When we make reference to MS certifications, we're addressing quite a broad range. To certain people 'Microsoft' training means understanding software packages, & to other people it means attaining higher level I.T. certifications to work as a professional in the I.T. sector. Whenever you are thinking of any type of training program it's advisable to first look at exactly what you would like to get from it - basically why did you begin trying to find training in the first place? We constantly suggest that if you intend to pursue I.T. as a career, you have a balanced careers conversation with a professional advisor, to make sure you don't squander either your money or time.

Microsoft own 'Visual Studio', which is the fore-most Windows software development 'environment'. C#.Net and 'Visual Basic.Net' are generally the preferred languages to learn. You can find out more about these on our specialist Programming web pages. The main certifications are currently the 'MCTS' & MCPD (having superseded the earlier 'MCAD' & MCSD.)

Microsoft means the operating-system 'Windows' to many people who use computer systems. To others, it's synonymous with the key 'Office' programs used, either in the home or at work, to complete particular every-day functions. MS 'Word' is the company's word processing program, known to many millions everywhere. When we want spreadsheets we use Excel, and when we want database software programs we use Access. If we include the PowerPoint presentations software then we complete the key elements commonly related to the Office collection. There is however much more to Office as a whole, for example 'Microsoft' Outlook is used as a calendar, e-mail & messaging system.

The main fields that 'Microsoft' provide certification tracks for are typically related to their core systems. They are specifically Networking (and Server Operating Systems), Databases (which encompasses Administration and Development) & Programming (and Software-Development in Windows). For additional advice on the particulars of each training-route & certification grouping, explore the main areas pertinent to each on this web-site.

Business & global commerce are over-whelmingly led by Microsoft Network and Server Operating Systems. The standard platform for approximately eight to nine out of every ten networked offices is predicted to be 'Windows Server'. It started off as NT Server but it has been enhanced over the years to 'Server 2000', Server 2003 & more recently 'Server 2008'. A significant number of businesses still use 2003 as their standard operating platform, & don't intend to change. Generally, it's the previous platforms that will up-date ('NT' Server or 'Server 2000') - essentially passing up a generation. You will locate further information on 'Microsoft' Networking and Server Operating-Systems on the MCSE/MCSA pages, including information on the Server 2003 vs 'Server 2008' question.

Over the years, to their credit, 'Microsoft' have produced more and more professional level certifications - which has meant that several other companies in the industry have been prompted to improve their packages. Therefore, professional Microsoft certifications are held in particularly high regard by both IT professionals and industry worldwide.

Structured Query Language or 'SQL' is a dedicated 'language' for interrogating 'Databases'. Knowledge of this language is very important for anybody considering entering into databases, as it determines how data is filed and extracted. 'Developers' ('DBD's') set-up & design Databases for Administrators (DBA's) to manage, interrogate and produce reports on the data. Quite often, a 'DB Developer' may also obtain programming qualifications (either in 'VB' or C#,) in order to have the complete skillset required to create database software, as well as design the storage structures.

Proficient user-skills can be developed via a number of Microsoft accreditation paths, and professional support skillsets via others. For in depth information on how to get the most from Office yourself, look at the Microsoft Office Specialist ('MOS') or the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist ('MCAS'). For a certification that allows you to support others, research the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, or MCDST as its known.

On the other hand, you could be looking at getting into a professional job within the IT market, and require advanced level 'Microsoft' accreditation. In an attempt to update their professional level certification programs, Microsoft have fairly recently re-designed many of their examinations. 'Microsoft Certified IT Professional' (MCITP) and 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' (MCTS) are now being introduced, though several 'Microsoft Certified Professional' ('MCP') examinations continue to be current. Typically, the 'MCTS' accreditations are studied on the way to the full MCITP program.

Microsoft Skills Online CBT Training Courses >>