In the modern world, support workers who are able to mend networks and PC’s, and give daily advice to users, are vital in all areas of the economy. The nation’s requirement for increasing numbers of technically qualified people is growing, as we turn out to be ever more dependent on computers in the modern world.

‘Exam Guarantees’ are often bundled with training offers – they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, before you’ve even made a start on the course. Before you get carried away with guaranteed exams, be aware of the facts:

Patently it isn’t free – you’re still paying for it – it’s just been included in your package price.

The fact is that if students pay for their own exams, one at a time, there’s a much better chance they’ll pass every time – since they’ll be conscious of their investment in themselves and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.

Isn’t it outrageous to have to pay the training college in advance for examinations? Find the best deal you can at the time, don’t pay mark-ups – and take it closer to home – instead of miles away at the college’s beck and call.

A lot of questionable training providers net big margins because they’re getting paid for all the exam fees up-front and hoping that you won’t take them all.

The majority of companies will insist that you take mock exams first and not allow you to re-take an exam until you’ve completely proven that you’re likely to pass – making an ‘exam guarantee’ just about worthless.

Splashing out often many hundreds of pounds extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is remiss – when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is what will really see you through.

A so-called advisor who doesn’t question you thoroughly – it’s likely they’re actually nothing more than a salesman. If they’re pushing towards a particular product before getting to know your background and current experience level, then you know it’s true.

In some circumstances, the training start-point for someone experienced in some areas will be substantially different to the student with none.

If you’re a student commencing IT study from scratch, it can be useful to ease in gradually, kicking off with some basic user skills first. Usually this is packaged with most training packages.

When was the last time you considered the security of your job? Typically, this issue only becomes a talking point when we experience a knock-back. However, The cold truth is that our job security doesn’t really exist anymore, for most of us.

When we come across rising skills shortfalls and escalating demand though, we can discover a fresh type of security in the marketplace; driven by the conditions of constant growth, organisations just can’t get the influx of staff needed.

The 2006 national e-Skills study demonstrated that 26 percent of computing and IT jobs remain unfilled because of a huge deficit of appropriately certified professionals. Meaning that for every 4 jobs that exist throughout the computer industry, there are barely three qualified workers to fulfil that role.

This disturbing concept underpins an urgent requirement for more appropriately qualified computing professionals across the country.

Without a doubt, this really is such a perfect time for retraining into the IT industry.

Be careful that the exams you’re working towards will be recognised by employers and are up-to-date. The ‘in-house’ certifications provided by many companies are not normally useful in gaining employment.

All the major commercial players like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco each have nationally approved skills programs. These big-hitters can make sure you stand out at interview.

(C) S. Edwards 2009. Browse around Microsoft Certification Courses or MCITP Certification.