MS own Visual Studio, which is the fore-most Windows software development 'environment'. They offer several languages, with C#.Net and VB.Net ('Visual Basic') being the most extensively used. You can find out about these by reading our specialist Programming & Development web pages. MCAD and MCSD certifications have undergone an update to the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) & the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD).

Whether you're seeking to gain a beginner's knowledge of these systems and packages, or perhaps a more complete professional level comprehension to help you support other people, there are several accreditations that could help. For in-depth coverage on how to professionally use Office yourself, consider the 'Microsoft Office Specialist' ('MOS') or the 'Microsoft Certified Application Specialist' (MCAS). A degree up from 'MOS' & 'MCAS' is MCDST - 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', which provides you with the skill set to support other users within an office.

You might equally be contemplating a more senior role in the IT sector, that would mean more in-depth and specialist Microsoft accreditation study. MS have fairly recently re-vamped their certification structure, & whilst there are still many routes based upon the 'MCP' accreditations, we're increasingly witnessing the change to MCITP ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional') and MCTS ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist') packages. Candidates on the 'MCITP' programs generally work up through MCTS training-paths.

One feature offered by some training providers is a programme of Job Placement assistance. It's intention is to assist your search for your first position. Having said that, occasionally there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, because it is actually not that hard for any focused and well taught person to get a job in this industry - as employers are keen to find appropriately trained staff.

CV and Interview advice and support is sometimes offered (alternatively, check out one of our sites for help). It's essential that you work on your old CV immediately - not after you've qualified! It's not unusual to find that you will get your initial role while you're still a student (even in the early stages). If your CV doesn't show your latest training profile (and it hasn't been posted on jobsites) then you're not even going to be known about! The most reliable organisations to help you find a job are generally specialised and independent recruitment consultants. As they're keen to place you to receive their commission, they're perhaps more focused on results.

A slight grievance for many training providers is how hard trainees are prepared to study to get top marks in their exams, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the role they've acquired skills for. Don't falter at the last fence.

Sometimes students assume that the school and FE college path is the way they should go. So why are qualifications from the commercial sector beginning to overtake it? As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, the IT sector has had to move to the specialised training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - for example companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. This frequently provides reductions in both cost and time. Patently, a certain portion of relevant additional information needs to be taught, but focused specifics in the required areas gives a vendor trained student a real head start.

As long as an employer knows what areas need to be serviced, then all they have to do is advertise for a person with the appropriate exam numbers. Commercial syllabuses all have to conform to the same requirements and don't change between schools (in the way that degree courses can).

The key fields that 'Microsoft' offers accreditation routes for are largely relevant to their core systems. They are specifically Networking (& Server Operating Systems), Databases (which encompasses Administration & Development) & Programming (& Software-Development in Windows). For more advice on the specifics of each individual training route & certification group, research the main areas relating to each one on this web-site.

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