Whenever we refer to MS accreditations, we are spanning quite a wide spectrum. At 1 end of the scales, you could be looking for some teaching on Word or 'Excel', at the other you may be interested in gaining various MCP's in order to get certified in IT at a professional level. It's very important, as it is with all training, to be sure of what job you want to get to, and what your reasons are to get there, because these can greatly affect what track you take & what learning style you use. During your IT research, discuss your plans with a training specialist who can help you to decipher all you need from your training course at the right price and in the most appropriate learning-method for you personally.

If we take the core I.T. systems we can then look at the accreditation programs that 'Microsoft' offers. They are namely Networking (and Server Operating Systems), Databases (both Administration and Development) and Programming (& Software-Development in 'Windows'). For more information on the main features of each training route & accreditation group, investigate the main areas pertinent to each on this site.

Through the years, it has to be said, MS have created increasingly skilled professional accreditations - which means that various other players in the sector have been forced to improve their offerings. Because of this the whole IT world & especially senior managers regard professional level Microsoft certifications with huge respect.

Industry & global commerce are overwhelmingly dominating by 'Microsoft' Networking and Server Operating Systems. It's now believed that no less than 80-90 per cent of all workplace networks use 'Windows Server' as the operating platform. This particular application has seen quite a few upgrades now, beginning with 'NT' server, then becoming 'Server 2000', Server 2003 & right now Server 2008. A substantial number of corporations still use 2003 as their standard operating platform, & don't intend to switch. There are businesses with NT or '2000' platforms, & they are the ones with the biggest requirement to update to Server 2008. Further discussion about 'Server 2003' and 'Server 2008' is located on our specific MCSE & 'MCSA' training web pages, where you will also discover more about MS Network and Server Operating Systems.

Microsoft indicates the operating-system 'Windows' to many individuals who use PCs. To some, it's synonymous with the main Office applications used, either in the home or at work, to perform specific everyday functions. The most well known application is probably 'Word', which is a program for word processing. Whilst Excel is the most widely used spread-sheet and 'Access' offers database capabilities to numerous organisations. For giving presentations, Office provides the software program 'PowerPoint', which completes the main packages in the suite. (Having said that there are several more in the Microsoft portfolio, such as Outlook, which is widely used as an email, messaging and diary solution.)

Whether you're looking to gain a starting knowledge of these systems & packages, or a more complete professional understanding to help you support others, there are several certifications that could help. The 'MOS' ('Microsoft Office Specialist') & MCAS (Microsoft Certified Application Specialist) programs deal with the 'Office' Suite in depth. The MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician) takes this to the following level, to ensure that you're qualified to support others.

Or, you're possibly considering getting in to a professional job in the I.T. market, & want higher level MS accreditation. The exam structure at Microsoft has recently gone through a significant overhaul. A number of career routes still lead to 'MCP' qualifications, but the direction is steadily moving towards 'MCITP' & MCTS programs (Microsoft Certified IT Professional & 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' respectively). 'MCTS' learning programs are typically worked on as building blocks towards the 'MCITP'.

CompTIA Hardware Support Home-Based Multimedia Commercial Computer Certification Courses >>