Always expect an authorised exam preparation system as part of your course package. Due to the fact that a lot of examining boards for IT are American, it's essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It's no use merely understanding random questions - they need to be in the proper exam format. Ensure that you have some simulated exam questions so you can test your knowledge along the way. Practice exams will help to boost your attitude - so the real thing isn't quite as scary.

Many people question why qualifications from colleges and universities are being overtaken by more commercial qualifications? With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, industry has moved to the specialised training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - namely companies like Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. This often comes in at a fraction of the cost and time. The training is effectively done by honing in on the particular skills that are needed (together with a proportionate degree of background knowledge,) instead of going into the heightened depths of background non-specific minutiae that degrees in computing can often find themselves doing (because the syllabus is so wide).

It's a bit like the TV advert: 'It does what it says on the tin'. The company just needs to know what they need doing, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.

It can be a nerve-racking task, but finding your first job is often eased because some trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. In reality it isn't so complicated as you might think to get employment - as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications; the shortage of IT personnel in Britain looks after that.

Having said that, it's important to have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; and we'd encourage everyone to get their CV updated the day they start training - don't wait until you've graduated or passed any exams. Being considered a 'maybe' is better than being rejected. Many junior jobs are given to trainees (who've only just left first base.) Generally, an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy (who will get paid by the employer when they've placed you) will perform better than any sector of a centralised training facility. They should, of course, also be familiar with local industry and the area better.

Fundamentally, as long as you put the same commitment into finding a job as into studying, you won't have any problems. Some students inexplicably put hundreds of hours into their training and studies and then just stop once certified and seem to suppose that interviewers know they're there.

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