Always expect the current Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Often students can be thrown off course by going through practice questions that aren't recognised by official sources. Often, the phraseology is startlingly different and you should be prepared for this. You should make sure you test whether you're learning enough through quizzes and practice in simulated exam environments to prepare you for taking the real deal.

A number of these jobs can be starting points for advanced level IT careers, and so, much like all career-tracks, it's extremely important to first look at exactly what your end goals are, and what type of learning-style you favour. Do take the opportunity to discuss the whole thing with a training program and IT advisor - it will protect you against set-backs as time goes on. Many companies also offer 'packaged' career-tracks which incorporate these accreditations, and so purchasing in a training 'bundle' can offer considerable reductions in price.

A question; why might we choose commercially accredited qualifications instead of traditional academic qualifications taught at the state educational establishments? Accreditation-based training (in industry terminology) is far more effective and specialised. The IT sector has realised that such specialised knowledge is what's needed to handle an acceleratingly technical marketplace. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe are the dominant players. Essentially, only that which is required is learned. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but principally the objective has to be to master the precisely demanded skill-sets (along with a certain amount of crucial background) - without trying to cram in every other area (as academia often does).

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Commercial IT certifications provide exactly what an employer needs - everything they need to know is in the title: as an example - I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network'. Consequently an employer can look at their needs and which qualifications are required to fulfil that.

Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance service, designed to steer you into your first job. However sometimes too much is made of this feature, as it's really not that difficult for a well trained and motivated person to secure a job in the IT industry - as employers are keen to find appropriately trained staff.

You would ideally have help with your CV and interview techniques though; and we'd recommend everyone to get their CV updated right at the beginning of their training - don't put it off for when you're ready to start work. Having the possibility of an interview is more than not being regarded at all. A surprising amount of junior positions are bagged by students (who've only just left first base.) Actually, a specialist independent regional recruitment consultancy (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) will perform better than any sector of a centralised training facility. In addition, they will no doubt be familiar with the local industry and employment needs.

In a nutshell, as long as you focus the same level of energy into landing a job as into studying, you won't find it too challenging. A number of men and women bizarrely put hundreds of hours into their course materials and do nothing more once they've passed their exams and would appear to think that businesses will just discover them.

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