If you're looking at any type of IT training program, the very first thing to take into account is what your most significant objective is. Do you simply need more proficient domestic computing skills, or have you been hoping to gain a number of qualifications that will enhance your resume? And then of course, you might be aiming to re-think your profession altogether and get into the IT sector itself.

Where you want to end up has to be the first thing to consider. Then, when you realize where you're headed, you can make the right well informed choices on which kind of program should match your needs. It should also stop you from creating costly errors by selecting an incorrect program.

You'll be able to look into each aspect more extensively on dedicated pages on this site. We discuss the certification tracks required to get you in to the IT industry. If you prefer, we'll send you our detailed Lollypedia e-book at no cost to you, which offers you the opportunity to make contact with our specialist advisors.

There are several different career sectors for I.T. workers: 1) Networking, Security and Support, 2) Programming and Software Development, 3) Database (Administration & Development) & 4) Web Design, including both creative & technical elements. Every I.T. classification has its own set of proficiency requirements, with related certifications at a number of different proficiency stages. Programming suits a different sort of person to web design, which suits a different kind of individual to networking and security. When you've had a chance to obtain advice on all the IT career options, you will be much more confident that you've chosen the best career path for you.

In essence, the starting place for a complete novice, who just would like to acquire a basic idea of how to get more from their PC, is the European Computer Driving Licence. The 'ECDL' will teach you the way to use basic features of Windows, - the operating system for most PC's. You'll also learn about web-browsers (to help you to search on the internet,) plus email software (to help you keep in touch with friends.) You will also be taught the basics of word-processing plus a bit about what databases & spreadsheets are useful for.

Taking things a stage further, you might want more professional training to boost your career prospects. One of the most common of these is further training in Microsoft Office. The key 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 popular commercially), whilst the 'MCAS' features Windows 'Vista' & 'Office' 2007, and so may be better placed for the long run. Each Ms 'Office' application is examined individually with both accreditations, namely - 'Excel' for spread-sheets, Access for data-bases, "Powerpoint" for presentations & "Word" for word processing. The benefit of getting these accreditations is they confirm your in depth competency level when working with these packages.

A lot of training companies only provide support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later; It's rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover. Email support is too slow, and telephone support is usually to a call-centre who will just take down the issue and email it over to their technical team - who'll call back sometime over the next 1-3 days, when it suits them. This is no use if you're sitting there confused over an issue and only have a specific time you can study.

The very best programs opt for an online access 24x7 system combining multiple support operations across the globe. You'll have a simple interface that accesses the most appropriate office any time of the day or night: Support when it's needed. Don't under any circumstances take a lower level of service. Direct-access round-the-clock support is the only way to go with computer-based study. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; usually though, we're at work at the time when most support is available.

A question; why should we consider commercial qualifications instead of traditional academic qualifications obtained from the state educational establishments? The IT sector now recognises that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, proper accreditation from the likes of CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised - for much less time and money. Patently, a reasonable degree of relevant additional knowledge must be covered, but focused specialised knowledge in the areas needed gives a commercially educated student a massive advantage.

Think about if you were the employer - and you required somebody who had very specific skills. What is easier: Wade your way through loads of academic qualifications from various applicants, having to ask what each has covered and which trade skills they've mastered, or choose a specific set of accreditations that perfectly fit your needs, and make your short-list from that. You can then focus on how someone will fit into the team at interview - instead of having to work out if they can do the job.

Consider only study programmes that'll move onto commercially approved certifications. There are far too many minor schools offering unknown 'in-house' certificates which are worthless in the real world. From an employer's viewpoint, only top businesses such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA (for instance) will make the right impression. Anything less won't make the grade.