If it weren’t for a continuous flood of knowledgeable PC and network support staff, commerce in the UK (and indeed in most countries) would surely be brought to its knees. Consequently, there’s a constantly increasing demand for technicians to support both the systems and the users themselves. As we are getting more and more dependent on technology, we in turn inevitably become increasingly dependent on the technically knowledgeable network engineers, who maintain those systems.

Wouldn’t it be great to know for sure that our careers will remain safe and our work prospects are protected, but the likely scenario for the majority of jobs in the UK today is that security just isn’t there anymore.

Whereas a fast growing sector, with huge staffing demands (through an enormous shortage of commercially certified workers), enables the possibility of true job security.

Offering the computing sector for example, the last e-Skills survey highlighted massive skills shortages throughout the UK of around 26 percent. Put directly, we’re only able to fill just 3 out of 4 positions in Information Technology (IT).

This single truth alone highlights why the United Kingdom needs so many more trainees to get into the industry.

We can’t imagine if a better time or market circumstances is ever likely to exist for gaining qualification for this quickly expanding and blossoming industry.

Review the points below very carefully if you believe the marketing blurb about a guarantee for your exam looks like a reason to buy:

Certainly it’s not free – you’re still paying for it – the cost has just been rolled into the whole training package.

It’s everybody’s ambition to qualify on the first attempt. Going for exams when it’s appropriate and paying as you go sees you much better placed to get through first time – you put the effort in and are mindful of the investment you’ve made.

Doesn’t it make more sense to not pay up-front, but when you’re ready, not to pay the fees marked up by the training college, and to do it locally – rather than in some remote centre?

A lot of extra profit is netted by many companies who get money for exam fees in advance. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don’t get to do their exams and so the company is quids-in. Amazingly, there are providers that actually rely on students not sitting all the exams – as that’s very profitable for them.

Pay heed to the fact that, with ‘Exam Guarantees’ from most places – the company controls how often and when you are allowed to do a re-take. Subsequent exam attempts are only authorised at the company’s say so.

Average exam fees were about 112 pounds last year through UK VUE or Prometric centres. So why pay hundreds or thousands of pounds extra to have ‘an Exam Guarantee’, when it’s obvious that what’s really needed is a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools.

All programs you’re considering really needs to work up to a widely recognised certification at the finale – and not a worthless ‘in-house’ plaque for your wall.

To an employer, only the major heavyweights such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco (for instance) will get you short-listed. Anything less won’t make the grade.

Authorised exam simulation and preparation software is a must – and really must be obtained from your training provider.

Often students can be thrown off course by practising exam questions that aren’t recognised by official boards. Sometimes, the way questions are phrased is unfamiliar and you need to be ready for this.

Obviously, it is really important to be confident that you are completely prepared for the real exam prior to doing it. Going over mock-up tests will help to boost your attitude and saves you time and money on wasted exam attempts.

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