Whenever we talk about Microsoft accreditations, we're spanning an incredibly broad spectrum. To a lot of individuals Microsoft training signifies understanding software programs, & to others it indicates attaining more advanced level IT certifications to operate as a professional in the I.T. industry. When you're contemplating any type of training program it is advisable to start looking at exactly what you would like to get out of it - in other words why did you begin searching for training in the first place? If you're about to make a career change into IT, or want to enhance your career prospects within the industry, don't risk it to chance. Speak to an industry training advisor who will help you to avoid the pitfalls.

If we take the core I.T. systems we're able to then look at the certification programs that 'Microsoft' has put in place. They are namely Networking (and Server Operating Systems), Databases (both Administration & Development) & Programming (& Software-Development in Windows). Each of these paths has its own special set of individual accreditation groups - which may be looked into more deeply by browsing through the applicable pages on this site.

Microsoft indicates the operating system 'Windows' to most people who use computers. To some, it's synonymous with the main Office applications used, either in the home or at the office, to complete specific every-day functions. 'Microsoft' 'Word' is the most widely used application for word processing internationally. Excel is also an exceptionally well known program for spreadsheets, followed by 'Access' that allows us to make databases. For giving presentations, 'Office' has the software program PowerPoint, which completes the key packages in the suite. (However there are several more within the 'Microsoft' portfolio, including Outlook, which is widely used as an email, 'messaging' & calendar solution.)

If you'd enjoy being an exceptional user to assist you with your job, or study for a specialist job in a supporting position, there are a number of training courses to help you get there. To learn about Office 2003 ('XP') check out 'MOS' - Microsoft Office Specialist. For 'Office' 2007 ('Vista') skill-sets opt for MCAS - Microsoft Certified Application Specialist. The 'MCDST' ('Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician') takes this to the next level, which means you are certified to support others.

There are many more specialist & advanced qualification paths if you're looking to become a more senior IT professional. The exam structure at MS has gone through a significant over-haul. Many career routes still lead to MCP certifications, however the trend is steadily going towards MCITP & MCTS programs (Microsoft Certified IT Professional and 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' respectively). Typically, the 'MCTS' accreditations are achieved en-route to a full 'MCITP' program.

Corporate communications globally are led by MS Networking and Server Operating-Systems. It is currently predicted that no less than 80-90 per cent of all business networks use Windows Server as the operating platform. This application has undergone a variety of up-dates now, beginning with 'NT' Server, after that turning into Server 2000, 'Server 2003' & currently 'Server 2008'. The majority of business establishments still utilise Server 2003, and up-dating to 2008 is unlikely for many. It is much more likely that platform upgrades to 'Server 2008' will end up being required by companies that need to skip a generation or 2, from NT or 2000. More information about 'Server 2003' and 'Server 2008' is available on our dedicated MCSE and MCSA training web pages, where you will also discover more about Microsoft Networking & Server Operating Systems.

The primary 'Windows' software program development 'environment' is called 'Microsoft' 'Visual Studio'. A number of languages are provided, though the 2 most commonly applied ones are C#.Net & 'Visual Basic.Net'. Each of them are discussed on the Programming pages on this web-site. Essentially the most broadly accepted certifications are the 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' & the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer.

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