Today, many workplaces would struggle if it weren't for support workers fixing PC's and networks, while giving advice to users on a regular basis each week. The world's requirement for the above mentioned members of the workforce is consistently on the grow, as everywhere we work becomes significantly more technologically advanced.

Charging for exam fees with the course fee and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams is a common method with many companies. But look at the facts:

Certainly it's not free - you're still footing the bill for it - it's just been included in your package price. Those who enter their exams one by one, paying for them just before taking them are much better placed to get through first time. They're thoughtful of what they've paid and take the necessary steps to ensure they are ready.

Take your exams as locally as possible and don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you when you're ready. Paying upfront for examinations (and interest charges if you're borrowing money) is insane. Why fill a company's coffers with your money only to please their Bank Manager! There are those who hope that you will never make it to exams - so they don't need to pay for them. The majority of companies will insist that you take mock exams first and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

VUE and Prometric examinations are around 112 pounds in the United Kingdom today. Why pay exorbitant 'Exam Guarantee' fees (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when a quality course, support and a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

We're regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are less in demand than the more commercial certifications? Industry now acknowledges that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, proper accreditation from companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. They do this through concentrating on the particular skills that are needed (together with an appropriate level of background knowledge,) as opposed to covering masses of the background 'padding' that computer Science Degrees are prone to get tied up in (to fill up a syllabus or course).

What if you were an employer - and your company needed a person with some very particular skills. What is easier: Pore through loads of academic qualifications from graduate applicants, asking for course details and which vocational skills they've mastered, or choose a specific set of accreditations that exactly fulfil your criteria, and make your short-list from that. You'll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview - rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.

Student support is absolutely essential - ensure you track down something providing 24x7 full access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also hamper your progress. Beware of institutions which use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - where an advisor will call back during standard office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and want support there and then.

The most successful trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. An online system provides an interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, any time of the day or night, help is just seconds away, without any contact issues or hassle. Search out a training company that goes the extra mile. Only proper live 24x7 round-the-clock support delivers what is required.

Every program under consideration should always lead to a nationally accepted certification at the end - definitely not some 'in-house' printed certificate to hang in your hallway. You'll find that only recognised qualifications from the major players like Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco and Adobe will be useful to a future employer.