Each programme of learning has to build towards a nationally accepted certification at the end - and not a worthless 'in-house' diploma - fit only for filing away and forgetting. You'll discover that only industry recognised certification from the major players like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe and CompTIA will be useful to a future employer.

As is probably becoming apparent, the MCSA & MCSE accreditation paths aren't very easy to understand. Before you decide to spend any money on what may seem like a great 'MCSA' or MCSE offer, its often a good idea to go through all the details with an experienced industry professional. Frankly there are several superior lower-priced training programs available, and essentially several extremely inadequate costly ones. The cost on it's own isn't an effective way of evaluating a program. Considerably more relevant is actually the quality of the training-method (for example is it multimedia?), the level of help & support (is it genuinely 24/7?) & just how good is the exam-preparation material?

Many training companies supply a practical Job Placement Assistance program, to help you get your first job. In reality it isn't so complicated as you might think to secure the right work - as long as you're correctly trained and certified; employers in this country need your skills.

Having said that, it's important to have help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews though; and we'd recommend any student to update their CV as soon as training commences - don't put it off until you've qualified. It's not uncommon to find that junior support roles are offered to people who are still learning and have yet to take their exams. This will at least get you into the 'maybe' pile of CV's - rather than the 'No' pile. The best services to help you find a job are normally local IT focused employment agencies. Because they make their money when they've found you a job, they're perhaps more focused on results.

Not inconsiderable numbers of students, apparently, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (for years sometimes), and just give up when it comes to looking for a good job. Sell yourself... Do your best to put yourself out there. A job isn't just going to bump into you.

The 'MCSE' track also allows messaging and security as two specialist subjects. Dependent on which original seven MCP's are picked out, this could necessitate an extra 1 or 2 additional 'MCP' exams. It makes sense to consider this from the very start if you're interested in either of these areas, as a little forward planning will mean you have a maximum of eight MCPs to sit. MS have in addition released a Server 2008 'MCTS' ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist') up-grade examination for the MCSA (exam 70/648) and the MCSE (exam 70-649.) We would suggest that you seriously consider adding the relevant update into your training package. This will not only future proof you to a certain degree, but will also offer additional job avenues.

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