Considering an MCSE? It's very possible then that you'll fall into one of the following categories: You could already be in IT and you want to enhance your CV with the MCSE qualification. Or you might be just about to enter commercial IT, and you've found there's lots of demand for men and women who are commercially qualified.

When researching training colleges, make it a policy to steer clear of those who reduce their costs by failing to provide the current Microsoft version. Such institutions will hold back the student as they will have been learning from an old version of MCSE which doesn't match the existing exam programme, so it will make it very difficult for them to pass.

Look out for computer training companies who are just interested in your money. You should know that buying an MCSE course is similar to buying a car. They're not all the same; some will serve you very well, whilst some will be a big disappointment. A worthy company will spend time understanding your needs to be sure the course will work for you. When providers are proud of their courses, you'll be able to see a sample of what you're getting prior to registering.

Adding in the cost of examination fees upfront then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status is common for many companies. However, let's consider what's really going on:

It's very clear we're still being charged for it - obviously it has been inserted into the overall figure from the training company. Certainly, it's not a freebie (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!)

Trainees who take each progressive exam, funding them as they go are far more likely to pass first time. They're conscious of their spending and revise more thoroughly to ensure they are ready.

Take your exams somewhere local and look for the very best offer you can at the time.

Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for exams when there was no need to? A great deal of money is netted by organisations charging upfront for all their exams - and hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do.

Re-takes of any failed exams with training companies who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' inevitably are heavily regulated. They'll insist that you take mock exams first to make sure they think you're going to pass.

With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric tests coming in at approximately 112 pounds in Great Britain, it makes sense to pay as you go. It's not in the student's interests to fork out hundreds or thousands of pounds for exams when enrolling on a course. Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

Potential Students hoping to start an IT career generally haven't a clue what direction is best, or which area to build their qualifications around.

Perusing long lists of different and confusing job titles is just a waste of time. The vast majority of us have no idea what our next-door neighbours do at work each day - let alone understand the intricacies of a new IT role.

To get to the bottom of this, there should be a discussion of several unique issues:

* What hobbies you're involved with in your spare-time - these can point towards what possibilities will give you the most reward.

* What time-frame are you looking at for the retraining?

* Where is the salary on a scale of importance - is it of prime importance, or is enjoying your job a little higher on your priority-list?

* Understanding what the normal work areas and sectors are - and what makes them different.

* How much time you'll spend on getting qualified.

To be honest, the only way to investigate these matters is through a chat with someone that has a background in Information Technology (and specifically it's commercial needs.)

Finding your first job in the industry is often made easier with the help of a Job Placement Assistance service. Because of the growing shortage of skills in Great Britain today, there's no need to make too much of this option though. It really won't be that difficult to land the right work once you're properly qualified.

Having said that, it's important to have help with your CV and interview techniques though; also we would encourage any student to update their CV as soon as they start a course - don't delay until you've graduated or passed any exams.

It's not unusual to find that you will get your first position while you're still a student (sometimes when you've only just got going). If you haven't updated your CV to say what you're studying (and it's not being looked at by employers) then you don't stand a chance!

The best services to help you find a job are usually specialist locally based employment services. Because they make their money when they've found you a job, they have more incentive to get on with it.

A constant grievance of various training companies is how much men and women are prepared to study to become certified, but how un-prepared that student is to get the job they're qualified for. Have confidence - the IT industry needs YOU.

Often, folks don't catch on to what information technology is about. It is thrilling, changing, and puts you at the fore-front of developments in technology that will change our world over the next few decades.

Technology, computers and connections through the internet is going to radically affect our lifestyles over the coming years; profoundly so.

The standard IT worker in the United Kingdom will also earn significantly more money than his or her counterpart outside of IT. Typical salaries are amongst the highest in the country.

Demand for well trained and qualified IT technicians is certain for quite some time to come, thanks to the continuous expansion in the marketplace and the vast skills gap that remains.