If you're looking for a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) study program, be aware that companies offer quite diverse courses; some work and some don't. You'll come across a number of options, both if you're new to network support, or a professional ready to polish up your CV. Each of these scenarios requires different material, so pay attention that you're on the right one before getting going. Search for a training provider that's willing to understand you, and what you're trying to achieve, and one that has the ability to furnish you with enough facts to decide.

Potential trainees looking to get a career in IT usually don't know which direction is best, or even which area to build their qualifications around. As with no commercial skills in IT, how could any of us be expected to understand what a particular job actually consists of? Usually, the way to come at this predicament correctly stems from an in-depth chat, covering several different topics:

* Our personalities play a starring role - what gets you 'up and running', and what are the activities that put a frown on your face.

* What is the time-frame for the retraining?

* What priority do you place on job satisfaction vs salary?

* With everything that IT encompasses, you really need to be able to take in what is different.

* You'll also need to think hard about any sacrifices you'll need to make, as well as what commitment and time you're going to give to your training.

Ultimately, your only chance of covering these is from a long chat with someone that knows the industry well enough to be able to guide you.

Ensure all your exams are commercially valid and current - don't bother with programs which end up with a useless in-house certificate or plaque. To an employer, only the big-boys like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA (for example) provide enough commercial weight. Anything less just doesn't cut the mustard.

Training support for students is an absolute must - find a program that provides 24x7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also impede your ability to learn. Many only provide email support (too slow), and so-called telephone support is normally just routed to a call-centre which will just take down the issue and email it over to their technical team - who'll call back sometime over the next 1-3 days, when it's convenient to them. This isn't a lot of good if you're stuck and can't continue and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.

If you look properly, you'll find the top providers which offer online direct access support all the time - even in the middle of the night. Find a company that is worth purchasing from. As only true live 24x7 round-the-clock support delivers what is required.

Always expect an accredited exam preparation programme included in your course. Due to the fact that many examining boards for IT are American, it's essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It isn't good enough just understanding random questions - they have to be in the same format as the actual exams. Always ask for testing modules in order to test your knowledge at all times. Simulated or practice exams log the information in your brain - so the real thing isn't quite as scary.

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