It's vital to determine what objectives you are hoping to accomplish if you're about to embark on an IT training course. Do you have a job planned that needs a number of PC user skill-sets, or is it that you simply want to know the best way to surf the internet more extensively? Alternatively, you may be aiming for a professional career move into the IT sector.

Identifying the thing you want to obtain from your training course should always be your most important priority. When you have decided on your goals, it's much simpler to work out the training program that should tick your required aims. This important practice will also save you money and time, and means you're not wasting effort on the wrong thing.

If you simply wish to have a good idea of how to run a personal computer for basic procedures, the ECDL is the best course for you. It will deal with how to operate the basic elements of 'Windows' (which is the system that 'runs' most home computers.) You will also cover web browsers (so that you can search on the web,) plus email software (so you can stay in contact with your friends.) You'll also learn the basics of word processing plus a bit about what spreadsheets & databases can be useful for.

The next level is to gain some more formalised training to further improve your CV or get you prepared for extra roles in the office. The most common of these is more in-depth teaching in Microsoft 'Office'. The principle accreditations are the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) or the Microsoft 'Certified Application Specialist' ('MCAS'.) The 'MOS' features the Microsoft 'Office' 2003 environment under Windows XP (still probably the most commonly used in business), whilst the 'MCAS' is based around 'Windows Vista' & 'Office' 2007, and so may be better placed for the future. Each Ms 'Office' application is reviewed seperately with each of the qualifications, specifically - Excel for spread-sheets, 'Access' for databases, 'Powerpoint' for 'presentations' & "Word" for word processing. The benefit of having these accreditations is that they prove your in depth skill level for using these packages.

If you browse around the pages on this web-site you'll find specific pages covering all these sectors - plus the certification tracks that are involved - so you can check things out a little more. Alternatively, you can request our complimentary e-book 'Lollypedia' and then ring to speak with one of our professional advisors.

You can split IT employment paths down into several different sectors - 1) Networking, (Security & Support), 2) Programming & Software-development, 3) Database (Administration and Development) & 4) Web-Design, - both creative & technical elements. Each specialisation demands its own specific skills and accreditations, with a selection of accreditations from beginner to highly advanced. The sheer amount of accreditations on offer in these areas may be a little off-putting to the new trainee, but this is where a sensible careers chat with an advisor can open up what's right for your personality, objectives & learning style.

Taking things a stage farther again, you could consider the first stage of professional certification: 'User' and Systems-Support. To support employees using computer systems at work, you're going to have to have a technical certification such as the 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician'. You'll normally need approximately 100 hours of study at this level.

More advanced IT accreditations will take you to the full Professional level. 'CompTIA' offers probably the most widely acknowledged entry level exams (known as A+ & 'N+') for hardware support, networking & security. Training will cover hard-ware and network installation at a basic level, plus elements of security, support and administration. Training time is usually generally approximately 200-250 hrs to cover both, and so can be realistically accomplished within six months on a part-time study basis.

Many individuals move in to I.T. from very different careers. This may mean different starting points, depending on past experience and software-skill expertise. We'd recommend you go over your ideas on training & IT careers with an industry advisor should you have more technical ambitions. Really anybody contemplating training to lead to a new career move ought to be open to proper advice prior to getting started. Trainees who do not plan where they are heading from the start can wind up wasting considerable time and money - which could have been prevented with a straight forward 30 min chat.

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