Thinking of taking an MCSE? Then it's likely that you'll fall into one of two camps: You could already be in IT and you should formalise your skills with an MCSE. In contrast this could be your first step into the computer world, and you've discovered there is a great need for men and women who are commercially qualified.

When looking into training colleges, steer clear of any who reduce their out-goings by failing to provide the latest version from Microsoft. Overall, this will end up costing the student much more because they've been taught from an outdated MCSE program which will need updating to suit the working environment. A computer training organisation's attention must be based upon doing the very best they can for their clients, and everyone involved should have a passion for what they do. Career study isn't just about the certification - it should initially look at helping you work out the most suitable route for you.

Commercial qualifications are now, very visibly, already replacing the older academic routes into IT - but why should this be? With 3 and 4 year academic degree costs becoming a tall order for many, along with the IT sector's general opinion that corporate based study most often has much more commercial relevance, there has been a great increase in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe accredited training routes that create knowledgeable employees at a fraction of the cost and time involved. Many degrees, for example, clog up the training with vast amounts of background study - with a syllabus that's far too wide. Students are then prevented from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.

As long as an employer is aware what they're looking for, then they just need to look for the particular skill-set required. The syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and aren't allowed to deviate (in the way that degree courses can).

Finding your first job in the industry is often made easier with a Job Placement Assistance service. Having said that, occasionally people are too impressed with this facility, as it is genuinely quite straightforward for any focused and well taught person to find a job in IT - because there's a great need for skilled employees.

Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however (advice can be sought on this via your provider). Don't wait till you've finished your exams. It can happen that you haven't even got to the exam time when you will get your initial junior support position; although this isn't going to happen if your CV isn't in front of employers. You'll normally experience quicker service from a specialist locally based employment agency than you will through a training provider's national service, as they'll know local industry and the area better.

A common grievance for various training course providers is how much students are focused on studying to get qualified, but how ill-prepared they are to market themselves for the position they're qualified for. Have confidence - the IT industry needs YOU.

For the most part, the everyday IT hopeful really has no clue how they should get into the IT industry, or even what sector to focus their retraining program on. Scanning lists of IT career possibilities is no use whatsoever. The vast majority of us don't really appreciate what the neighbours do for a living - so we have no hope of understanding the complexities of a new IT role. To attack this, a discussion is necessary, covering a number of unique issues:

• Personality factors and interests - which work-related things you like and dislike.

• Is your focus to re-train because of a particular raison d'etre - for instance, is it your goal to work based at home (self-employment possibly?)?

• Is salary further up on your priority-scale than other requirements.

• With so many ways to train in computing - it's wise to gain a solid grounding on what sets them apart.

• Having a good look into the effort, commitment and time you'll make available.

The best way to avoid the confusing industry jargon, and reveal the most viable option for your success, have an informal meeting with an experienced professional; an individual who understands the commercial reality while explaining each certification.

Massive developments are washing over technology over the next few decades - and this means greater innovations all the time. We've barely started to get a feel for how technology will define our world. Technology and the web will massively revolutionise how we regard and interrelate with the world around us over the coming decades.

Always remember that on average, the income of a person in IT in the United Kingdom is noticeably better than remuneration packages in other industries, which means you will probably earn noticeably more with professional IT knowledge, than you'd expect to earn elsewhere. It's evident that we have a considerable national requirement for qualified IT professionals. In addition, with the constant growth in the marketplace, it looks like this will be the case for years to come.

Consider the points below in detail if you've been persuaded that the sales ploy of an 'Exam Guarantee' sounds great value:

You'll be charged for it ultimately. One thing's for sure - it isn't free - they've just worked it into the package price. Qualifying on the first 'go' is what everyone wants to do. Progressively working through your exams in order and funding them one at a time has a marked effect on pass-rates - you prepare appropriately and are mindful of the investment you've made.

Why pay the training company at the start of the course for exams? Hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you're ready, instead of paying any mark-up - and do it locally - not at somewhere of their bidding. Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for exams when there was no need to? A great deal of money is made because training colleges are getting money in early for exam fees - and then cashing in when they're not all taken. Pay heed to the fact that, with most 'Exam Guarantees' - the company decides when you are allowed to do a re-take. You'll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they'll pay for another exam.

With average Prometric and VUE tests costing in the region of 112 pounds in this country, by far the best option is to pay for them as you take them. Why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra at the beginning of your training? Consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.