The Microsoft MCSA course (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is an ideal qualification for all those considering becoming a network support technician. So if you're already experienced but need a professional course with certification, or you are just getting into the world of computers, you'll have the ability to choose a program to suit your needs. Each scenario requires specific course material, so pay attention to check you're being offered the best one before making a start. Search for a company that takes the time to understand what you hope to do, and will give you direction on what you'll be doing, well before they start talking about courses.

Of course: a actual training program or a qualification isn't what this is about; the particular job that you want is. Many trainers unfortunately over-emphasise the piece of paper. It's possible, for example, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study and then find yourself trapped for decades in a tiresome job role, simply because you did it without the correct research when you should've - at the outset.

It's essential to keep your focus on where you want to go, and create a learning-plan from that - not the other way round. Keep your eyes on your goals and ensure that you're training for an end-result you'll still be enjoying many years from now. The best advice for students is to chat with an experienced industry professional before they make a decision on a particular retraining programme. This is essential to ensure it contains the commercially required skills for the career that is sought.

One crafty way that training companies make more money is via an 'exam inclusive' package then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status. This sounds impressive, but let's just examine it more closely:

Everybody's aware that they're ultimately paying for it - obviously it has been added into the overall price charged by the training provider. It's definitely not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! If it's important to you to pass first time, you must avoid exam guarantees and pay when entering exams, prioritise it appropriately and give the task sufficient application.

Don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you when you're ready, and keep hold of your own money. In addition, it's then your choice where to sit the exam - so you can choose somewhere closer to home. Huge profits are secured by many training colleges that get money for exam fees in advance. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams but the company keeps the money. Astoundingly enough, there are training companies that actually bank on it - as that's how they make a lot of their profit. It's worth noting that exam re-takes with training course providers who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' inevitably are heavily regulated. You'll be required to sit pre-tests until you've demonstrated an excellent ability to pass.

Prometric and VUE exams are around 112 pounds in Great Britain. What's the point of paying huge 'Exam Guarantee' costs (most often hidden in the package) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and exam preparation systems and a dose of commitment and effort are what's required.

One area often overlooked by people considering a training program is 'training segmentation'. This is essentially the method used to break up the program for drop-shipping to you, which vastly changes where you end up. Often, you will join a program taking 1-3 years and receive one element at a time until graduation. It seems to make sense on one level, but consider these issues: Students often discover that the trainer's usual training route isn't the easiest way for them. You may find that a slightly different order suits them better. Could it cause problems if you don't get everything done in the allotted time?

Put simply, the best solution is to have their ideal 'order' of training laid out, but to receive all the materials up-front. You then have everything in the event you don't complete everything quite as quick as they'd want.

Searching for your first position in IT can feel more straightforward if you're supported with a Job Placement Assistance service. Ultimately it's not as hard as some people make out to find employment - as long as you're correctly trained and certified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

Update your CV at the beginning of your training though - look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don't wait till the exams have actually been passed. Getting your CV considered is far better than not even being known about. Many junior jobs are bagged by students (who've only just left first base.) Actually, a local IT focused employment agency - who make their money when they've found you a job - should get better results than any sector of a centralised training facility. In addition, they will no doubt be familiar with the local area and commercial needs.

Various trainees, apparently, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when trying to get their first job. Promote yourself... Do everything you can to get yourself known. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.

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