Computer and network support workers are ever more in demand in the United Kingdom, as companies are becoming more reliant on their technical advice and skills. Due to the progressively daunting complexities of technological advances, growing numbers of trained staff are needed to look after the various different areas we need to be sure will work effectively.

Commercial qualifications are now, undoubtedly, starting to replace the traditional academic paths into the industry - so why is this? The IT sector is now aware that for an understanding of the relevant skills, certified accreditation from such organisations as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - and a fraction of the cost and time. Essentially, students are simply taught the necessary specifics in depth. It's slightly more broad than that, but principally the objective has to be to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (including a degree of required background) - without overdoing the detail in all sorts of other things - in the way that academic establishments often do.

The bottom line is: Recognised IT certifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have - it says what you do in the title: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. Consequently employers can look at their needs and what certifications are required to fulfil that.

Including exam fees up-front and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams is common for many companies. But let's examine why they really do it:

Everybody's aware that they're still being charged for it - it's not so hard to see that it's been inserted into the gross price invoiced by the training company. It's absolutely not free (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!) Students who take exams one at a time, paying as they go are far more likely to pass first time. They are aware of the cost and revise more thoroughly to be ready for the task.

Why pay the training company at the start of the course for examinations? Find the best exam deal or offer when you take the exam, instead of paying a premium - and do it locally - rather than possibly hours away from your area. A lot of so-called credible training course providers net a great deal of profit through getting in the money for exam fees early then hoping that you won't take them all. Don't forget, with the majority of Exam Guarantees - the company decides when you are allowed to have another go. They'll only allow a re-take once completely satisfied.

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 get you through.

Traditional teaching in classrooms, involving piles of reference textbooks, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If this describes you, find training programs that are multimedia based. Learning psychology studies show that memory is aided when we involve as many senses as possible, and we get practically involved in what we're studying.

Interactive audio-visual materials utilising video demo's and practice lab's beat books hands-down. And they're far more fun. Each company you're contemplating should willingly take you through samples of the type of training materials they provide. You're looking for evidence of tutorial videos and demonstrations and a wide selection of interactive elements.

You'll find that many companies will only provide online training only; and while this is acceptable much of the time, imagine the problems if internet access is lost or you get intermittent problems and speed issues. It's preferable to have actual CD or DVD ROMs that removes the issue entirely.

It's essential to have an authorised exam preparation system included in your course. Don't go for training programs relying on non-official exam papers and questions. The terminology of their questions is sometimes startlingly different - and often this creates real issues when it comes to taking the real exam. For many reasons, it is really important to make sure you're absolutely ready for the real exam prior to going for it. Going over 'mock' exams adds to your knowledge bank and will save a lot of money on unsuccessful attempts at exams.