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Thinking of taking an MCSE? If the answer’s ‘yes’, there’s a good chance that you’re probably in 1 of 2 situations: You’re someone with a certain amount of knowledge and you’d like to consolidate your skill-set with the MCSE qualification. In contrast you could be completely new to the computer workplace, but it’s apparent to you there’s a huge demand for certified networking professionals.

As you do your searches, you will discover training providers that short-change you by not providing the most up-to-date Microsoft version. Steer clear of training companies like these as you’ll experience challenges at exam time. If you are studying an out-of-date syllabus, it could be impossible to pass. Watch out for computer training companies who’re just interested in your money. Always remember that buying training to get an MCSE is like buying a car. They are not all equal; some are reliable and will get you there in comfort, whilst others will constantly let you down. A conscientious organisation will offer you plenty of help to make sure a course is right for you. With those who have confidence in their programs, they’ll show you examples of it prior to registering.

Your training program should always include the latest Microsoft (or relevant organisation’s) authorised exam preparation packages. Don’t go for training programs depending on non-accredited exam preparation systems. Their phraseology can be completely unlike authorised versions – and this leads to huge confusion when it comes to taking the real exam. ‘Mock’ or practice exams are very useful for confidence building – so that when you come to take the proper exam, you won’t be worried.

So many training providers are all about the certification, and completely avoid what it’s all actually about – which will always be getting the job or career you want. Always start with the end in mind – don’t make the vehicle more important than the destination. It’s not unheard of, in many cases, to thoroughly enjoy one year of training but end up spending 10 or 20 years in something completely unrewarding, entirely because you stumbled into it without the correct level of soul-searching when it was needed – at the start.

It’s a good idea to understand what expectations industry may have of you. Which particular certifications you’ll be required to have and how you’ll build your experience level. It’s also worth spending time considering how far you’d like to get as it may force you to choose a particular set of certifications. It’s worth seeking guidance from a professional that can best explain the industry you’re hoping to qualify in, and who can offer ‘A typical day in the life of’ type of explanation of the job being considered. All of these things are very important as you’ll need to fully understand if you’re barking up the wrong tree.

Ensure all your qualifications are commercially valid and current – don’t bother with courses which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you’d printed it yourself). Only nationally recognised certification from the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA and Cisco will mean anything to employers.

A lot of training providers only provide office hours or extended office hours support; It’s rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover. Don’t buy certification programs which can only support trainees through a call-centre messaging system after office-staff have gone home. Training companies will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. Essentially – support is required when it’s required – not at times when they find it cheaper to provide it.

The very best training providers have many support offices active in different time-zones. An online system provides an interactive interface to seamlessly link them all, no matter what time you login, help is at hand, avoiding all the delays and problems. Don’t under any circumstances take less than this. Direct-access round-the-clock support is the only way to go for technical study. Perhaps you don’t intend to study during the evenings; but for most of us, we’re working at the time when most support is available.

It’s usual for students to get confused with a single training area which doesn’t even occur to them: How the training is broken down and delivered to your home. Training companies will normally offer a 2 or 3 year study programme, and deliver each piece one-by-one as you finish each section. If you think this sound logical, then consider this: Maybe the order of study offered by the provider doesn’t suit. It may be difficult to get through every element within their timetable?

To be straight, the best solution is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but get all the study materials at the start. You’re then in possession of everything if you don’t manage to finish within their ideal time-table.

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