Getting started in IT.

Hi, I'm thinking of retraining into an IT discipline, but am unsure of what
I 
should look at.

I've been offered a home-study course for a Microsoft Certified Database 
Administrator qualification (MCDA). It sounds attractive but is quite 
expensive.

I'm not sure if it's suitable, or if there's another way of studying for
the 
qualification. Or if I should consider a different specialism.

Can anyone offer me any advice??

Many thanks