Should you want a job in supporting networks then the MCSA course would be right for you. Whether you're about to get into IT or have previous knowledge but need to improve your CV, there's a range of courses to suit your requirements. Each of these levels requires different material, so pay attention that you're being offered the best one in advance of getting going. Find a company that's happy to take the time to get to know you, and what you're looking to do, and is able to make available the information you need to make your decision.

Adding in the cost of exams with the course fee and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams is a common method with a number of training colleges. But let's examine why they really do it:

You'll be charged for it by some means. One thing's for sure - it isn't free - they've just worked it into the package price. Passing first time is everyone's goal. Taking your exams progressively in order and funding them as you go makes it far more likely you'll pass first time - you take it seriously and are aware of the costs involved.

Do your exams as locally as possible and don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you when you're ready. Is there a good reason to pay interest on a bigger loan than is necessary because you've paid early for examination fees when there's absolutely nothing that says you have to? Huge profits are made by companies charging upfront for all their exams - and then hoping that you won't take them all. In addition to this, 'Exam Guarantees' often aren't worth the paper they're written on. Many training companies won't be prepared to pay for re-takes until you have demonstrated conclusively that you won't fail again.

The cost of exams was 112 pounds or thereabouts in the last 12 months via Prometric or VUE centres around the United Kingdom. So don't be talked into shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds more to get 'an Exam Guarantee', when it's no secret that the responsible approach is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software.

Those that are drawn to this type of work often have a very practical outlook on work, and don't always take well to classrooms, and slogging through piles of books. If this is putting you off studying, try the newer style of interactive study, with on-screen demonstrations and labs. We see a huge improvement in memory retention when all our senses are brought into the mix - educational experts have expounded on this for decades now.

Learning is now available via DVD-ROM discs, where everything is taught on your PC. Through video streaming, you can sit back and watch the teachers showing you precisely how something is done, and then practice yourself - via the interactive virtual lab's. You must ensure that you see courseware examples from each company you're contemplating. Be sure that they contain instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab's.

Many companies provide training that is purely available online; and although this is okay the majority of the time, consider what happens if internet access is lost or you only get very a very slow connection sometimes. It's much safer to rely on physical CD or DVD discs that removes the issue entirely.

So, why might we choose qualifications from the commercial sector instead of traditional academic qualifications taught at the state educational establishments? With fees and living expenses for university students spiralling out of control, and the industry's recognition that vendor-based training often has more relevance in the commercial field, there has been a large rise in Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA authorised training routes that supply key solutions to a student at a fraction of the cost and time involved. In a nutshell, only that which is required is learned. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but the principle objective is to cover the precise skills needed (alongside some required background) - without going into too much detail in everything else (as academia often does).

Imagine if you were an employer - and you wanted someone who could provide a specific set of skills. Which is the most straightforward: Go through reams of different degrees and college qualifications from graduate applicants, asking for course details and what workplace skills they have, or pick out specific commercial accreditations that exactly fulfil your criteria, and make your short-list from that. You can then focus on how someone will fit into the team at interview - rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.

Student support is absolutely essential - locate a good company that provides 24x7 direct access, as not opting for this kind of support could hold up your pace and restrict your intake. Never accept training courses that only support trainees through a call-centre messaging system when it's outside of usual working hours. Colleges will give you every excuse in the book why you don't need this. Essentially - you want support at the appropriate time - not when it suits them.

Keep looking and you'll come across professional companies which provide their students online direct access support 24x7 - even in the middle of the night. Never make the mistake of compromise when it comes to your support. Many IT hopefuls who throw in the towel, would have had a different experience if they'd got the right support package in the first place.

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