Considering how a program is 'delivered' to you is often missed by many students. How many parts is the training broken down into? What is the order and what control do you have at what pace it arrives? You may think that it makes sense (with training often lasting 2 or 3 years to achieve full certification,) that a training provider will issue a single section at a time, as you pass each element. However: Sometimes the steps or stages offered by the provider doesn't suit. What if you find it hard to complete all the modules within the time limits imposed?

To provide the maximum security and flexibility, it's not unusual for students to insist that all study materials are sent immediately, and not in a piecemeal fashion. It's then your own choice in which order and at what speed you want to work.

Including exam fees upfront then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status is a common method with a number of training colleges. However, let's consider what's really going on:

You're paying for it ultimately. It certainly isn't free - it's simply been shoe-horned into the price as a whole. Those who take exams one at a time, paying as they go are far more likely to pass first time. They are aware of their spending and take the necessary steps to be up to the task.

Don't you think it's more sensible to hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the time, not to pay any mark-up to the college, and to take it closer to home - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call? Big margins are netted by some training companies who get money upfront for exam fees. A number of students don't take them for various reasons and so the company is quids-in. Surprising as it sounds, there are training companies that actually rely on students not sitting all the exams - as that's where a lot of their profit comes from. Re-takes of any failed exams with training companies with an 'Exam Guarantee' are monitored with tight restrictions. You will be required to do mock exams to make sure they think you're going to pass.

VUE and Prometric examinations are approximately 112 pounds in Great Britain. Why pay exorbitant fees for 'exam guarantees' (most often hidden in the package) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

One thing you must always insist on is comprehensive 24x7 direct-access support via expert mentors and instructors. It's an all too common story to find providers that only provide office hours (or extended office hours) support. Never purchase training that only supports you through a message system when it's outside of usual working hours. Colleges will defend this with all kinds of excuses. The simple fact of the matter is - you want to be supported when you need the help - not at times when they find it cheaper to provide it.

Keep your eyes open for colleges that have multiple support offices from around the world. These should be integrated to offer a simple interface and round-the-clock access, when it's convenient for you, with the minimum of hassle. If you accept anything less than support round-the-clock, you'll quickly find yourself regretting it. You might not want to use the service late in the night, but you may need weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.

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