Authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages are a must - and really must be offered by your course provider. Steer clear of depending on non-official exam preparation systems. Their phraseology can be quite different - and sometimes this can be a real headache once in the actual exam. Always ask for testing modules so you can check your knowledge at all times. Practice or 'mock' exams prepare you properly - then the real thing isn't quite as scary.

Commercially accredited qualifications are now, undoubtedly, taking over from the older academic routes into the industry - why then is this? With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, the IT sector has of necessity moved to specific, honed-in training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - namely companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. Often this saves time and money for the student. This is done through focusing on the skills that are really needed (together with an appropriate level of background knowledge,) rather than trawling through all the background detail and 'fluff' that degree courses often do (because the syllabus is so wide).

Assuming a company knows what areas need to be serviced, then they just need to look for the particular skill-set required. The syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and can't change from one establishment to the next (as academic syllabuses often do).

Many independent web-designers can carry out several of these jobs themselves; in fact we work with a number who can on a regular basis. Nevertheless, it will take time to acquire that amount of skill. You'll need to be trained in a number of things on a commercially viable web-design training package: First, an introduction to basic web design, followed by training in Adobe Dreamweaver and an understanding of the main components of Adobe 'Flash'. This should then lead on to a knowledge of HTML & CSS, with some training in the area of e-commerce. 'PHP' must be learned in order that dynamic web sites can be constructed (ASP.Net is much more involved, and 'PHP' is very simple to get into initially,) & a simple understanding of Databases and SEO should be achieved. The reason you require all these elements is so that you have the technical wherewithal to work on all sorts of web-site builds. Similar to when you were learning to drive, you first have to obtain the actual physical abilities, before you essentially push beyond them & accomplish an element of 'finesse'. An intensive training-program of this sort could take about four to five hundred hrs of part time practice & study & therefore can be successfully concluded part-time over 12 months. As there are lots of areas to consider, its worth making the effort to look closely at any training programs you're interested in. Speak to someone with industry knowledge who can help you sort things out.

'Exam Guarantees' are often bundled with training offers - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, at the start of your training. But before you get taken in by the chance of a guarantee, think about this:

It's very clear we're ultimately paying for it - it's quite obvious to see that it's already in the gross price invoiced by the college. It's certainly not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! It's everybody's ambition to qualify on the first attempt. Entering examinations one by one and funding them one at a time puts you in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt - you put the effort in and are aware of the costs involved.

Go for the best offer you can find when you take the exam, and save having to find the money early. You'll then be able to select where you sit the exam - meaning you can choose a local testing centre. Considerable numbers of current training providers secure huge amounts of money through getting paid for exam fees early and banking on the fact that many won't be taken. It's worth noting that exam re-takes through organisations with an 'Exam Guarantee' are always heavily controlled. You will be required to do mock exams so you can prove to them you have a good chance of passing.

Due to typical VUE and Prometric tests costing in the region of 112 pounds in this country, by far the best option is to pay for them as you take them. It's not in the student's interests to fork out hundreds or thousands of pounds for exams when enrolling on a course. Consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

Consider only study paths which will lead to industry approved accreditations. There are way too many minor schools proposing 'in-house' certificates which are worthless when it comes to finding a job. You'll find that only recognised examinations from the major players like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA and Cisco will be useful to a future employer.

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