Most trainers typically provide piles of reference manuals and workbooks. This isn't very interesting and not really conducive to taking things in. If we can get all of our senses involved in our learning, then we normally see dramatically better results.

The latest home-based training features easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM's. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you'll learn your subject via the demonstrations and explanations. Then you test your knowledge by practicing and interacting with the software. Any company that you're considering must be able to demonstrate a few examples of their courseware. You're looking for evidence of tutorial videos and demonstrations and a wide selection of interactive elements.

It doesn't make sense to choose training that is only available online. Connection quality and reliability varies hugely across all internet service providers, make sure you get actual CD or DVD ROM's.

A study programme has to build towards a fully recognised major certification at the end - and not some unimportant 'in-house' plaque for your wall. To an employer, only the big-boys such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA (to give some examples) really carry any commercial clout. Anything less just won't hit the right spot.

One crafty way that colleges make a big mark-up is via an 'exam inclusive' package and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. This sounds impressive, until you think it through:

You're paying for it ultimately. It's definitely not free - they've just worked it into the package price. Trainees who take exams one at a time, funding them one at a time are much more likely to pass. They're mindful of what they've paid and so are more inclined to make sure they're ready.

Do your exams as locally as possible and don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you when you're ready. What's the point in paying early for exams when you didn't need to? Big margins are made because training colleges are charging all their exam fees up-front - and then cashing in when they're not all taken. In addition to this, you should consider what an 'exam guarantee' really means. Most companies won't be prepared to pay again for an exam until you've completely satisfied them that you're ready this time.

Splashing out often many hundreds of pounds extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is foolish - when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

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