If you're thinking about studying for an MCSE, you'll fall into one of two camps. You're either just starting to get into the IT environment, as it's apparent the industry has a huge demand for men and women who are commercially qualified. Or you might be an IT professional wanting to gain acknowledgement with the Microsoft qualification.

As you discover more about computer training companies, steer clear of those who reduce their out-goings by failing to provide the latest Microsoft version. Overall, this will frustrate and cost the student a great deal more because they've been learning from an outdated MCSE program which inevitably will have to be up-dated pretty much straight away. Avoid the companies who're just out to sell you anything. You should be given detailed advice to ensure you are on the right course for you. Don't be shoe-horned into a one-size-fits-all course by an inadequate outfit.

Potential Students looking to start a career in IT generally have no idea of what route they should take, let alone which sector to get qualified in. Working through a list of IT job-titles is next to useless. Surely, most of us don't really appreciate what our good friends do at work - so what chance do we have in understanding the intricacies of a specific IT job. Usually, the way to come at this dilemma properly stems from an in-depth conversation around some important points:

* The sort of person you reckon you are - which things you enjoy doing, and on the other side of the coin - what don't you like doing.

* What is the time-frame for the training process?

* What are your thoughts on salary vs the travel required?

* Always think in-depth about the amount of work expected to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* It makes sense to take in what is different for each area of training.

For the majority of us, dissecting these areas needs a long talk with an advisor that can investigate each area with you. And we're not only talking about the qualifications - you also need to understand the commercial requirements and expectations also.

Now, why should we consider qualifications from the commercial sector as opposed to the usual academic qualifications taught at schools, colleges or universities? Key company training (as it's known in the industry) is far more effective and specialised. Industry has acknowledged that such specialised knowledge is necessary to handle a technologically complex world. Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA are the key players in this arena. Clearly, a necessary portion of background knowledge must be covered, but essential specialised knowledge in the particular job function gives a commercially educated person a real head start.

Put yourself in the employer's position - and you wanted someone who could provide a specific set of skills. What is easier: Wade your way through a mass of different academic qualifications from graduate applicants, trying to establish what they know and what vocational skills they've mastered, or pick out specific commercial accreditations that precisely match your needs, and then select who you want to interview from that. You'll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview - rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.

You have to be sure that all your certifications are current and what employers are looking for - you're wasting your time with studies that lead to in-house certificates. If your certification doesn't come from a major player like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA, then chances are it will have been a waste of time - as no-one will have heard of it.