It only makes sense to consider learning paths that move onto commercially acknowledged accreditations. There are loads of minor schools offering their own 'in-house' certificates which will prove unusable in today's commercial market. The top IT companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe all have nationally recognised skills programs. These heavyweights will ensure your employability.

The leading Database programs in use around the globe are Microsoft 'SQL' Server and 'Oracle'. Oracle is a more mature system which is still used on large-scale installations, but 'SQL' Server is much more popular today in standard business environments; 'SQL' has become the de-facto standard for databases on the web. Since MS own their 'SQL' Server technology, it's been readily incorporated in to all of their programming languages & platforms, which makes it an easy option for anyone aiming to gain accreditation & industrial recognition. The MCITP ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional') & 'MCTS' ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist') packages have superceded the previous 'MCDBA' (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) qualifications. SQL-Server '08 is beginning to gain some momentum, but it really isn't widely used in the commercial arena yet. For that reason, the 'MCITP' DBA training features the more commonly used SQL-Server 2005. To get the full 'MCITP' qualification, a number of MCTS modules have to be completed first.

With so much choice, does it really shock us that most potential career changers balk at what job they could be successful with. How can most of us possibly understand the tasks faced daily in an IT career if we've never been there? Maybe we don't know someone who does that actual job anyway. Deliberation over the following areas is important when you need to expose the right solution that will work for you:

- What hobbies you're involved with in your spare-time - these can highlight what things will provide a happy working life.

- Why it seems right moving into Information Technology - it could be you're looking to overcome some personal goal like self-employment maybe.

- Your earning needs you may have?

- Getting to grips with what the main career types and sectors are - and what makes them different.

- What effort, commitment and time you're prepared to set aside for getting qualified.

To bypass the confusing industry jargon, and reveal the best path to success, have an informal chat with an experienced professional; an individual who understands the commercial reality as well as each qualification.

Incorporating examination fees upfront then including an exam guarantee is a common method with a good many training companies. Consider the facts:

These days, we're a tad more knowledgeable about sales gimmicks - and most of us cotton on to the fact that we're actually paying for it - it's not because they're so generous they want to give something away! Those who go in for their examinations when it's appropriate, paying as they go are far more likely to pass first time. They are aware of what they've paid and prepare more appropriately to ensure they are ready.

Don't you think it's more sensible to go for the best offer at the time, not to pay the fees marked up by a training course provider, and to do it in a local testing office - rather than possibly hours away from your area? Big margins are made by a number of companies who get money for exam fees in advance. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams but the company keeps the money. Amazingly, providers exist who actually rely on students not sitting all the exams - as that's where a lot of their profit comes from. Don't forget, in the majority of cases of 'exam guarantees' - the company decides when you can do your re-takes. You will have to demonstrate an excellent pass-rate before they'll approve a re-take.

Exams taken at local centres are in the region of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. What's the point of paying huge 'Exam Guarantee' costs (most often hidden in the package) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

A fatal Faux-Pas that students everywhere can make is to focus entirely on getting a qualification, and take their eye off the end result they want to achieve. Schools are full of unaware students that chose a program because it looked interesting - in place of something that could gain them the career they desired. You may train for one year and then end up performing the job-role for decades. Avoid the mistake of opting for what may seem to be an 'interesting' training program only to waste your life away with a job you hate!

Make sure you investigate how you feel about earning potential and career progression, and if you're ambitious or not. You need to know what the role will demand of you, what certifications will be required and where you'll pick-up experience from. We'd recommend you take guidance from a professional advisor before settling on a particular training course, so there's little doubt that the specific package will give the skills for the job being sought.

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