When we consider MS accreditations, we're addressing an incredibly broad range. You may be interested in training in the standard Microsoft software applications, or you may be considering professional grade IT training to obtain a Microsoft Certified-Professional (MCP) in a variety of areas. Training tracks and teaching styles differ greatly, so be careful that you don't jump to erroneous assumptions regarding programs. It's essential that your training delivers the results you are looking for. If you're planning to have a change of career in to I.T., or want to further your prospects within the sector, then don't risk it to chance. Talk to a professional training advisor who can help you to avoid the wrong things.

To many people today, 'Microsoft' suggests Windows (the operating system that runs your desktop computer.) To others, it's synonymous with the leading 'Office' software used, either at home or at the office, to perform certain every-day functions. 'Word' is Microsoft's word processing application, known to millions around the globe. Whilst 'Excel' is the most commonly used spread-sheet and 'Access' supplies database capabilities to numerous companies. The next one of the main four software programs in Office is PowerPoint, which is commonly used for presentations. (Having said that there are several more in the Microsoft portfolio, including Outlook, which is commonly used as an email, messaging and diary solution.)

MS Network & Server Operating-Systems dominate the commercial environment. It is now estimated that a minimum of 80-90 per cent of business networks use Windows Server as the operating platform. It started off as 'NT' Server but has been enhanced through time to Server 2000, Server 2003 and most recently 'Server 2008'. The majority of commercial operations still utilise 'Server 2003', & up-grading to 'Server 2008' is unlikely for a lot of them. There are companies with NT or 2000 installations, & they're the organisations with the biggest need to upgrade to 'Server 2008'. Further information about 'Server 2003' and 'Server 2008' is available on our dedicated MCSE and 'MCSA' training pages, where you will also learn more about Microsoft Network & Server Operating-Systems.

'Structured Query Language' or 'SQL' is a specific 'language' for interrogating 'Databases'. Understanding this language is paramount for everyone looking at getting into databases, because it underpins how data is filed & extracted. DBAs (Database Administrators) essentially control database information and reporting, whilst DB Developers set-up & design Databases. Database-Developers generally also have programming-skills to enable them to write database-software - this requires a further accreditation in 'VB' or 'C#'.

Certainly one of Microsoft's over-riding strengths through-out the last couple of decades has to have been their drive towards skilled professional certification, causing several other corporations to follow suit and raise their game. As such, advanced MS qualifications are held in particularly high regard by both I.T. professionals and global industry.

'Visual Studio' is the primary Windows software program development 'environment', & is solely owned by Microsoft. They provide a variety of languages, with 'C#.Net' & VB.Net (Visual Basic) currently being the most widely used. You'll learn more about these by reading our specific Programming & Development web-pages. The main accreditations are currently the MCTS & MCPD (having superseded the earlier MCAD & 'MCSD'.)

Whether you are looking to achieve an entry level understanding of these systems & packages, or perhaps a more complete professional understanding to help you support other people, there are lots of accreditations which could help. To learn about 'Office' 2003 ('XP') evaluate MOS - Microsoft Office Specialist. For Office 2007 ('Vista') skill-sets choose MCAS - 'Microsoft Certified Application Specialist'. The 'MCDST' (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician) takes this to the next level, so that you're certified to support other people.

You may equally be thinking of a senior role in the IT industry, that would require more in depth and specialised MS certification training. MS have fairly recently re-vamped their accreditation structure, & while you will still find many routes based upon the 'MCP' qualifications, we're increasingly seeing the change to MCITP ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional') & 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) packages. Normally, the MCTS qualifications are studied on the way to the full MCITP program.

The key areas that Microsoft offers accreditation paths for are generally related to their core systems offerings. So fundamentally we are focusing on Programming, Networking and Databases. For additional information on the specifics of each individual training-route & certification grouping, study the key areas applicable to each on this website.

Self-Paced Interactive CBT PC Training Courses For Microsoft Databases >>