A number of people assume that the tech college or university track is the way they should go. So why then is commercial certification slowly and steadily replacing it? Industry is of the opinion that for an understanding of the relevant skills, the right accreditation supplied for example by Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe is closer to the mark commercially - for considerably less. In a nutshell, only required knowledge is taught. It's slightly more broad than that, but the principle remains that students need to focus on the exact skills required (along with a certain amount of crucial background) - without trying to cram in every other area (as universities often do).

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Recognised IT certifications let employers know exactly what you're capable of - everything they need to know is in the title: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. Consequently an employer can look at their needs and what certifications are required to perform the job.

The classroom style of learning we remember from school, utilising reference manuals and books, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, dig around for more practical courses that are multimedia based. Many studies have proved that memory is aided when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we take action to use what we've learned.

Find a course where you'll receive a library of CD and DVD ROM's - you'll begin by watching videos of instructors demonstrating the skills, with the facility to hone your abilities through virtual lab's. All companies must be able to demonstrate samples of the materials provided for study. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and interactive areas to practice in.

You should avoid purely online training. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where obtainable, as you need to be able to use them whenever it's convenient for you - ISP quality varies, so you don't want to be totally reliant on your broadband being 'up' 100 percent of the time.

Considering how a program is 'delivered' to you can often be overlooked. How many parts is the training broken down into? And in what order and at what speed is it delivered? A release of your materials one stage at a time, as you complete each module is the typical way that your program will arrive. This sounds logical, but you should take these factors into account: Many students find that their training company's usual training route doesn't suit. They might find a different order of study is more expedient. Perhaps you don't make it within their exact timetable?

The ideal solution is to have all your study materials posted to you immediately; the whole caboodle! This prevents any future issues from rising that will affect your ability to finish.

A sneaky way that training providers make a lot more is by charging for exams up-front and then including an 'Exam Guarantee'. It looks like a good deal, till you look at the facts:

Patently it's not free - you're still footing the bill for it - it's just been wrapped up in the price of the package. People who take exams one at a time, funding them as they go are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They are thoughtful of their investment and take the necessary steps to be ready for the task.

Shouldn't you be looking to hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the time, instead of paying a premium to the training college, and to take it closer to home - rather than possibly hours away from your area? A lot of extra profit is secured by a number of companies that incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams but no refunds are given. Astoundingly enough, there are training companies that rely on that fact - as that's how they make a lot of their profit. Also, exam guarantees often have very little value. Most companies will not pay for you to re-take until you have demonstrated conclusively that you won't fail again.

Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is remiss - when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is actually the key to your success.

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