If you are considering a job in supporting networks then the Microsoft MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) course is the ideal one for you. Whether you're about to join the IT industry or are experienced already but need to improve your CV, there's a range of courses to fulfil your needs. Identify a company that's eager to understand you, and will help identify the correct course of action, before they even talk about the relevant training. Experts will also suggest where to commence based on your present skill-set or lack of it.

Any program that you're going to undertake really needs to work up to a nationally accepted certification as an end-result - not some little 'in-house' printed certificate to hang in your hallway. You'll find that only recognised examinations from the major players like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco and CompTIA will mean anything to employers.

One crafty way that course providers make more money is via an 'exam inclusive' package and offering an exam guarantee. This looks like a great idea for the student, till you look at the facts:

Of course it's not free - you're still being charged for it - it's just been wrapped up in the price of the package. Evidence shows that when trainees fund each examination, one after the other, the chances are they're going to qualify each time - because they're aware of what they've paid and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.

Shouldn't you be looking to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, not to pay any mark-up to the college, and to do it in a local testing office - rather than in some remote centre? Paying in advance for examination fees (which also includes interest if you've taken out a loan) is madness. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with your money only to please their Bank Manager! A lot bank on the fact that you won't get round to taking them - so they don't need to pay for them. Pay heed to the fact that, with the majority of Exam Guarantees - the company controls how often and when you can re-take the exam. You'll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they'll pay for another exam.

Splashing out often many hundreds of pounds extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is naive - when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is actually the key to your success.

Commercially accredited qualifications are now, without a doubt, beginning to replace the more academic tracks into the IT industry - but why should this be? Industry is now aware that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, the right accreditation from companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - and a fraction of the cost and time. In a nutshell, the learning just focuses on what's actually required. It's not quite as straightforward as that, but the principle remains that students need to focus on the exact skills required (with some necessary background) - without overdoing the detail in all sorts of other things (as degree courses are known to do).

Put yourself in the employer's position - and you required somebody who had very specific skills. What is easier: Pore through loads of academic qualifications from several applicants, trying to establish what they know and which vocational skills they have, or choose particular accreditations that specifically match what you're looking for, and draw up from that who you want to speak to. Your interviews are then about personal suitability - rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.

Far too many companies focus completely on the certification process, and forget what you actually need - getting yourself a new job or career. Your focus should start with the end in mind - don't make the vehicle more important than the destination. Don't be part of that group that choose a course that on the surface appears interesting - and end up with a plaque on the wall for an unrewarding career path.

Spend some time thinking about the income level you aspire to and what level of ambition fits you. This will influence which particular exams you'll need to attain and what you can expect to give industry in return. It's worth seeking help from a professional that can best explain the market you're considering, and who can give you 'A day in the life of' type of explanation for that career-path. All of these things are incredibly important as you'll need to fully understand whether or not you've chosen correctly.

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