Commercial qualifications are now, without a doubt, already replacing the older academic routes into the IT industry - why then should this be? Accreditation-based training (in industry terminology) is far more effective and specialised. The IT sector is aware that specialisation is what's needed to cope with a technologically complex world. Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA dominate in this arena. In essence, only required knowledge is taught. Actually, it's not quite as pared down as that, but the most important function is always to focus on the exact skills required (alongside some required background) - without overdoing the detail in all sorts of other things - in the way that academic establishments often do.

The bottom line is: Accredited IT qualifications let employers know exactly what you're capable of - the title is a complete giveaway: as an example - I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Planning and Maintaining a Windows 2003 Infrastructure'. Consequently companies can look at the particular needs they have and which qualifications are required to fulfil that.

Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - this always means you have to pay for the exams before you've even made a start on the course. But before you get taken in by the chance of a guarantee, think about this:

Everybody's aware that they're still being charged for it - obviously it has been inserted into the full cost of the package supplied by the college. Certainly, it's not a freebie (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!) For those who want to get a first time pass, evidence suggests you must pay for each exam as you go, prioritise it appropriately and apply yourself as required.

Find the best exam deal or offer available when you're ready, and avoid college mark-up fees. In addition, it's then your choice where to sit the exam - so you can find somewhere local. Huge profits are netted by some training companies who take the exam money up-front. For various reasons, many students don't take their exams but no refunds are given. Surprising as it sounds, there are training companies who actually rely on students not sitting all the exams - as that's very profitable for them. It's also worth noting that you should consider what an 'exam guarantee' really means. The majority of companies won't be prepared to pay for re-takes until you've completely satisfied them that you're ready this time.

Paying maybe a thousand pounds extra on an 'Exam Guarantee' is foolish - when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

A number of years ago Microsoft updated their principal certification tracks. They upgraded from their previous 'MCAD/MCSD' ('Microsoft Certified Application/Solutions Developer') exams to the 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) and the 'MCPD' ('Microsoft Certified Professional Developer') exams. Typically, there are 2 'MCTS' pre-requisite exams prior to moving onto the full 'MCPD' exam. If you are not used to the sector & haven't ever programmed before, (even though the very first module from Microsoft is classed a 'foundation' unit,) it might be sensible to take a programming introduction-course first. We'd equally propose taking a support accreditation ahead of all of this, in order to gain a good understanding of software-environments and support. This will likely in addition assist in getting your 1st job within the I.T. market. An entire career-track will need about 600 to 700 hours of study time, so if you're training part time you should be able to finish in more or less twelve - eighteen months.

Many trainers provide piles of reference manuals and workbooks. It's not a very interesting way to learn and not ideal for taking things in. Research into the way we learn shows that long term memory is improved when all our senses are involved, and we get physically involved with the study process.

Interactive full motion video utilising video demo's and practice lab's will beat books every time. And you'll actually enjoy doing them. Don't take any chances and look at some examples of the kind of training materials you'll be using before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be videoed instructor demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.

Often, companies will only use training that is purely available online; and while this is acceptable much of the time, think what will happen if you lose your internet access or you only get very a very slow connection sometimes. A safer solution is the provision of actual CD or DVD ROMs which don't suffer from these broadband issues.

A ridiculously large number of organisations focus completely on the certification process, and avoid focusing on the reasons for getting there - which is of course employment. Your focus should start with where you want to get to - don't get hung-up on the training vehicle. It's unfortunate, but a great many students start out on programs that sound magnificent from the sales literature, but which provides a job that doesn't satisfy. Talk to many college students for a real eye-opener.

Get to grips with how much you want to earn and whether you're an ambitious person or not. This will influence what precise exams will be required and what you can expect to give industry in return. Prior to embarking on a particular study course, it makes sense to discuss the specific career needs with a professional advisor, in order to be sure the retraining programme covers all that is required.

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