The main factor to understand whenever you are thinking about any kind of IT training course is what you wish to obtain from it. Have you got work in mind that calls for a number of PC user skill sets, or is it that you just want to know how to surf the web more widely? And then again, you may be aiming to switch your job entirely and get in to the IT sector itself.

Exactly where you intend to end up has to be the 1st thing to consider. If you are sure about why you need to get trained, you can make a more educated decision on the right type for you personally. Starting with the ending in your mind may also prevent you from incurring costly mistakes.

If you browse around the pages of this site you'll find specific web-pages featuring all these areas - as well as the certification paths that are involved - to help you investigate a little more. Alternatively, our free Lollypedia e-book provides you with in-depth advice, and information on how to contact our training professionals.

Generally there are a number of different employment categories for I.T. professionals: The first is Networking and Support (including Security), second is Programming and Software Development, the third is Databases and the last is Web-Design. Each different specialisation needs its own distinct skill sets and qualifications, with a selection of certifications from entry level to extremely advanced. The large volume of certifications available in these areas can be initially off-putting to the brand-new student, but this is why a sensible careers chat with an advisor can open up what's ideal for your personality, goals and learning style.

All those at the absolute beginning of their PC literacy learning-curve should elect to complete the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). This will deal with how to work the basic elements of 'Windows' (the system which runs the majority of personal PC's.) Also it covers getting on to the internet, so that you can use e-mail to receive and send communications, and surf the whole of the web. This training program also outlines word-processing, databases & spreadsheets.

A further stage is to get a bit more formalised training to enhance your CV or equip you for extra functions in the office. One of the most common of these is more in-depth instruction in Microsoft Office. The leading certifications are the 'Microsoft Office Specialist' ('MOS') and the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS.) Whereas the former emphasises the Microsoft 'Office' 2003 environment in 'Windows XP', the second emphasises Windows 'Vista' and Office 2007. XP remains the most used within industry, but Vista could be more future-proof. Both certification paths contain individual exams across the primary Microsoft 'Office' applications: Word ('word processing'), Excel ('spreadsheets'), "Access" ('databases') and PowerPoint ('presentations'.) These accreditations will demonstrate to an employer that you are properly trained to utilise these applications to their fullest extent.

Should you want to look at the first phases of Professional IT certification, then User & Systems-support could be a valid move. To support workers using computers in the office, you're going to have to have a technical accreditation such as the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician. You would generally be looking at about a hundred hours of studying at this level.

More advanced IT accreditations will lead you to full professional rank. To obtain a job working in hardware support or network support you should consider doing your A+ and Network+ accreditations from 'CompTIA'. Training will cover hard-ware and network installations at a fundamental level, and also elements of support, security and administration. Training time is often generally around 200-250 hours for both courses, which can be reasonably carried out within six months on a part-time basis.

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