As you've arrived here there's a good chance that either you're considering a career change into IT and you've heard good things about MCSE's, or you're already a professional and you know that you need the Microsoft qualification.

As you do your searches, you will discover training providers that compromise their offerings by failing to provide the current Microsoft version. Steer clear of training companies like these as you will face problems at exam time. If you've been taught an out-of-date syllabus, it will make it very difficult to pass. Avoid the companies who're just out to sell you anything. You should be given detailed advice to ensure you're on the best program for your needs. Don't be shoe-horned into a one-size-fits-all course by some pushy sales person.

If you're like many of the students we talk to then you're a practical sort of person - the 'hands-on' individual. Usually, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you'll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. Check out video-based multimedia instruction if you'd really rather not use books. Studies in learning psychology have shown that long term memory is improved when all our senses are involved, and we take action to use what we've learned.

Find a course where you'll receive a library of CD and DVD ROM's - you'll be learning from instructor videos and demo's, and then have the opportunity to hone your abilities through virtual lab's. It's very important to see some example materials from the company you're considering. Be sure that they contain video demo's and interactive elements such as practice lab's.

Seek out CD or DVD ROM based materials in all circumstances. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with broadband outages, failure and signal quality issues etc.

Validated simulation materials and exam preparation packages are vital - and must be offered by your training supplier. Often students can get thrown by going through practice questions that don't come from official sources. Sometimes, the phraseology is unfamiliar and you need to be ready for this. Ensure that you check whether you're learning enough by doing quizzes and simulated exams to get you ready for the proper exam.

The area most overlooked by those thinking about a course is 'training segmentation'. Essentially, this is the method used to break up the program for drop-shipping to you, which can make a dramatic difference to where you end up. Drop-shipping your training elements one stage at a time, taking into account your exam passes is how things will normally arrive. While seeming sensible, you might like to consider this: What if you don't finish every section? Maybe the prescribed order won't suit you? Due to no fault of yours, you may not meet the required timescales and not get all the study materials as a result.

To be honest, the best option is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but make sure you have all of your learning modules right from the beginning. You then have everything should you not complete it within their ideal time-table.

Most training providers will only offer support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly. You'll be waiting ages for an answer with email based support, and phone support is usually just a call-centre which will chat nicely with you for 5 minutes to ask what the issue is and then simply send an email to an instructor - who'll call back sometime over the next 1-3 days, when it's convenient to them. This is no good if you're stuck and can't continue and can only study at specific times.

The best training colleges offer an internet-based 24 hours-a-day system pulling in several support offices throughout multiple time-zones. You will have a single, easy-to-use environment which switches seamlessly to the best choice of centres at any time of day or night: Support when you need it. If you accept anything less than 24x7 support, you'll regret it very quickly. It may be that you don't use it late in the night, but you may need weekends, late evenings or early mornings.

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