In these days of super efficiency, support workers who are qualified to fix networks and PC's, plus give regular help to users, are indispensable in all sections of industry. As we get to grips with the daunting complexities of technological advances, growing numbers of qualified workers are required to look after the various different areas we rely on.

Validated simulation materials and exam preparation packages are a must - and absolutely ought to be sought from your course provider. Don't go for training programs relying on unofficial exam preparation questions. The way they're phrased is sometimes startlingly different - and this leads to huge confusion when the proper exam time arrives. As you can imagine, it is really important to be confident that you're completely ready for your actual certification exam before taking it. Practicing simulated tests logs the information in your brain and saves you time and money on thwarted exam entries.

So, why might we choose qualifications from the commercial sector instead of more traditional academic qualifications taught at schools, colleges or universities? The IT sector is now aware that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, official accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe is far more effective and specialised - for considerably less. Clearly, a certain portion of relevant additional knowledge has to be learned, but focused specialised knowledge in the required areas gives a vendor trained person a distinct advantage.

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Authorised IT qualifications provide exactly what an employer needs - the title says it all: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. Therefore employers can identify just what their needs are and what certifications are needed for the job.

In most cases, a typical person doesn't have a clue what way to go about starting in a computing career, or which market they should be considering getting trained in. I mean, if you have no know-how of the IT industry, what chance is there for you to know what some particular IT person actually does day-to-day? And of course decide on which accreditation path will be most suitable for success. The key to answering this problem appropriately lies in a thorough discussion of several different topics:

* What hobbies you have and enjoy - these can define what possibilities will satisfy you.

* Do you hope to reach an important aspiration - like becoming self-employed sometime soon?

* Where is the salary on a scale of importance - is it the most important thing, or is enjoying your job a lot higher on your list of priorities?

* Looking at the many markets that computing covers, it's important to be able to absorb what's different.

* Our advice is to think deeply about the level of commitment you'll put into your education.

The bottom line is, the only real way of checking this all out is by means of a long chat with someone who through years of experience will lead you to the correct decision.

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