In these days of super efficiency, support workers who are able to solve problems with networks and PC's, and give regular advice to users, are indispensable in all sections of the business environment. Due to the progressively multifaceted levels of technology, more and more trained staff are needed to dedicate themselves to the smooth operation of functions we need to be sure will work effectively.

A study programme must provide a nationally accepted certification at the end - definitely not some 'in-house' plaque for your wall. All the major IT organisations like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco all have widely acknowledged skills programs. These heavyweights will give some sparkle to your CV.

It's essential to have the latest Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) authorised exam preparation packages. Students regularly can be thrown off course by practicing questions for their exams that are not from official sources. Sometimes, the way questions are phrased can be completely unlike un-authorised versions and it's vital that you know this. 'Mock' or practice exams can be invaluable for confidence building - so that when you come to take the real deal, you don't get phased.

A number of people are under the impression that the tech college or university route is the way they should go. So why are commercially accredited qualifications slowly and steadily replacing it? The IT sector is of the opinion that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, the right accreditation from companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe is closer to the mark commercially - and a fraction of the cost and time. University courses, for instance, become confusing because of a lot of background study - and much too wide a syllabus. This holds a student back from understanding the specific essentials in enough depth.

If an employer knows what they're looking for, then all it takes is an advert for someone with a specific qualification. The syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and don't change between schools (in the way that degree courses can).

One interesting way that colleges make extra profits is by charging for exams up-front and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. This looks like a great idea for the student, but is it really:

You'll pay for it somehow. You can be assured it's not a freebie - they've simply charged more for the whole training package. If you want to get a first time pass, evidence suggests you must pay for one exam at a time, focus on it intently and be ready for the task.

Does it really add up to pay your training company in advance for examinations? Find the best deal you can when you take the exam, don't pay mark-ups - and sit exams more locally - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call. Why borrow the money or pay in advance (plus interest of course) on examinations when there was no need to? A great deal of money is netted by organisations charging upfront for all their exams - and then hoping that you won't take them all. Additionally, you should consider what an 'exam guarantee' really means. Many training companies will not pay for re-takes until you can prove to them you're ready to pass.

On average, exams cost around the 112 pounds mark twelve months or so ago when taken at local VUE or Pro-metric centres throughout the country. So don't be talked into shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds more for 'Exam Guarantees', when it's no secret that the best guarantee is study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams.

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