Should you be looking for training tracks certified by Microsoft, you will no doubt be hoping for companies to provide a large selection of the best learning programmes to be had. It's a good idea to talk about career options with a person who's got industry experience - and if you haven't come to a decision, then take counsel on which area of the industry would work for you, based on your likes and dislikes and your character. Ensure your training is tailored to your skills and abilities. The best companies will make sure that the training is appropriate for the career you want to get into.

It's not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, at the very beginning of your studies. But before you get taken in by the chance of a guarantee, be aware of the facts:

Patently it's not free - you're still footing the bill for it - the price has simply been included in the whole thing. For those who want to qualify first 'go', you must pay for one exam at a time, prioritise it appropriately and be ready for the task.

Why pay the training college up-front for examinations? Find the best exam deal or offer when you're ready, rather than pay marked up fees - and sit exams more locally - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call. A surprising number of unscrupulous training providers net big margins by asking for exam fees early then hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. Also, 'Exam Guarantees' often aren't worth the paper they're written on. The majority of companies won't pay again for an exam until you're able to demonstrate an excellent mock pass rate.

Exams taken at VUE and Prometric centres are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. Why pay exorbitant 'Exam Guarantee' fees (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

Always expect the most up to date Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised exam preparation and simulation materials. Some students can get thrown by practicing questions for their exams that don't come from official boards. Sometimes, the question formats and phraseology is startlingly different and you should be prepared for this. A way to build self-confidence is if you test how much you know through tests and practice in simulated exam environments to prepare you for taking the proper exam.

Searching for your first position in IT sometimes feels easier to handle with the help of a Job Placement Assistance facility. However sometimes there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, because it's relatively easy for any focused and well taught person to find a job in IT - because companies everywhere are seeking well trained people.

Get your CV updated straight-away though (advice can be sought on this via your provider). Don't wait till the exams have actually been passed. You might not even have taken your exams when you will be offered your first junior support role; although this is not possible if interviewers don't get sight of your CV. The top companies to help you land that job are normally independent and specialised local recruitment services. Because they make their money when they've found you a job, they'll work that much harder to get a result.

A big frustration of a number of training providers is how much people are focused on studying to get qualified, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the role they've studied for. Don't give up when the best is yet to come.

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