Network and computer support workers are ever more in demand in the UK, as companies rely heavily upon their knowledge and ability to fix and repair. As we get to grips with the multifaceted levels of technology, more and more IT professionals are being looked for to dedicate themselves to the many areas we’ve become dependent on.

A subtle way that course providers make more money is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and offering an exam guarantee. It looks impressive, but is it really:

Certainly it isn’t free – you are paying for it – it’s just been included in your package price.

Those who enter their exams one by one, paying as they go are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They’re thoughtful of their investment and so are more inclined 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 a training company, and to do it locally – rather than in some remote centre?

Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for examinations when there’s absolutely nothing that says you have to? A great deal of money is made because training colleges are getting paid upfront for exams – and then hoping that you won’t take them all.

It’s worth noting, with most ‘Exam Guarantees’ – they control when and how often you are allowed to do a re-take. You’ll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they’ll pay for another exam.

Exams taken at local centres are in the region of 112 pounds in this country. Students should be very wary of forking out hundreds of pounds extra in charges for ‘Exam Guarantees’ (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) – when good quality study materials, the proper support and study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

Trainees looking to kick off an IT career often haven’t a clue what direction is best, or which market to get certified in.

How can we possibly grasp the many facets of a particular career when we’ve never done it? Maybe we have never met anyone who does that actual job anyway.

Often, the key to unlocking this question properly stems from a full discussion of several areas:

* What hobbies you’re involved with in your spare-time – often these point towards what areas you’ll get the most enjoyment out of.

* What time-frame are you looking at for retraining?

* The income needs you may have?

* With many, many areas to train for in computing – you’ll need to gain some background information on what sets them apart.

* It makes sense to understand what differentiates the myriad of training options.

To cut through the industry jargon, and uncover the most viable option for your success, have a good talk with an industry expert and advisor; someone that understands the commercial reality whilst covering all the qualifications.

Getting into your first IT role sometimes feels easier to handle if you’re offered a Job Placement Assistance service. However sometimes too much is made of this feature, as it is genuinely quite straightforward for a well trained and motivated person to get a job in the IT industry – as there is such a shortage of skilled employees.

Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however – you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don’t procrastinate and leave it until you’ve qualified.

You may not have got to the stage where you’ve qualified when you will be offered your first junior support job; however this isn’t going to happen if interviewers don’t get sight of your CV.

The top companies to get you a new position are generally local IT focused employment agencies. Because they make their money when they’ve found you a job, they’re perhaps more focused on results.

Various trainees, it seems, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for their first job. Market yourself… Do your best to get yourself known. Don’t think a job’s just going to jump out in front of you.

A ridiculously large number of organisations only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely miss the reasons for getting there – which is a commercial career or job. Always begin with the end in mind – too many people focus on the journey.

Avoid becoming one of those unfortunate students that choose a course which looks like it could be fun – and end up with a plaque on the wall for a career they’ll never really get any satisfaction from.

Get to grips with the income level you aspire to and whether you’re an ambitious person or not. This can often control which particular certifications will be required and what’ll be expected of you in your new role.

Always seek guidance and advice from a skilled advisor, even if you have to pay – it’s usually much cheaper and safer to discover early on whether a chosen track will suit, instead of discovering after two full years that you’re doing entirely the wrong thing and have to return to the start of another program.

Author: Scott Edwards. Look at Click HERE or Distance Learning Course.