Don't put too much store, like so many people do, on the training course itself. You're not training for the sake of training; this is about gaining commercial employment. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve. Never let yourself become part of that group that choose a course that on the surface appears interesting - only to end up with a qualification for a career they'll never really get any satisfaction from.

Never let your focus stray from where you want to get to, and then build your training requirements around that - not the other way round. Stay on target and ensure that you're training for a job that'll reward you for many long and fruitful years. Your likely to need help from a professional that can explain the market you've chosen, and is able to give you 'A typical day in the life of' outline of the job being considered. This really is essential because you need to know if you're barking up the wrong tree.

Over the years, to their credit, Microsoft have created increasingly professional certifications - which means that other players in the industry have been required to improve their packages. Because of this the whole I.T. industry & particularly senior managers regard skilled professional MS certifications with great respect.

In amongst the top nominees for the biggest single let-down in IT training is usually having to turn up to 'In Centre' days or workshops. Many certification companies wax lyrical on the so-called 'benefits' of these classes, it's almost certain though that you'll find them a growing difficulty due to:

- A lot of travelling to and from the centre - usually 100's of miles.

- If you're working, then Mon-Fri classes cause problems at work. Typically you are contending with several days in a row too.

- And let's not ignore lost vacation time. Most of us have 4 weeks off each year. If over 50 percent is used in classes, then we aren't going to be doing much vacationing.

- With the high costs involved, most companies fill the classes up to the brim - certainly not ideal (and far less personal).

- Tension can be created in the classroom because different students want to work at different paces.

- And let's not forget the added expense of travelling or over-night accommodation either. Don't be surprised to find this become hundreds and even thousands of pounds extra. Work it out - you'll get a shock.

- Don't risk even a small chance of being overlooked for potential advancement or pay-rises while you're training.

- Posing questions in a class full of students will often make any one of us a little nervous. Ever avoided asking a question as you didn't want to appear stupid?

- Living away for part of your working week - a fair few trainees find they have to work or live somewhere else for sections of the programme. Events are problematic to attend, yet you've already coughed up the readies in your initial payment.

It would be better to watch a video and learn with industry specialists one-to-one in pre-made modules, doing them at your convenience - not somebody else's. If anything comes up, make use of the 24x7 support (that we hope you'll insist on with any technical courses.) Remember, if you own a notebook PC, study can take place anywhere. Modules and lessons can be repeated as often as you want - repetition is good for memory. And you'll never have to write notes again - everything is ready to go. The bottom line: Reduced stress, more money in the bank, and no travelling or long journeys.

Incorporating examination fees up-front and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams is a popular marketing tool with many companies. But let's examine why they really do it:

You're paying for it somehow. It certainly isn't free - it's just been rolled into the price of the whole package. Passing first time is everyone's goal. Taking your exams progressively one by one and paying as you go makes it far more likely you'll pass first time - you prepare appropriately and think carefully about the costs.

Don't you think it's more sensible to not pay up-front, but at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium to the training course provider, and to do it locally - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call? What's the point in paying early for exams when there's absolutely nothing that says you have to? Big margins are secured by training companies getting money in early for exam fees - and hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. Additionally, you should consider what an 'exam guarantee' really means. The majority of organisations won't be prepared to pay again for an exam until you're able to demonstrate an excellent mock pass rate.

Due to typical VUE and Prometric exams coming in at around 112 pounds in the UK, it's common sense to fund them one by one. Why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra at the beginning of your training? Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

A lot of trainers will only offer support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; It's rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover. Try and find training where you can access help at all hours of the day and night (even if it's early hours on Sunday morning!) Ensure you get direct access to tutors, and not a message system as this will slow you down - parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back when it's convenient for them.

The best trainers use multiple support centres around the globe in several time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to link them all seamlessly, no matter what time you login, help is at hand, with no hassle or contact issues. If you fail to get yourself support round-the-clock, you'll end up kicking yourself. You might not want to use the service in the middle of the night, but you may need weekends, early mornings or late evenings.

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