As you've arrived here it's possible that either you're considering a career change into IT and an MCSE certificate appeals to you, or you're currently an IT professional and you're aware that the next stage is the Microsoft qualification.

When researching training colleges, make sure you avoid those that compromise their offerings by failing to use the most up-to-date Microsoft version. This is no use to the student due to the fact that they'll have learned the wrong MCSE version which isn't in line with the current exam syllabus, so it could be impossible for them to pass. Avoid the companies who are just trying to sell you something. You should be given detailed advice to verify that you're on the best program for your needs. Resist being forced into a one-size-fits-all course by an over-keen salesman.

We need to make this very clear: Always get full 24x7 instructor and mentor support. Later, you'll kick yourself if you let this one slide. Look for training with proper support available at any time of day or night (irrespective of whether it's the wee hours on Sunday morning!) Ensure you get direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not a message system as this will slow you down - waiting for tutors to call you back during office hours.

The very best training providers incorporate three or four individual support centres from around the world. They use an online interactive interface to seamlessly link them all together, irrespective of the time you login, help is at hand, avoiding all the delays and problems. Unless you insist on online 24x7 support, you'll quickly find yourself regretting it. It may be that you don't use it throughout the night, but you're bound to use weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.

With so much choice, is it any wonder that a large percentage of trainees have no idea which career they could be successful with. How likely is it for us to understand what is involved in a particular job when we've never done it? Often we haven't met someone who performs the role either. Reflection on these points is required when you need to dig down the right answer for you:

• Your hobbies and interests - these can highlight what areas will give you the most reward.

• Do you hope to achieve a closely held objective - for instance, becoming self-employed someday?

• How important is salary to you - is it the most important thing, or is day-to-day enjoyment further up on your priority-list?

• Getting to grips with what the main career roles and sectors are - including what sets them apart.

• How much time you'll set aside for getting qualified.

To cut through the barrage of jargon, and uncover what'll really work for you, have an informal chat with an industry-experienced advisor; someone who appreciates and can explain the commercial realities as well as the certifications.

Consider the facts below carefully if you've been persuaded that that over-used sales technique about an 'Exam Guarantee' sounds great value:

These days, we have to be a tad more knowledgeable about sales gimmicks - and usually we know that for sure it is actually an additional cost to us (it isn't free or out of the goodness of their hearts!) Qualifying on the first 'go' is what everyone wants to do. Going for exams in order and funding them one at a time makes it far more likely you'll pass first time - you revise thoroughly and think carefully about the costs.

Sit the exam somewhere close to home and look for the very best offer you can at the time. Paying upfront for examination fees (which also includes interest if you've taken out a loan) is madness. Don't line companies bank accounts with extra money of yours just to give them a good cash-flow! Some will be pinning their hopes on the fact that you will never make it to exams - then they'll keep the extra money. Remember, with most 'Exam Guarantees' - they control when and how often you are allowed to do a re-take. You'll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they'll pay for another exam.

Paying maybe a thousand pounds extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is foolish - when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is what will get you through.

Getting into your first IT role can feel more straightforward with the help of a Job Placement Assistance service. But don't place too much emphasis on it - it's quite easy for eager sales people to make it sound harder than it is. Ultimately, the huge shortage of staff in Britain is why employers will be interested in you.

Work on polishing up your CV right away however (advice and support for this should come from your course provider). Don't wait till you've finished your exams. Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is better than being rejected. Often junior support jobs are given to people in the early stages of their course. In many cases, a specialist locally based recruitment consultant or service (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) will perform better than any centralised training company's service. They should, of course, also be familiar with local industry and the area better.

Many students, it seems, conscientiously work through their course materials (for years sometimes), only to do nothing special when attempting to secure their first job. Sell yourself... Work hard to put yourself out there. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.