Network and computer support workers are increasingly sought after in Great Britain, as organisations become progressively more dependent on their technical advice and capacity to solve problems. The nation's requirement for better skilled and qualified individuals multiplies, as society becomes vastly more reliant on PC's in the twenty first century.

Don't forget: a actual training program or an accreditation is not the ultimate goal; the job or career that you want is. Many trainers unfortunately over-emphasise the certificate itself. Don't let yourself become part of that group who select a program that on the surface appears interesting - and end up with a plaque on the wall for a career they'll never really get any satisfaction from.

You also need to know your leanings around career progression and earning potential, plus your level of ambition. You should understand what (if any) sacrifices you'll need to make for a particular role, which particular qualifications are needed and in what way you can develop commercial experience. We advise all students to talk with highly experienced advisors before following a particular retraining programme. This is essential to ensure it contains the commercially required skills for the chosen career.

Considering the amount of options that are available, does it really shock us that nearly all career changers have no idea which career they will enjoy. Reading lists of IT career possibilities is next to useless. Surely, most of us have no concept what our next-door neighbours do at work each day - let alone understand the ins and outs of a new IT role. Reflection on the following issues is imperative if you need to reveal the right solution that will work for you:

* The kind of individual you consider yourself to be - what tasks do you really enjoy, and on the other side of the coin - what makes you unhappy.

* Are you aiming to achieve an important dream - for example, working from home someday?

* How important is salary to you - is an increase your main motivator, or is enjoying your job a lot higher on your list of priorities?

* Understanding what the normal career areas and markets are - including what sets them apart.

* The time and energy you'll have available to set aside for your training.

The best way to avoid all the jargon and confusion, and find the most viable option for your success, have an informal chat with an industry-experienced advisor; a person that understands the commercial reality whilst covering the certifications.

Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - this always means exams have to be paid for upfront, at the start of your training. Before you get carried away with a course with such a promise, why not look at the following:

Everybody's aware that they're still paying for it - obviously it has been inserted into the overall figure from the training provider. It's certainly not free (it's just marketing companies think we'll fall for anything they say!) It's everybody's ambition to qualify on the first attempt. Progressively working through your exams one by one and funding them one at a time sees you much better placed to get through first time - you prepare appropriately and think carefully about the costs.

Take your exams at a local pro-metric testing centre and find the best deal for you at the time. Paying in advance for exam fees (and interest charges if you're borrowing money) is a false economy. It's not your job to boost the training company's account with your money simply to help their cash-flow! Many will hope you won't get round to taking them - then they'll keep the extra money. It's worth noting that exam re-takes via companies with an 'Exam Guarantee' inevitably are heavily regulated. They'll insist that you take mock exams first until you've demonstrated an excellent ability to pass.

Prometric and VUE exams are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in this country. What's the point of paying huge 'Exam Guarantee' fees (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when a quality course, support and study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.