As you're in the process of finding out about courses for MCSE, you'll probably be in one of two situations: You might be wondering about a complete career change to the IT sector, and your research tells you there's a great need for certified networking professionals. On the other hand you're already a professional - and you'd like to consolidate your skill-set with a qualification such as MCSE.

Be sure you prove conclusively that the training provider you're using is actually training you on the latest level of Microsoft development. Many students get frustrated when they realise they've been learning from an outdated MCSE program which inevitably will have to be up-dated. Be on your guard for training companies who're only trying to make a sale. You should know that buying an MCSE course is much like purchasing a vehicle. They vary hugely; some are reliable and will get you there in comfort, whilst some will be completely unreliable. A worthy company will offer you plenty of help to be sure the course will work for you. If a company has a creditable product, you will be able to look at examples of training materials before you buy.

There is no way of over emphasising this: Always get full 24x7 instructor support. You'll severely regret it if you don't follow this rule rigidly. Email support is too slow, and so-called telephone support is normally just routed to a call-centre which will take the information and email an instructor - who'll call back sometime over the next 1-3 days, at a suitable time to them. This is no good if you're lost and confused and only have a specific time you can study.

It's possible to find the top providers that provide their students online direct access support at all times - at any time of day or night. Don't ever make the mistake of taking second best where support is concerned. Most would-be IT professionals that can't get going properly, are in that situation because of a lack of support.

It's not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, when you pay for the rest of your course. Before you get carried away with a course with such a promise, why not be aware of the facts:

It's very clear we're still being charged for it - it's obviously already been included in the gross price invoiced by the course provider. It's absolutely not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! Trainees who take each progressive exam, paying for them just before taking them are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They're aware of their spending and so are more inclined to ensure they are ready.

Why pay the training company early for examination fees? Go for the best offer when you're ready, don't pay mark-ups - and do it in a local testing centre - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call. Many unscrupulous training providers net huge profits because they're asking for exam fees early and hoping that you won't take them all. In addition to this, many exam guarantees are worthless. The majority of organisations won't pay again for an exam until you're able to demonstrate an excellent mock pass rate.

Exams taken at VUE and Prometric centres are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. What's the point of paying huge fees for 'exam guarantees' (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and exam preparation systems and a dose of commitment and effort are what's required.

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