Incorporating examination fees up-front and offering an 'Exam Guarantee' is a popular marketing tool with many companies. But look at the facts:

It's very clear we're ultimately paying for it - it's not so hard to see that it's been inserted into the full cost of the package supplied by the training company. Certainly, it's not a freebie - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! It's everybody's ambition to qualify on the first attempt. Taking your exams progressively one by one and paying as you go has a marked effect on pass-rates - you take it seriously and are mindful of the investment you've made.

Sit the exam somewhere local and hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take it. Many questionable training course providers make big margins by getting paid for all the exam fees up-front then cashing in if they're not all taken. It's worth noting that exam re-takes through companies who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' are always heavily controlled. You'll be required to sit pre-tests to make sure they think you're going to pass.

Due to typical VUE and Prometric examinations coming in at around 112 pounds in the UK, the most cost-effective way to cover the cost is by paying when you need them. There's no sense in throwing away maybe a thousand pounds extra at the start of your studies. A commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

Talk to a expert consultant and you'll be surprised by their many awful tales of students who've been conned by dodgy salespeople. Stick to an experienced industry professional that digs deep to find out what's right for you - not for their paycheque! You must establish a starting-point that will suit you. It's worth remembering, if you've had any relevant accreditation or direct-experience, then you may be able to begin at a different level to someone new to the industry. If this is going to be your first attempt at IT study then you should consider whether to cut your teeth on a user-skills course first.

Many trainers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance program, to assist your search for your first position. The fact of the matter is it's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to find your first job - once you're trained and certified; because there's still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.

One important thing though, avoid waiting until you've finished your training before bringing your CV up to date. As soon as you start a course, enter details of your study programme and place it on jobsites! Getting your CV considered is more than not being regarded at all. A decent number of junior positions are bagged by students (who've only just left first base.) The best services to help get you placed are generally independent and specialised local recruitment services. As they're keen to place you to receive their commission, they have more incentive to get on with it.

A common aggravation for a number of training companies is how hard people are focused on studying to get top marks in their exams, but how un-prepared that student is to get the job they're trained for. Have confidence - the IT industry needs YOU.

The vendor neutral worldwide organisation CompTIA now provides possibly the most recognised and widely-respected independent IT accreditations. Other establishments also supply valuable accreditations, like CWNP ('Certified Wireless Network Professional') and ISC2 (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium). Most conspicuously needless to say are Cisco and Microsoft themselves, both with their very own qualification paths. Mainly due to the range and amount of accreditation tracks to be had in this sector, it's very wise to discuss this sort of career change with an industry experienced expert. This will likely stop you from making an expensive mistake, both in terms of money & time spent.