accreditation doesn't feature a company like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA, then you'll probably find it won't be commercially viable - because it won't give an employer any directly-useable skills.

Microsoft Support Computer Online Self-Paced Training Courses >>