People at the very start of their PC user learning-curve should choose the ECDL. Nearly all personal PCs operate on a system called Microsoft 'Windows', and your 'ECDL' handles the way to run it's standard basic elements. It also covers how to get on to the internet, so that you can use email to send & receive correspondence, & browse the whole of the web. This training program also introduces you to word processing, databases and spreadsheets.

If you wish to boost your skill-set for work-related purposes, you may want to have some more formal training. The most common of these is more in-depth instruction in 'Microsoft Office'. Two industry recognised qualification programmes are 'MOS' ('Microsoft Office Specialist') & 'MCAS' ('Microsoft Certification Application Specialist'). MOS has been in use for several years and emphasises 'Office' 2003 and 'XP', which is still well utilised in business. 'MCAS' is based around 'Office' 2007 and Vista, so inevitably provides for greater life expectancy. There are individual exams for each which test on 'Word', Excel, PowerPoint & Access - for 'word processing', spreadsheets, 'presentations' and data-bases. These certifications will demonstrate to an employer that you're effectively trained to utilise these packages to their maximum level.

Every program under consideration really needs to work up to a properly recognised accreditation at the end - and not a worthless 'in-house' printed certificate to hang in your hallway. All the major IT organisations like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco have nationally acknowledged proficiency courses. These heavyweights can make sure you stand out at interview.

Many people come into IT from completely different professions. This could indicate different starting points, depending on previous experience and software skill competencies. Progressing from this level generally requires a chat with a specialist advisor. Indeed any kind of complete job change ideas really should be talked through prior to getting started - it's a sensible approach to make sure the training you choose is actually right for the job. Around 30 minutes of your time spent organising & examining the most effective way forward will be worth it twelve months or so down the line.

Should you plan to aim for the first levels of Professional IT certification, then User & Systems Support might be a logical move. The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician ('MCDST') can be a good qualification if you are planning to offer software support for commercial users. A program of this nature generally requires about one hundred hours of learning time.

Next, we get into the area of full Professional I.T. accreditation. To get a job providing hardware support or network-support you need to look at doing your 'A+' and Network+ certifications from 'CompTIA'. Together with covering the basics of hardware & networks, you'll also be taught about support, troubleshooting, administration & security. Many combined 'A+' and 'Network+' training courses will take the person with average skills approximately 200-250 hours to work through, so can easily be studied around a full-time job.

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