Whenever we refer to MS certifications, we are spanning quite a wide range. You could be looking for training in standard Microsoft software packages, or you may be considering professional-level I.T. training to obtain a Microsoft Certified-Professional (MCP) in a variety of areas. It's crucial, as with all training, to be sure of where you would like to get to, and what your motivations are to reach that point, as these can hugely influence what path you take & what learning method you use. We always suggest that should you decide to pursue IT as a career, have a good careers conversation with an appropriate advisor, to be sure you don't squander either your money or your time.

A unique language has been formulated for working on & interrogating 'Databases', referred to as 'SQL', or Structured Query Language. Structured Query Language is key to how data is saved on a database and extracted from it. Therefore knowledge of the language is critical for anyone looking for a professional level database position. DBAs (Database Administrators) essentially manage database information and reporting, whilst 'DB Developers' setup and design databases. Quite often, a Database Developer will obtain programming accreditations (either in VB or C#,) to have the complete skillset required to create Database software, as well as design the storage-structures.

We can divide the different accreditation tracks largely in line with the systems they are relevant to. They are namely Networking (and Server Operating Systems), Databases (both Administration & Development) & Programming (& Software-Development in Windows). There are specific and very different qualification groups pertaining to each one of these tracks; refer to the relevant sectors on this web-site for additional details.

To nearly all PC users, the word Windows comes to mind once they think of Microsoft. The term Office could similarly spring to mind because many individuals associate the applications system with the organisation itself. MS 'Word' is the company's word-processing software, known to many millions around the globe. Excel is also an exceptionally well-known program for spreadsheets, as well as Access which allows us to build databases. If we include the 'PowerPoint' presentations software we complete the main components generally associated with the Office group. (However there are many more in the Microsoft stable, such as Outlook, which is very widely as an email, messaging & calendar solution.)

Through the years, it has to be said, Microsoft have established increasingly professional accreditations - which means that various other companies in the market have been compelled to improve their packages. Because of this the whole IT industry and especially senior management regard professional Microsoft accreditations with great respect.

Corporate communications internationally are led by Microsoft Networking and Server Operating-Systems. It is now thought that at least 80-90 percent of all office networking systems use 'Windows' Server as their operating platform. Naturally a number of upgrades have taken place - the initial NT Server became 2000, then 2003 & now 2008. In business, 'Server 2003' remains the more common, & it's likely that a great many businesses utilising this platform will not up-date to 2008. There are businesses with NT or '2000' platforms, and they're the organisations that have the most need to up-date to '2008'. You'll find further information on MS Network and Server Operating-Systems under the 'MCSE/MCSA' pages, as well as info about the Server 2003 vs 'Server 2008' debate.

Visual Studio is the foremost Windows software program development environment, and is exclusively owned by MS. They provide several 'languages', with 'C#.Net' & VB.Net ('Visual Basic') being the most extensively used. You can find out more about these by reading our specialist Programming web pages. The most commonly recognised accreditations are now the 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' & the 'Microsoft Certified Professional Developer'.

If you'd like to be a competent user to help you as part of your work, or train for a specialist career in a support position, there are a number of training courses to get you there. The MOS ('Microsoft Office Specialist') and MCAS ('Microsoft Certified Application Specialist') programs deal with the 'Office' Suite in-depth. For an accreditation to support others, go into the 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', or 'MCDST' as its known.

Alternatively, you're possibly considering getting into a professionally skilled job within the I.T. sector, and want higher level 'Microsoft' accreditation. MS have just lately revamped their certification structure, & while you will still find quite a number of tracks based on the 'MCP' qualifications, we're more and more witnessing the change to MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) and MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) programs. Candidates on the MCITP programs usually build up via 'MCTS' training paths.

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