How much will it cost?

Check the total cost before registering.    Does the price include the cost of books or equipment; exam fees; travel and accommodation to any face-to-face training; extending the course beyond specified time limits; or re-taking exams if you fail first time round?

Is financial support available?

Careers Advice (0800 100 900) will know if there's a current government scheme to help pay for learning.    For work-related training, you could consider a Career Development Loan (0800 585 505).    But be sure to read the details, particularly on refunds, since the loan provider may be a wholly different company (see below).

Extra help may be available if you receive unemployment benefit - your job centre will have details.    EGAS - the Education Grants Advisory Service, can also help to find funding (020 7254 6251).

Grants and loans can usually be spent with lots of different organisations.    And just because a provider can accept a grant or loan does not necessarily mean it has been independently assessed, or that you can be sure of a high quality course.

When can you get your money back?

You may change jobs, become pregnant, fall ill, or lose interest.    You may decide the course is not right for you.    You may fail your exams.    Can you get a refund?

Policies on refunds vary considerably.    Accredited organisations do not have to conform to a standard policy.    But they must make their policy on refunds clear in their promotional material.

Refunds during an initial trial period are normal.    But the terms may vary; only partial refunds may be available.    Refunds may be available later in the course, or even at the end, if you have not been successful.    But they may not be available, or only in exceptional circumstances.

With many loans, such as Career Development Loans, the loan agreement is with a separate company, or bank, and completely independent of the provider. Such agreements may require you to repay the loan even if the training provider goes into liquidation.

Read before you sign. If in doubt, get it in writing.