CPU Socket A motherboard is defined chiefly by what sort of processor it's designed to hold, so that's the most important decision you'll make. Most current motherboards use one of five sockets: the AM3 (or AM3+) and FM1 for AMD CPUs; or the LGA1155 and LGA2011 for Intel CPUs.
In general, the course work in a certificate level program can be completed in 18 to 24 months. CFP Board does not endorse one program over another. All programs cover the same core curriculum, yet vary in style, length and delivery method. They may be certificate programs, undergraduate programs or graduate programs.
I signed up for a $1,300 review course, paid my $595 registration fee over the Internet, and hoped for the best. The CFP exam consists of 285 multiple-choice questions over two days, but don't be fooled by the format. A number of the questions are based on hypothetical case studies, and the descriptions are so detailed that they can carry on for multiple pages.