As you've arrived here there's a good chance that you'd like to enter the world of computers and the MCSE has reared its head, or you could already be in IT and it's apparent that you need a qualification such as MCSE.

As you've arrived here there's a good chance that you'd like to enter the world of computers and the MCSE has reared its head, or you could already be in IT and it's apparent that you need a qualification such as MCSE.

When researching MCSE's, you'll hit upon training companies that reduce their costs by failing to use the most up-to-date Microsoft version. Don't use such training providers as it will create challenges for you when it comes to exams. If you've been taught the wrong syllabus, it is going to be hugely difficult to get qualified.

Look out for training companies who're just trying to sell you something. You should know that buying an MCSE course is the same in a way as buying a car. They vary hugely; some are reliable and will get you there in comfort, whilst others will probably break down on route. A good company will offer you plenty of help to be sure the course will work for you. If they're confident of their product, you will be able to look at examples of training materials before buying anything.

Don't accept anything less than the very latest Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages.

Sometimes people can find themselves confused by practising exam questions that are not from authorised sources. Sometimes, the terminology in the real exams can be quite different and you should be prepared for this.

'Mock' or practice exams are very useful as a tool for logging knowledge into your brain - then when the time comes for you to take the real thing, you don't get uptight.

If you're like many of the students we talk to then you're quite practically minded - a 'hands-on' individual. Usually, the world of book-reading and classrooms can be just about bared when essential, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. Check out video-based multimedia instruction if you'd really rather not use books.

Memory is vastly improved when we use multiple senses - learning experts have been saying this for as long as we can remember.

Interactive audio-visual materials utilising video demo's and practice lab's will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And you'll actually enjoy doing them.

It's wise to view a small selection of training examples before you purchase a course. The minimum you should expect would be video tutorials, instructor demo's and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.

Purely on-line training should be avoided. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where available, enabling them to be used at your convenience - you don't want to be reliant on your internet connection always being 'up' and available.

When did you last consider how safe your job is? Typically, this isn't an issue until we get some bad news. But in today's marketplace, the painful truth is that our job security doesn't really exist anymore, for the vast majority of people.

It's possible though to hit upon security at the market sector level, by searching for high demand areas, mixed with a shortage of skilled staff.

Offering the computer industry for example, the last e-Skills survey demonstrated a skills gap throughout the country in excess of 26 percent. Accordingly, out of each 4 positions in existence in the computer industry, organisations can only source enough qualified individuals for three of them.

Properly taught and commercially grounded new employees are therefore at an absolute premium, and it seems it will continue to be so for a long time to come.

In reality, acquiring professional IT skills over the next few years is most likely the greatest career direction you could choose.

One area often overlooked by people mulling over a new direction is the concept of 'training segmentation'. This is essentially how the program is broken down into parts to be delivered to you, which completely controls how you end up.

The majority of training companies will set up a program typically taking 1-3 years, and drop-ship the materials to you piecemeal as you complete each section or exam. If you think this sound logical, then consider this:

What if you find the order pushed by the company's salespeople doesn't suit all of us. You may find it a stretch to finalise all the elements inside their defined time-scales?

To be honest, the very best answer is to have their ideal 'order' of training laid out, but get everything up-front. Meaning you've got it all should you not complete it within their ideal time-table.