Without a constant influx of qualified network and computer support staff, business in the United Kingdom (and indeed in most countries) could well run into problems. Consequently, there's an on-going demand for men and women with technical ability to support both the users themselves and their networks. The nation's requirement for better technically qualified people grows, as we turn out to be vastly more reliant on computers in the modern world.

A subtle way that training companies 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:

Patently it isn't free - you're still being charged for it - it's just been wrapped up in the price of the package. Should you seriously need to qualify first 'go', you must pay for one exam at a time, give it the necessary attention and be ready for the task.

Why pay the training course provider in advance for examinations? Go for the best offer when you're ready, don't pay mark-ups - and do it locally - not at somewhere of their bidding. Considerable numbers of so-called credible training companies secure a great deal of profit through getting paid for exam fees early then hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. Don't forget, in the majority of cases of 'exam guarantees' - the company decides when you are allowed to do a re-take. They'll only allow a re-take once completely satisfied.

Exam fees averaged 112 pounds or thereabouts last year when taken at local VUE or Pro-metric centres throughout the country. So don't be talked into shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds more to have 'an Exam Guarantee', when any student knows that the most successful method is a regular, committed, study programme, with an accredited exam preparation system.

Most trainers typically provide a big box of books. Obviously, this isn't much fun and not ideal for remembering. Studies in learning psychology have shown that memory is aided when we use all our senses, and we get physically involved with the study process.

Programs are now found on CD and DVD discs, so you can study at your own computer. Utilising the latest video technology, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how to perform the required skill, and then have a go at it yourself - in an interactive lab. It makes sense to see some examples of the kind of training materials you'll be using before you sign on the dotted line. Always insist on instructor demonstrations, video tutorials and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.

It's usually bad advice to select online only courseware. Connection quality and reliability varies hugely across the ISP (internet service provider) market, you should always obtain CD or DVD ROM based materials.

Most commercial training providers only give support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; most won't answer after 8-9pm at the latest and frequently never at the weekends. Avoid, like the plague, any organisations who use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - with your call-back scheduled for office hours. It's no use when you're stuck on a problem and need help now.

Top training companies use multiple support centres active in different time-zones. Online access provides the interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, any time of the day or night, help is just a click away, with no hassle or contact issues. Seek out a training provider that goes the extra mile. Only true live 24x7 support provides the necessary backup.

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