Training programs in 'Microsoft' deal with a wide variety of choices. At one end of the scale, you may need some guidance on Word or 'Excel', at the other you may be looking for various 'MCP's' in order to get certified in I.T. at a professional level. Training routes and teaching styles vary greatly, so take care that you don't jump to inaccurate assumptions about courses. It is essential that your training will deliver the results you're hoping for. We always suggest that if you intend to pursue IT as a profession, have a proper careers discussion with a professional advisor, to ensure you don't waste either your money or your time.

Whether you are looking to gain a beginner's knowledge of these systems & packages, or perhaps a full professional level understanding to help you support other people, there are lots of accreditations that could help. To learn about 'Office' 2003 ('XP') evaluate 'MOS' - 'Microsoft Office Specialist'. For Office 2007 (Vista) skillsets choose MCAS - Microsoft Certified Application Specialist. For an accreditation to support other users, look into the 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', or 'MCDST' as its known.

Alternatively, you're possibly thinking of getting into a professional role within the I.T. industry, and want higher level Microsoft accreditation. MS have recently revamped their accreditation structure, & while there are still quite a number of tracks based on the MCP qualifications, we are increasingly seeing the change to 'MCITP' ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional') & MCTS ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist') packages. MCTS learning programs are typically worked on as building blocks to the MCITP.

Databases have their very own 'language' called SQL (Structured Query Language) which is needed to interrogate a standardised database. Structured Query Language is key to how data is stored on a Database & extracted out of it. Consequently knowledge of the 'language' is crucial for anyone who wants a professional database career. Developers (DBDs) create and design Databases for Administrators (DBA's) to regulate, interpret and produce reports on the data. Often, a DB Developer will gain programming accreditations (in either VB or 'C#',) so as to have the full skill set needed to create database software, as well as design the storage structures.

The key fields that 'Microsoft' offers certification tracks for are typically related to their core systems. They are namely Networking (and Server Operating Systems), Databases (both Administration and Development) & Programming (& Software-Development in 'Windows'). There are particular & quite different accreditation groups for each of these tracks; visit the appropriate sectors on this web-site for more information.

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