If we didn't have a steady stream of qualified network and PC support personnel, commerce throughout the country (and indeed in most countries) would surely be drawn to a standstill. Therefore, there's an on-going demand for technically able people to support both the users themselves and their networks. Because our society becomes massively more dependent on our PC's, we simultaneously find ourselves increasingly more reliant upon the well trained network engineers, who keep the systems going.

Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - this always means you have to pay for the exams when you pay for the rest of your course. Before you jump at this so-called guarantee, look at the following:

It's very clear we're still being charged for it - obviously it has been inserted into the gross price invoiced by the training company. Certainly, it's not a freebie (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!) We all want to pass first time. Going for exams when it's appropriate and funding them one at a time sees you much better placed to get through first time - you put the effort in and are mindful of the investment you've made.

Doesn't it make more sense to go for the best offer when you take the exam, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance to the training company, and to do it in a local testing office - rather than possibly hours away from your area? Big margins are secured by a significant number of organisations who get money for exam fees in advance. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams but no refunds are given. Astoundingly enough, there are training companies that rely on that fact - and that's how they increase their profits. In addition to this, 'Exam Guarantees' often aren't worth the paper they're written on. The majority of companies won't pay for re-takes until you've completely satisfied them that you're ready this time.

Shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds on an 'Exam Guarantee' is naive - when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is what will really guarantee success.

Authorised exam simulation and preparation software is a must - and should definitely be obtained from your training supplier. Sometimes people can be thrown off course by going through practice questions that aren't recognised by official sources. Sometimes, the way questions are phrased is startlingly different and you should be prepared for this. Ensure that you have some simulated exam questions so you'll be able to verify your knowledge along the way. Mock exams help to build your confidence - so the actual exam is much easier.

Many people question why traditional degrees are being replaced by more commercially accredited qualifications? With 3 and 4 year academic degree costs becoming a tall order for many, along with the industry's increasing awareness that accreditation-based training is often far more commercially relevant, there's been a great increase in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe accredited training paths that create knowledgeable employees at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time. They do this through focusing on the skill-sets required (along with an appropriate level of related knowledge,) rather than going into the heightened depths of background 'padding' that degrees in computing can often find themselves doing (because the syllabus is so wide).

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Accredited IT qualifications provide exactly what an employer needs - it says what you do in the title: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Windows XP Administration and Configuration'. Consequently companies can identify exactly what they need and what certifications are needed for the job.

With all the options available, there's no surprise that the majority of career changers don't really understand the best career path they could be successful with. Working through long lists of different and confusing job titles is no use whatsoever. The majority of us don't really appreciate what the neighbours do for a living - so we're in the dark as to the complexities of a particular IT career. Often, the key to unlocking this issue correctly comes from a deep conversation around some important points:

* What hobbies you're involved with in your spare-time - these often show the things will give you the most reward.

* For what reasons you're starting in Information Technology - is it to overcome a long-held goal like working from home maybe.

* What salary and timescale requirements that guide you?

* Understanding what the normal career areas and markets are - and what differentiates them.

* How much effort you're prepared to commit the training program.

The best way to avoid the industry jargon, and uncover the most viable option for your success, have a good talk with an industry expert and advisor; someone that understands the commercial reality whilst covering each certification.

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