As your research has brought you here there's a good chance that either you're considering a career change into IT and the MCSE has reared its head, or you could already be in IT and you've realised that the next stage is a qualification such as MCSE.

During your research, you will notice training companies that reduce their costs by failing to use the most up-to-date Microsoft version. Avoid this type of college as you will face problems in the exam. If you're learning from an out-of-date syllabus, it will make it very difficult to pass. Avoid the companies who're just out to sell you anything. You deserve time, expertise and advice to ensure you are registering on the correct course. Resist being forced into some generic product by some pushy sales person.

Training support for students is an absolute must - find a program offering 24x7 direct access to instructors, as not obtaining this level of support will severely impede your ability to learn. You'll be waiting ages for an answer with email based support, and phone support is usually just a call-centre who will take the information and email an instructor - who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, when it's convenient to them. This is no good if you're stuck with a particular problem and only have a specific time you can study.

Be on the lookout for training schools that use several support centres from around the world. These should be integrated to offer a simple interface together with 24x7 access, when you need it, with the minimum of hassle. Look for an educator that cares. Because only live 24x7 support gives you the confidence to make it.

People attracted to this sort of work can be very practical by nature, and don't really enjoy classrooms, and slogging through piles of books. If you're thinking this sounds like you, opt for more involving, interactive learning materials, with on-screen demonstrations and labs. We see a huge improvement in memory retention when we use multiple senses - educational experts have expounded on this for decades now.

Fully interactive motion videos involving demonstration and virtual lab's beat books hands-down. And they're far more fun. Don't take any chances and look at some examples of the kind of training materials you'll be using before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.

Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Ideally, you should opt for CD and DVD ROM courseware where obtainable, enabling them to be used at your convenience - you don't want to be reliant on your broadband being 'up' 100 percent of the time.

The sometimes daunting task of landing your first computer related job is often made easier by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance service. In reality it's not as hard as some people make out to get employment - assuming you're well trained and qualified; because there's still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.

Update your CV at the beginning of your training though (advice can be sought on this via your provider). Don't delay till you've finished your exams. It can happen that you haven't even qualified when you will get your initial junior support role; yet this won't be the case unless your CV is with employers. The top companies to get you a new position are usually specialist locally based employment services. As they will get paid by the employer when they've placed you, they'll work that much harder to get a result.

Do make sure you don't spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, and then do nothing more and expect somebody else to find you a job. Get off your backside and get on with the job. Put the same time and energy into finding your new role as it took to get qualified.

If your advisor doesn't ask many questions - chances are they're really a salesperson. If someone pushes specific products before getting to know your background and experience, then you know it's true. Don't forget, if you've had any relevant accreditation or direct-experience, then you will often be able to start at a different point than a trainee with no history to speak of. If this is going to be your opening effort at studying to take an IT exam then you may want to start out with some basic PC skills training first.

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