Many people question why traditional degrees are being overtaken by more commercial certifications? Key company training (in industry terminology) is most often much more specialised. Industry has become aware that a specialist skill-set is what's needed to handle an increasingly more technical marketplace. Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA are the dominant players. This is done through focusing on the skills that are really needed (along with a relevant amount of related knowledge,) instead of going into the heightened depths of background detail and 'fluff' that degree courses often do - to fill a three or four year course.

The crux of the matter is this: Commercial IT certifications let employers know exactly what you're capable of - it says what you do in the title: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Windows XP Administration and Configuration'. So an employer can identify just what their needs are and what certifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.

Charging for exam fees with the course fee and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams is a popular marketing tool with a number of training colleges. But let's examine why they really do it:

Thankfully, today we tend to be a bit more aware of hype - and usually we realise that of course it is something we're paying for (it's not a freebie because they like us so much!) If you want to pass in one, evidence suggests you must fund each exam as you take it, give it the priority it deserves and give the task sufficient application.

Find the best exam deal or offer available at the time, and save having to find the money early. You'll also be able to choose where to take your exam - so you can find somewhere local. A lot of extra profit is netted by many training colleges that incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams but the company keeps the money. Surprising as it sounds, there are providers who depend on students not taking their exams - as that's how they make a lot of their profit. The majority of companies will insist on pre-tests and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've completely proven that you're likely to pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

Paying maybe a thousand pounds extra on an 'Exam Guarantee' is remiss - when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is what will really guarantee success.

You can check out each aspect much more thoroughly by visiting specific web-pages on this site. We cover the accreditation paths required to get you in to industry. If you prefer, we'll send you our detailed Lollypedia e-book free of charge, which offers you the chance to contact our specialist advisory team.

A key package of training will incorporate fully authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Don't fall foul of depending on unofficial exam preparation questions. The terminology of their questions can be completely unlike authorised versions - and this could lead to potential problems when it comes to taking the real exam. You should make sure you test whether you're learning enough through tests and practice in simulated exam environments to prepare you for taking the real thing.

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