Whenever we refer to Microsoft certifications, we're covering an extremely broad spectrum. At 1 end of the scales, you may need some training on 'Word' or 'Excel', on the other you might be looking for various MCP's to qualify in I.T. at the professional grade. It's crucial, as with all training, to be sure of what job you would like to get to, & what your motivations are to get there, as these will hugely influence what track you take & what learning-style you utilise. We constantly advise that if you plan to go after IT as a profession, have a good careers conversation with an expert advisor, to ensure you don't waste either your time or money.

If we think of the core IT systems we can then look at the accreditation programs that MS has put in place. They are namely Networking (& Server Operating-Systems), Databases (both Administration & Development) & Programming (and Software Development in 'Windows'). For additional information on the specifics of each individual training route & accreditation group, research the principal areas relating to each on this website.

'Structured Query Language' or 'SQL' is a dedicated 'language' for interrogating Databases. SQL is key to how information is stored on a Database & extracted out of it. Consequently knowledge of the language is critical for anyone who wants a professional level Database position. Developers (DBD's) create and design 'databases' for Administrators ('DBA's') to regulate, interpret and create reports on the data. Many developers are also programmers, and can write software programs for 'databases' in either 'C#' or VB.

Proficient user-skills can be developed via a number of Microsoft certification paths, and commercial support skills through others. To learn about 'Office' 2003 (XP) look at 'MOS' - Microsoft Office Specialist. For Office 2007 (Vista) skill-sets choose 'MCAS' - Microsoft Certified Application Specialist. For an accreditation that allows you to support others, go into the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, or MCDST for short.

There are many rather more specialised and higher certification tracks if your aim is to become a senior I.T. more advanced. The examination structure at MS has experienced an important overhaul. A lot of career training tracks still lead to MCP certifications, however the trend is gradually moving towards 'MCITP' and 'MCTS' programs ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional' and 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' respectively). Individuals on MCITP packages usually work up via 'MCTS' training paths.

'Microsoft' indicates the operating-system Windows to many people who use computer systems. The word 'Office' may equally come to mind because many individuals equate the applications system with the organisation itself. The most well known program is probably 'Word', which is an application for word processing. While Excel is the most widely used spread-sheet & 'Access' provides database abilities to numerous businesses. The last of the main 4 programs in 'Office' is 'PowerPoint', which is widely used for presentations. There is nevertheless much more to Office as a whole, for instance 'Microsoft' Outlook is used as a diary, email and messaging-system.

Commercial communications globally are dominated by Microsoft Networking and Server Operating-Systems. It's now estimated that at least 80-90 per cent of all workplace networks use 'Windows' Server as the standard platform. This application has seen various up-dates now, starting with NT server, and then becoming Server 2000, 'Server 2003' & right now 'Server 2008'. The majority of business establishments still utilise Server 2003, and updating to Server 2008 is unlikely for a lot of them. Typically, it will be the previous platforms that will update (NT Server or 'Server 2000') - essentially skipping a generation. You'll come across further information on 'Microsoft' Networking & Server Operating-Systems in the 'MCSE'/'MCSA' web-pages, including info about the Server 2003 versus 2008 debate.

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