What could a trainee searching for training tracks certified by Microsoft expect to find today? Undoubtedly, training providers should be offering a variety of different options that meet the requirements of training tracks certified by Microsoft. Maybe you'd like to find a training advisor, who can give you some ideas on which area of the industry would be right for you, and the kind of tasks that are correct for somebody with your abilities and personal preferences. Courses must be tailored to make the most of your skills and abilities. Hence, once you've decided on the best kind of work for you, your next focus is the appropriate training programme to see you into your career.

Commercial certification is now, undoubtedly, taking over from the traditional academic paths into the IT sector - so why should this be? With university education costs spiralling out of control, alongside the IT sector's recognition that key company training is often far more commercially relevant, we have seen a dramatic increase in Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA accredited training paths that provide key skills to an employee for considerably less. Many degrees, for example, can often get caught up in a great deal of loosely associated study - and a syllabus that's too generalised. This prevents a student from getting enough specific knowledge about the core essentials.

What if you were an employer - and you required somebody who had very specific skills. Which is the most straightforward: Trawl through reams of different degrees and college qualifications from several applicants, trying to establish what they know and which vocational skills they've acquired, or pick out specific commercial accreditations that precisely match your needs, and draw up from that who you want to speak to. You'll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview - instead of having to work out if they can do the job.

You'll come across courses which guarantee examination passes - inevitably that means paying for the exams before you've even made a start on the course. But before you get taken in by the chance of a guarantee, look at the following:

Of course it's not free - you are paying for it - it's just been wrapped up in the price of the package. The fact is that when trainees fund their relevant examinations, when they're ready to take them and not before, they will be much more likely to qualify each time - as they are conscious of their payment and so will prepare more thoroughly.

Don't you think it's more sensible to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, instead of paying a premium to a training course provider, and to take it closer to home - rather than in some remote centre? Paying in advance for examination fees (which also includes interest if you've taken out a loan) is a false economy. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with additional funds simply to help their cash-flow! A lot bank on the fact that you won't get round to taking them - so they get to keep the extra funds. Additionally, 'Exam Guarantees' often aren't worth the paper they're written on. The majority of companies won't be prepared to pay for you to re-take until you've completely satisfied them that you're ready this time.

Shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds on an 'Exam Guarantee' is foolish - when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is actually the key to your success.

In most cases, the normal student doesn't have a clue where to start with the IT industry, or which area is worth considering for retraining. Flicking through lists of IT career possibilities is next to useless. The vast majority of us have no idea what our next-door neighbours do at work each day - so we have no hope of understanding the complexities of a specific IT job. Arriving at the right choice only comes through a detailed investigation across many varying factors:

* Personality plays an important role - what things get your juices flowing, and what are the activities that you really dislike.

* What length of time can you allocate for the retraining?

* Have you thought about salary vs job satisfaction?

* Some students don't fully understand the time involved to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* You need to appreciate the differences between each area of training.

The best way to avoid all the jargon and confusion, and discover the best path to success, have an informal chat with an industry-experienced advisor; someone who understands the commercial reality whilst covering the certifications.

Authorised exam simulation and preparation packages are crucial - and really must be supplied by your training supplier. Don't go for training programs relying on unauthorised preparation materials for exams. Their phraseology is often somewhat different - and sometimes this can be a real headache in the actual examination. Simulated exams can be very useful as a resource to you - so that when you come to take the real deal, you don't get phased.

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