Training programs in Microsoft cover a multitude of possibilities. You may be interested in training courses in the standard MS software packages, or you may be looking at professional-level I.T. training to obtain a Microsoft Certified-Professional (MCP) in a number of different areas. When you're contemplating any kind of training course it is advisable to start looking at what you would like to get from it - for instance why did you begin trying to find training to begin with? If you're planning to make a change of career into IT, or would like to enhance your prospects within the sector, don't leave it to chance. Talk to an expert training advisor who can help you avoid the wrong things.

If you would enjoy being a competent user to assist you with your work, or train for a professional career in a support role, there are lots of training programs to help you get there. To find out about 'Office' 2003 ('XP') look at '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 on to the next level, to ensure that you're qualified to support others.

There are many more specialised and higher certification tracks if you're looking to become a more senior IT professional level. The examination structure at Microsoft has gone through a significant over-haul. Many career routes still lead to MCP qualifications, however the direction is gradually shifting towards MCITP & 'MCTS' programs (Microsoft Certified IT Professional & 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' respectively). 'MCTS' learning packages are typically achieved as building blocks to the MCITP.

'Visual Studio' is the foremost Windows software program development environment, and is solely owned by Microsoft. 'C#.Net' & 'VB.Net' are the most widely used 'languages' to master. You'll find out more about these on our dedicated Programming pages. The main certifications are the MCTS & 'MCPD' (having replaced the older 'MCAD' and MCSD.)

A dedicated language has been created for working on & interrogating 'Databases', referred to as SQL, or 'Structured Query Language'. Understanding this specific language is paramount for anybody looking at getting into databases, as it underpins how information is filed & extracted. Developers (DBDs) setup and design 'databases' for 'Administrators' (DBA's) to regulate, interrogate and produce reports about the data. DB Developers normally also learn programming-skills to enable them to create database software - this requires an additional certification in Visual Basic or C#.

MS Networking & Server Operating-Systems control the business environment. It's currently estimated that at least 80 - 90 percent of all workplace networking systems use 'Windows Server' as the standard platform. It started out as 'NT' server but it has been improved over the years to Server 2000, 'Server 2003' and most recently Server 2008. A significant number of organisations still utilise 'Server 2003' as their standard platform, & don't plan to change. There are still businesses with 'NT' or '2000' installations, and they're the ones that have the biggest need to up-date to Server 2008. Further information about 'Server 2003' and 2008 is available on our specific 'MCSE' and MCSA training web pages, where you'll also find out more about MS Networking & Server Operating Systems.

'Microsoft' means the operating-system 'Windows' to most individuals who use PCs. The word 'Office' may equally come to mind as many men and women equate the 'applications' system with the company itself. Word is Microsoft's word-processing software, familiar to millions around the world. Whilst 'Excel' is the most commonly used spreadsheet & Access delivers database abilities to numerous organisations. For presentations, Office has the software package PowerPoint, which completes the key programs in the suite. (However there are lots of more in the 'Microsoft' portfolio, including 'Outlook', which is very widely as an e-mail, messaging and calendar solution.)

The thrust towards greater professional recognition & proficiency for I.T. employees has been led by MS for quite some time now. Consequently, professional MS accreditations are held in very high-regard by both I.T. leaders & industry worldwide.

The key fields that MS provides certification paths for are typically related to their core systems offerings. So essentially we are looking at Programming, Networks & Databases. Every one of these routes has it's own special list of individual accreditation groups - which may be looked over more deeply by browsing through the pertinent web-pages on this site.

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