Which CompTIA course for a job in repairing PCs ?

[m654321]

I'm now in retirement and am thinking of attempting to earn some money as a self-employed PC repair technician, the pension is not quite enough to pay all the bills  :-[

I have been encouraged by various family members who come to me, whenever they need a PC fix, repair, update or install on their laptop/desktop.
However, if I'm to 'go public', I feel I need some kind of official certification just to show some minimum level of professionalism in this area.

So, I'm looking for a course (online or offline) that might do this, as well as giving me a broader overview of PC problems in general. 
I have heard of the CompTIA courses, which I think are international, though I live in Hastings (UK).

Which CompTIA (or BTEC) course would be best for PC repair & setup, with Windows or Windows and Linux OSes in mind - can anyone in the LL forum advise me ?

Many thanks in advance for any feedback ... 

[Valtam]

I recommend CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902. They're good enough for personal use, but won't get you far as a respected qualification for the work force. As a sole trader, they'll suit you just fine.

[m654321]

Many thanks Jerry, that's really useful

[bitsnpcs]

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[m654321]

[member=411]bitsnpcs[/member]
Wow ! Thankyou for your very long & detailed reply, which I really appreciated !
What you wrote was very interesting and said a lot about you as a person - I certainly feel I've got to know you more. It seems you went to a good school that had provision for gifted & talented pupils such as yourself, which enabled you to independently pursue your advanced-level interests in IT, from a very young age. It's great that you had that opportunity.

Turning to the courses you recommended, I think they might be too in-depth for my own needs & level of interest. From what I've seen on the internet, the CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 courses that Jerry recommended, seem to be best suited for me.  I can also buy the course book online at Amazon.

Thankyou again btsnpcs fr taking the time with your reply 

[bitsnpcs]

[member=458]m654321[/member]
You are right, it is best to do which seems most suited to your needs