In these days of super efficiency, support workers who can solve problems with computers and networks, and give daily help to users, are vital in every sector of the business environment. Our requirement for more technically qualified people is growing, as we turn out to be ever more dependent on PC's in the modern world.

We'd hazard a guess that you probably enjoy fairly practical work - the 'hands-on' type. Typically, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you'll make yourself do if you have to, but it's not ideal. You should use video and multimedia based materials if you'd really rather not use books. Learning psychology studies show that memory is aided when we involve as many senses as possible, and we get practically involved in what we're studying.

Locate a program where you'll get a host of CD or DVD ROM's - you'll learn by watching video tutorials and demonstrations, and then have the opportunity to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills. It's very important to see examples of the study materials provided by each company you're contemplating. You'll want to see that they include video demo's and interactive elements such as practice lab's.

It's unwise to opt for on-line only training. With highly variable reliability and quality from your average broadband company, it makes sense to have physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's.

One of the most important things to insist on has to be 24x7 round-the-clock support with expert mentors and instructors. Too many companies only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Beware of institutions that use call-centres 'out-of-hours' - where you'll get called back during normal office hours. This is useless when you're stuck and want support there and then.

The most successful trainers have many support offices across multiple time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to seamlessly link them all together, irrespective of the time you login, there is always help at hand, avoiding all the delays and problems. Always choose an educator that goes the extra mile. Because only live 24x7 support truly delivers for technical programs.

Incorporating examination fees with the course fee and offering an 'Exam Guarantee' is a popular marketing tool with a number of training colleges. But look at the facts:

Certainly it's not free - you're still being charged for it - it's just been included in your package price. Those who go in for their examinations when it's appropriate, funding them one at a time are far more likely to pass first time. They're conscious of what they've paid and take the necessary steps to be up to the task.

Shouldn't you be looking to hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the time, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance to a training course provider, and to do it locally - rather than possibly hours away from your area? Paying in advance for examination fees (and interest charges if you're borrowing money) is madness. It's not your job to boost the training company's account with your hard-earned cash simply to help their cash-flow! There are those who hope that you won't get round to taking them - then they'll keep the extra money. Many training companies will require you to sit pre-tests and hold you back from re-takes until you have proved to them you have a good chance of passing - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric examinations in the United Kingdom costing around 112 pounds, it's common sense to fund them one by one. Not to fork out thousands extra in up-front costs. A commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

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