Software engineers working on systems use languages such as C. The C of today is a low level user-friendly 'language' that hardly resembles the first version. Applications-programmers work in many different higher-level languages, - there are rather too many to name them all, but each of them will have their own list of rules and instructions - and may well suit a particular task more than another. For instance a programmer writing database-software for corporate and business use would use a 'language' that suits that environment, but a software engineer writing games-software would very likely use 'C', to obtain swift running-speeds. It really doesn't make a difference if display screen changes take a few milli-seconds longer with database 'applications', but it matters a tremendous amount with video games applications. You need capabilities which are built to make life easier for the database user, and so a stripped-down language created for speed would be extremely inappropriate. We could evaluate the difference by looking at a racing-car and an estate-car. The estate car is much more comfortable & cost effective, but the trade-off is handling & speed. For the purpose of taking the children from one place to another though, it does the job nicely.

Considering how a program is 'delivered' to you is often missed by many students. In what way are your training elements sectioned? What is the specific order and how fast does each element come? The majority of training companies will set up a program spread over 1-3 years, and drop-ship the materials to you piecemeal as you complete each exam. Sounds reasonable? Well consider these facts: It's not unusual for trainees to realise that their providers typical path to completion isn't ideal for them. It's often the case that it's more expedient to use an alternative order of study. Perhaps you don't make it at the pace they expect?

Put simply, the best solution is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but to receive all the materials up-front. Everything is then in your possession in the event you don't complete everything quite as quick as they'd want.

If you may be starting with a training company who still provides workshops as a benefit of their course, then take note of these hassles met by the majority of students:

- Lots of round journeys - sometimes 100's of miles.

- Monday to Friday access with classes is typically the case, and getting two to three days out of work can represent quite a problem for many working people.

- I think you'd agree that we usually think twenty days annual leave doesn't go very far. Spend over half of it for training days and see how much more difficult it makes things.

- Workshops can 'sell out' fast and often end up larger than is ideal.

- Often, tension develops in the classroom as different students want to work at different paces.

- Calculate the increasing cost of all the travel, fares, parking, food and accommodation and you could find yourself astounded. Trainees report costs mounting to several hundred and sometimes thousands of pounds. Work it out - and see for yourself.

- Not wanting employers to know about the training is often very important to most attendees. There's no need to lose any lift up the ladder, pay-rises or achievement in your job because of your studies. If your employer knows you're taking steps towards accreditation in a different industry, what will they think?

- It's not unusual to feel awkward about asking questions when surrounded by other trainees - who wants to look like they're the only one who doesn't get it?

- For those of us who need to sometimes live or work away from home, imagine the increased difficulty in reaching the requisite classes, as time is now more scarce than ever.

The most elegant solution is based on viewing a pre-filmed workshop - with instructor-led learning available any time of the day that suits. Study can happen anywhere that suits. If you have a laptop, why not get a little sun outside while you study. If you have any difficulties then utilise the 24x7 Support. You could come back to any of the elements as many times as you need to prep for an exam. And of course, you don't have to jot down any notes as you have access to the class forever. Even though it's impossible to take away any normal learning difficulties, it undoubtedly makes things easier, simpler and less stressful. You've also got less hassle, costs and travel.

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