We can divide up the various certification paths largely in accordance with the systems they relate to. They are namely Networking (& Server Operating-Systems), Databases (which encompasses Administration and Development) & Programming (and Software Development in Windows). There are specific and different certification groups regarding each of these tracks; visit the relevant pages on this web-site for more specifics.

Some training providers have a handy Job Placement Assistance service, to help you into your first commercial role. It can happen though that this feature is bigged up too much, for it's really not that difficult for any motivated and trained individual to secure a job in the IT industry - as there is such a shortage of well trained people.

One important thing though, don't wait till you've qualified before getting your CV updated. The day you start training, mark down what you're doing and get it out there! Quite frequently, you'll secure your initial role whilst you're still studying (occasionally right at the beginning). If your CV doesn't say what you're learning (and it isn't in the hands of someone with jobs to offer) then you're not even going to be known about! Normally you'll get better performance from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than any course provider's recruitment division, because they'll know local industry and the area better.

A constant frustration of various training course providers is how much students are prepared to work to pass exams, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the job they've trained for. Have confidence - the IT industry needs YOU.

Looking at the myriad of choice out there, is it any wonder that the majority of students get stuck choosing the job they could be successful with. How can we possibly grasp the day-to-day realities of any IT job when we've never done it? Maybe we don't even know anybody who works in that sector anyway. Getting to any kind of right decision really only appears through a careful study across many unique factors:

- The type of personality you have and interests - what kind of work-oriented areas you like and dislike.

- Why it seems right stepping into the IT industry - is it to conquer a particular goal like working for yourself for example.

- What salary and timescale needs you have?

- Learning what the main IT areas and markets are - and what differentiates them.

- The time and energy you will spend on your training.

For most of us, getting to the bottom of each of these concepts requires a good chat with someone that knows what they're talking about. And we're not only talking about the qualifications - you also need to understand the commercial requirements and expectations of the market as well.

Some training providers only give basic 9am till 6pm support (maybe a little earlier or later on certain days); very few go late in the evening or at weekends. Be wary of any training providers which use call-centres 'out-of-hours' - where an advisor will call back during the next 'working' day. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and could do with an answer during your scheduled study period.

The very best programs tend to use a web-based 24x7 system utilising a variety of support centres throughout multiple time-zones. You get a simple environment which seamlessly accesses whichever office is appropriate at any time of day or night: Support available as-and-when you want it. Don't compromise when you're looking for the right support service. Most trainees that drop-out or fail, just need the right support system.