If it weren't for a constant influx of trained computer and network support staff, business in the UK (along with most other places) would inevitably run into problems. Therefore, there's a huge requirement for men and women with technical ability to support both users and the systems they work with. Our requirement for such skilled and qualified people is constantly growing, as everywhere we work becomes more and more dependent upon technology.

We're often asked why traditional academic studies are now falling behind more qualifications from the commercial sector? With university education costs spiralling out of control, along with the IT sector's general opinion that accreditation-based training is closer to the mark commercially, we have seen a great increase in Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA authorised training paths that provide key skills to an employee for much less time and money. They do this by concentrating on the skills that are really needed (along with a relevant amount of associated knowledge,) rather than going into the heightened depths of background 'extras' that degrees in computing can get bogged down in (because the syllabus is so wide).

The bottom line is: Commercial IT certifications provide exactly what an employer needs - the title is a complete giveaway: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Planning and Maintaining a Windows 2003 Infrastructure'. Consequently companies can identify exactly what they need and what certifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.

Considering the amount of options that are available, is it any wonder that a large majority of career changers balk at what job they will follow. After all, without any understanding of IT in the workplace, what chance is there for you to know what someone in a particular field spends their day doing? How can you possibly choose what accreditation path will be most suitable for ultimate success. Reflection on several points is imperative when you want to discover the right solution that will work for you:

* Your personality can play a starring role - what gets you 'up and running', and what are the activities that put a frown on your face.

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

* What priority do you place on salary vs the travel required?

* Considering the huge variation that computing covers, it's important to be able to understand the differences.

* Our advice is to think deeply about any sacrifices you'll need to make, as well as what commitment and time you're going to invest in the accreditation program.

At the end of the day, your only chance of understanding everything necessary is through a good talk with someone who understands the market well enough to give you the information required.

Many companies only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and completely avoid the reasons for getting there - getting yourself a new job or career. You should always begin with the final destination in mind - don't get hung-up on the training vehicle. It's quite usual, in many cases, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study only to end up putting 20 long years into a tiresome job role, as a consequence of not performing some quality research when it was needed - at the start.

You'll want to understand the exact expectations industry will have. What particular qualifications you'll need and in what way you can gain some industry experience. You should also spend a little time thinking about how far you think you'll want to build your skill-set as it will often affect your choice of exams. Speak to a skilled advisor that has a background in the industry you're considering, and could provide a detailed description of what you're going to be doing in that job. Getting all these things right long before starting out on a retraining path will save you both time and money.

One area often overlooked by trainees considering a training program is the concept of 'training segmentation'. This is essentially the method used to break up the program for delivery to you, which can make a dramatic difference to how you end up. Normally, you will join a program that takes between and 1 and 3 years and receive one element at a time until graduation. It seems to make sense on one level, but consider these issues: What would their reaction be if you find it difficult to do everything at the required speed? Often the prescribed exam order doesn't come as naturally as another different route may.

Truth be told, the very best answer is to obtain their recommendation on the best possible order of study, but to receive all the materials up-front. It's then all yours in case you don't finish quite as quick as they'd want.