Often, people don't comprehend what IT can do for us. It is thrilling, changing, and means you're doing your bit in the gigantic wave of technology that will impact the whole world for generations to come. There are people who believe that the increase in technology we've had over recent years is slowing down. All indicators point in the opposite direction. Massive changes are on the horizon, and the internet in particular is going to dominate how we conduct our lives.

And it's worth remembering that on average, the income of a person in the IT sector in the United Kingdom is significantly higher than the national average salary, so in general you'll more than likely earn considerably more once qualified in IT, than you would in most typical jobs. It seems there is no easing up for IT increases in Great Britain as a whole. The industry is continuing to expand quickly, and as we have a significant shortage of skilled professionals, it's highly unlikely that it will even slow down for a good while yet.

For most people looking at getting into IT as a career, basic networking could be the starting-point. Until you understand how a Computer functions & communicates with other PCs, anything more is just nonsense. Assuming a basic level of IT literacy, (read the general Computer Training web-pages if not,) the starting point is almost always 'CompTIA' A+ & CompTIA Network+ . We discuss information regarding these programs on the section dedicated to CompTIA.

Where you venture next will depend mainly upon whether you wish to focus on 'hardware' or 'software'. With regard to hardware, you're talking about Cisco (CCNA/CCNP), and with regard to 'software' you need Microsoft (MCSA or MCSE). That said, MS boasts a major domination in most network-environments, which means an in depth knowledge of their software is actually highly useful whatever your specialisation. You will get more accreditation information on this site from the dedicated Microsoft and 'Cisco' sections.

However, you might want to continue on the vendor neutral path with more 'CompTIA' certification (for example Linux+, Security+ and Server+ ) or even try your hand at the wire-less (Wi-Fi) area of things with the 'CWNP'/'CWNA'.

A study programme should always lead to a fully recognised major certification at the end - definitely not some 'in-house' piece of paper. From an employer's perspective, only the top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe (as an example) will get you short-listed. Nothing else makes the grade.

A sneaky way that training companies make more money is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and then including an 'Exam Guarantee'. This looks like a great idea for the student, till you look at the facts:

Everyone knows they're still being charged for it - it's quite obvious to see that it's been added into the gross price invoiced by the college. It's certainly not free (it's just marketing companies think we'll fall for anything they say!) Students who go in for their examinations when it's appropriate, paying as they go are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They're aware of their spending and so are more inclined to be up to the task.

Hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the appropriate time, and keep hold of your own money. In addition, it's then your choice where to take your exam - so you can find somewhere local. Why borrow the money or pay in advance (plus interest of course) on exams when there was no need to? Big margins are netted by organisations charging all their exam fees up-front - and then cashing in when they're not all taken. Pay heed to the fact that, with 'Exam Guarantees' from most places - they control when and how often you can do your re-takes. Subsequent exam attempts are only authorised at the company's say so.

Due to typical VUE and Prometric tests coming in at approximately 112 pounds in Great Britain, it makes sense to pay as you go. It's not in the student's interests to fork out hundreds or thousands of pounds for exams when enrolling on a course. Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

A successful training course package should incorporate wholly authorised exam preparation systems. Make sure that the practice exams aren't just asking you the right questions from the right areas, but are also posing them in the same way that the proper exam will ask them. It throws students if the phraseology and format is completely different. As you can imagine, it is really important to know that you're absolutely ready for your commercial exam prior to going for it. Rehearsing simulated tests will help to boost your attitude and will save a lot of money on wasted exam attempts.

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