Are you toying with the idea of doing an MCSE? It's very possible then that you're in one of two situations: You're currently an IT professional and you want to enhance your CV with a qualification such as MCSE. On the other hand this could be your first step into commercial IT, and research demonstrates there is a great need for those with appropriate certifications.

Take care to ensure you confirm that the training provider you're using is actually training you on the latest Microsoft editions. A number of trainees get frustrated when they realise they've been learning from an outdated MCSE program which inevitably will have to be up-dated. Don't use training companies who're just out to sell you anything. You should be given detailed advice to be sure you're taking the right decisions. Don't be shoe-horned into their standard course by an over-keen salesman.

Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - this always means exams have to be paid for upfront, when you pay for the rest of your course. However, prior to embracing a course with such a promise, why not consider this:

We all know that we're still paying for it - it's obviously already in the full cost of the package supplied by the college. It's certainly not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! The fact is that if students pay for each progressive exam, when they're ready to take them and not before, the chances are they're going to pass every time - as they're aware of the cost and will therefore apply themselves appropriately.

Doesn't it make more sense to not pay up-front, but when you're ready, not to pay any mark-up to the training company, and to do it in a local testing office - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call? Is there a good reason to pay interest on a bigger loan than is necessary because you've paid early for exam fees when there was no need to? A lot of profit is made by companies getting paid upfront for exams - and banking on the fact that many won't be taken. The majority of companies will require you to sit pre-tests and prohibit you from re-taking an exam until you've completely proven that you're likely to pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

VUE and Prometric examinations are around 112 pounds in the UK. What's the point of paying huge fees for 'exam guarantees' (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

A top of the range training program should have fully authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Students regularly can be thrown off course by trying to prepare themselves with questions that don't come from official sources. Quite often, the way questions are phrased is unfamiliar and it's vital that you know this. 'Mock' or practice exams are very useful as a resource to you - so when it comes to taking the real deal, you don't get phased.

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