Qualifications from the commercial sector are now, without a doubt, taking over from the traditional routes into the IT sector - why then is this the case? As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, industry has had to move to specialist courses that the vendors themselves supply - in other words companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay. Many degrees, for example, can often get caught up in a lot of background study - and much too wide a syllabus. This holds a student back from learning the core essentials in sufficient depth.

Imagine if you were an employer - and you required somebody who had very specific skills. What should you do: Go through reams of different degrees and college qualifications from several applicants, struggling to grasp what they've learned and what commercial skills have been attained, or choose particular accreditations that specifically match what you're looking for, and then select who you want to interview from that. The interview is then more about the person and how they'll fit in - rather than on the depth of their technical knowledge.

So, if databases are so common & such a major part of modern life, what type of job roles exist? There are 2 essential sectors if we consider databases from the I.T. perspective. Producing and building the databases - and the software that manages and allows access to them; and administering them - along with building reporting-systems which utilise that data. Database-Administrators are frequently referred to as 'DBA's', and this particular position is the one generally in most demand. More commonly it's the medium to large organisations which have a need to hire DBAs, because they need them to oversee their operations on a daily basis. DBAs look after the security of the company's 'databases', ensure everything's copied properly, & utilise the intelligence to create relevant reports for higher management. The language of databases is called 'SQL', which is an acronym for 'Structured Query Language'. 'DBAs' need to know this language in order to interrogate the database and extract pertinent information.

Ignore any salesperson that pushes one particular program without performing a 'fact-find' to better understand your current abilities as well as level of experience. They should be able to select from a wide-enough range of products so they can give you an appropriate solution. It's worth remembering, if you have some relevant work-experience or certification, then you will often be able to commence studying further along than a trainee with no history to speak of. Opening with a basic PC skills program first will sometimes be the most effective way to get up and running on your IT programme, but depends on your skill level.

One crafty way that colleges make extra profits is via an 'exam inclusive' package and offering an exam guarantee. It looks like a good deal, till you look at the facts:

It's very clear we're still being charged for it - it's obviously already been included in the overall figure from the college. It's certainly not free (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!) Passing first time is everyone's goal. Going for exams one at a time and funding them as you go makes it far more likely you'll pass first time - you revise thoroughly and are mindful of the investment you've made.

Don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you when you're ready, and avoid college mark-up fees. You'll also be able to choose where to do the examinations - so you can find somewhere local. A surprising number of unscrupulous training providers make a great deal of profit by asking for exams at the start of the course and hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. Many training companies will insist on pre-tests and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've demonstrated an excellent ability to pass - so an 'Exam Guarantee' comes with many clauses in reality.

Exams taken at VUE and Prometric centres are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in the UK. Why spend so much more on fees for 'exam guarantees' (often hidden in the cost) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

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