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Choosing a study program that fulfils the working world is crucially important in our turbulent times. In addition, it's also necessary to select a course that you will get on well with, that matches your abilities and personality.

There are so many directions you can go in. Some people need User Skills from Microsoft, others want career skills such as courses on Networking, Programming, Databases or Web Design - and all can be catered for. But don't rush into it, don't just guess. It's much better to talk to a company who has experience of the IT economy, and can help you arrive at the right destination.

Today, there are many easy-to-use and sensibly priced options around that will give you everything you need.

Charging for examinations up-front and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams is common for a number of training colleges. However, let's consider what's really going on:

It's very clear we're still paying for it - it's quite obvious to see that it's already in the overall figure from the course provider. Certainly, it's not a freebie - and it's insulting that we're supposed to think it is!

It's everybody's ambition to qualify on the first attempt. Entering examinations when it's appropriate and paying as you go makes it far more likely you'll pass first time - you prepare appropriately and think carefully about the costs.

Don't you think it's more sensible to find the best exam deal or offer when you take the exam, instead of paying a premium to a college, and also to sit exams more locally - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call?

Paying in advance for examination fees (plus interest - if you're financing your study) is insane. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with additional funds only to please their Bank Manager! Many will hope you don't even take them all - so they get to keep the extra funds.

Most companies will require you to do mock exams and prohibit you from re-taking an exam until you've completely proven that you're likely to pass - so an 'Exam Guarantee' comes with many clauses in reality.

Average exam fees were around the 112 pounds mark in the last 12 months via UK VUE or Prometric centres. Therefore, why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra to get 'an Exam Guarantee', when it's no secret that the best guarantee is a regular, committed, study programme, with an accredited exam preparation system.

Many people question why academic qualifications are now falling behind more commercial certificates?

Industry is of the opinion that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, official accreditation from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.

Essentially, students are simply taught the necessary specifics in depth. It's slightly more broad than that, but the most important function is always to cover the precise skills needed (including a degree of required background) - without going into too much detail in all sorts of other things (as degree courses are known to do).

Put yourself in the employer's position - and you needed to take on someone with a very particular skill-set. Which is the most straightforward: Pore through loads of academic qualifications from various applicants, trying to establish what they know and which commercial skills have been attained, or select a specialised number of commercial certifications that specifically match what you're looking for, and draw up from that who you want to speak to. You can then focus on how someone will fit into the team at interview - rather than on the depth of their technical knowledge.

Often, trainers provide a shelf full of reference manuals. This can be very boring and isn't the best way to go about achieving retention.

Many years of research has repeatedly confirmed that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, will more likely produce memories that are deeper and longer-lasting.

Learning is now available in the form of CD and DVD ROM's, so everything is learned directly from your own PC. Through video streaming, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how something is done, with some practice time to follow - via the interactive virtual lab's.

You really need to look at courseware examples from the company you're considering. It's essential they incorporate video, demonstrations and various interactive elements.

Select CD and DVD ROM based physical training media whenever you can. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with broadband 'downtime' or slow-speeds.

It's essential to have authorised exam simulation and preparation programs included in your course.

Steer clear of depending on non-accredited preparation materials for exams. The terminology of their questions can be quite different - and often this creates real issues in the actual examination.

Simulated exams can be enormously valuable for confidence building - so that when you come to take your actual exams, you will be much more relaxed.

(C) 2009 - S. Edwards. Go to OnlineCareerAdvice.co.uk/aoncaad.html or Microsoft Certifications.