Typically, a new trainee will not know to ask about something of absolutely vital importance - the way the company divides up the training materials, and into how many parts. Many companies enrol you into a 2 or 3 year study programme, and drop-ship the materials to you piecemeal as you finish each section. Sounds reasonable? Well consider these facts: How would they react if you didn't complete each element within the time limits imposed? Often the staged order won't be as easy as some other structure would for you.

To be in the best situation you would have all the learning modules couriered to you immediately; the complete package! Thus avoiding any future problems that could impede your capability of finishing.

Each programme of learning has to build towards a fully recognised major certification as an end-goal - definitely not some 'in-house' plaque for your wall. Only fully recognised qualifications from the likes of Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe and Cisco will open the doors to employers.

With so much choice, does it really shock us that a large percentage of trainees get stuck choosing the job they should even pursue. What are the chances of us grasping what is involved in a particular job if we've never been there? Most likely we don't even know anybody who performs the role either. Contemplation on these areas is most definitely required when you need to dig down the right answers:

- Your individual personality as well as your interests - which working tasks you like and dislike.

- Are you driven to get qualified due to a certain reason - e.g. are you pushing to work at home (self-employment?)?

- Is your income higher on your priority-list than anything else.

- Learning what the normal IT roles and sectors are - including what sets them apart.

- What effort, commitment and time you'll put into the training program.

For most of us, considering each of these concepts needs a long talk with an experienced pro that can investigate each area with you. And we're not only talking about the certifications - but also the commercial requirements and expectations also.

Computer (or Digital) 'Forensics' is fairly new to the picture - Television shows like CSI-Crime Scene Investigation could have familiarised us with the term. Clearly though the work in the real world won't be quite so glamorous as the programmes would have us believe! All the same, forensic investigation using advanced technologies can offer a very gratifying profession. A Digital Forensics professional will find & explain digital artefacts that are frequently used to resolve offences.

Seated between Digital Forensics and Security, is the new field of Ethical-Hacking. The 'Certified Ethical Hacker' (CEH) and the 'Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator'(CHFI) are mid - advanced level certifications provided through the EC-Council.

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