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If you're seeking training tracks certified by Microsoft, it stands to reason you'll want training organisations to supply a good number of the best training courses on the market today. It's a good idea to talk through what you're looking to do with a person who's got industry experience - and if you're not sure, then get some ideas on what sort of job would work for you, based on your personality and ability level. Once you've decided on the career path you want, a relevant course must be chosen that's goes with your current skills and aptitude. This can be personally tailored for you as an individual.

Make sure you don't get caught-up, as many people do, on the accreditation program. You're not training for the sake of training; this is about gaining commercial employment. You need to remain focused on where you want to go. It's an awful thing, but a large percentage of students start out on programs that sound spectacular in the marketing materials, but which provides the end-result of a job that doesn't fulfil at all. Talk to many college leavers and you'll see where we're coming from.

Be honest with yourself about the income level you aspire to and how ambitious you are. Usually, this will point the way to what certifications you'll need to attain and what industry will expect from you in return. Have a conversation with an experienced advisor who has a background in the industry you're considering, and who'll explain to you detailed descriptions of what tasks are going to make up a typical day for you. Getting to the bottom of all this before commencement of any retraining program makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?

A competent and practiced advisor (in contrast with a salesperson) will ask questions and seek to comprehend your current level of ability and experience. There is no other way of establishing the starting point for your education. An important point to note is that, if you've got any qualifications that are related, then it's not unreasonable to expect to commence studying further along than someone who is new to the field. Starting with a user skills program first may be the ideal way to start into your computer studies, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.

It's likely that you've always enjoyed practical work - the 'hands-on' person. Usually, the world of book-reading and classrooms can be just about bared when essential, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. Check out video-based multimedia instruction if books just don't do it for you. Many studies have proved that memory is aided when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we take action to use what we've learned.

Search for a course where you'll get a host of CD and DVD ROM's - you'll start with videos of instructor demonstrations, and be able to use virtual lab's to practice your new skills. Each company you're contemplating should be able to show you samples of their courseware. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and interactive areas to practice in.

It doesn't make sense to go for purely on-line training. With highly variable reliability and quality from the ISP (internet service provider) market, make sure you get physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's.

Only consider learning courses which grow into industry recognised exams. There are loads of small companies pushing their own 'in-house' certificates which are worthless when it comes to finding a job. If your certification doesn't come from a company like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA, then you may discover it will have been a waste of time - because no-one will recognise it.