As you're in the process of finding out about Microsoft MCSE's, you'll probably be in one of two categories: Maybe you're thinking of a complete career change to get into the IT field, and you've found a great many opportunities for properly qualified people. Or maybe you're an IT professional already - and you'd like to consolidate your skill-set with an MCSE.

As you find out about training colleges, ensure that you don't use those that compromise their offerings by failing to use the current Microsoft version. This will only hamper the student because they'll have been studying an old version of MCSE which doesn't correspond to the current exam syllabus, so it will make it very difficult for them to pass. Avoid businesses who are only trying to make a sale. You should be given detailed advice to make sure you are on the right course for you. Resist being forced into their standard course by some pushy sales person.

Look at the following points very carefully if you've been persuaded that that over-used sales technique about a guarantee for your exam looks like a reason to buy:

It's become essential these days that we are a tad more knowledgeable about sales gimmicks - and usually we grasp that it is something we're paying for - it's not because they're so generous they want to give something away! Students who take each progressive exam, funding them one at a time are much better placed to get through first time. They are conscious of their investment and so are more inclined to be up to the task.

Isn't it in your interests to go for the best offer at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium to a training company, and to take it closer to home - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call? Including money in your training package for examinations (plus interest - if you're financing your study) is a false economy. Why fill a company's coffers with extra money of yours only to please their Bank Manager! A lot bank on the fact that you don't even take them all - so they don't need to pay for them. Re-takes of any failed exams through organisations who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' are monitored with tight restrictions. You'll be required to sit pre-tests to make sure they think you're going to pass.

Exams taken at local centres are in the region of 112 pounds in Great Britain. What's the point of paying huge 'Exam Guarantee' fees (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

If your advisor doesn't ask many questions - chances are they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they wade straight in with a specific product before getting to know your background and whether you have any commercial experience, then it's definitely the case. With a strong background, or perhaps a bit of live experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it could be that your starting level will vary from someone with no background whatsoever. If this is going to be your first crack at IT study then you might also want to start with some basic user skills first.

Always expect an authorised exam preparation system as part of your course package. Confirm that the mock exams are not only asking questions on the correct subjects, but additionally ask them in the exact format that the real exams will pose them. It can really throw some people if they're met with completely different formats and phraseologies. You should make sure you verify your knowledge by doing tests and mock ups of exams to get you ready for the proper exam.

In most cases, a typical student has no idea in what direction to head in IT, let alone what market to focus their retraining program on. Because in the absence of any commercial background in Information Technology, how can most of us understand what someone in a particular job does? To get to the bottom of this, we need to discuss several different aspects:

* The sort of individual you are - which things you enjoy doing, and conversely - what makes you unhappy.

* What length of time can you allocate for retraining?

* Have you thought about salary vs job satisfaction?

* Getting to grips with what the main job roles and sectors are - and what differentiates them.

* What effort, commitment and time you'll spend on obtaining your certification.

In these situations, your only option to gain help on these areas is via a conversation with an advisor or professional that understands IT (as well as the commercial requirements.)

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