Students looking to build a career in IT often aren't sure which route to follow, or even what market to get certified in. Flicking through lists of IT career possibilities is just a waste of time. Surely, most of us don't even know what our good friends do at work - so we have no hope of understanding the intricacies of a new IT role. Generally, the way to deal with this issue properly lies in an in-depth discussion of some important points:

- Your personality can play an important part - what things get your juices flowing, and what are the areas that you really dislike.

- Is your focus to get certified due to a specific motive - for instance, do you aim to work at home (being your own boss?)?

- Is the money you make further up on your priority-list than anything else.

- Considering all that IT covers, it's obvious you'll need to be able to understand the differences.

- You should also think long and hard about any sacrifices you'll need to make, as well as what commitment and time that you will set aside for your education.

For the average person, considering all these ideas needs a long talk with someone who can investigate each area with you. And not just the accreditations - but also the commercial requirements and expectations also.

Consider the facts below carefully if you think that over-used sales technique about 'guaranteeing' exams sounds like a benefit to the student:

These days, we tend to be a little more 'marketing-savvy' - and generally we grasp that we are actually being charged for it - they're not just being charitable and doling out freebies! Passing first time is everyone's goal. Taking your exams progressively when it's appropriate and funding them as you go puts you in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt - you take it seriously and are mindful of the investment you've made.

Do the examinations at a local pro-metric testing centre and find the best deal for you at the time. Is there a good reason to pay interest on a bigger loan than is necessary because you've paid early for exams when you didn't need to? A great deal of money is netted by organisations getting money in early for exam fees - and hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. Re-takes of previously unsuccessful exams through training course providers who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' are monitored with tight restrictions. You'll be required to sit pre-tests until you've demonstrated an excellent ability to pass.

With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric exams coming in at approximately 112 pounds in Great Britain, by far the best option is to pay for them as you take them. There's no sense in throwing away maybe a thousand pounds extra at the start of your studies. A commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

The most popular of all of the 'CompTIA' certifications are without doubt the A+ and the Network+. An incredibly important group taken as a package, they are the starting point for many thriving career paths. A+ training teaches all of the fundamentals of Computer maintenance, fault finding & repair; including support, security & installation. So that you can become established in the I.T. industry, the A+ also addresses a number of communication and personal abilities. Network+ takes the subject further, by working on a more in depth knowledge of how networks operate and connect with one another. The vital issue of Security is underlined, & Wireless technologies are described at an introductory level. Both accreditations complement each other well, and collectively form an excellent start-up platform for other exam packages, or a good career in IT support.

On to the '2009' version of the Network+ - N10-004 has become the examination reference number. A larger emphasis is placed on security in the '2009' N+ examination, along with network design & wireless networking. This obviously is in addition to the primary aspects of network-management & infrastructure.

Far too many companies only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and completely miss why you're doing this - which is a commercial career or job. Your focus should start with where you want to get to - don't get hung-up on the training vehicle. Avoid becoming one of the unfortunate masses who select a program that on the surface appears interesting - and end up with a certification for an unrewarding career path.

Spend some time thinking about the income level you aspire to and what level of ambition fits you. Sometimes, this affects which precise certifications you will need and what industry will expect from you in return. Chat with an industry professional who understands the work you're contemplating, and is able to give you detailed descriptions of the kind of things you'll be doing on a daily basis. Contemplating this well before you start on any learning path has obvious benefits.

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