The key point to understand when you're contemplating any kind of computer training program is what you wish to obtain out of it. Are you looking at just enhancing your skills to use your computer in your own home, or are you looking for more in depth coaching for your CV or job? Perhaps it's a lot more, and you're aiming to build a new career as an I.T. technician.

Knowing your destination is vital for identifying the program that will get you to it. Once you've worked out your objectives, it really is more straightforward to decide upon the training program that will meet all your required goals. It should also stop you from making any errors by choosing an incorrect course.

If you are taking a look at a career move into I.T., it's possible that you'll need to begin someplace amidst these programs, subject to your current degree of IT literacy. For any more senior courses it's a good idea to talk your ideas through with an industry expert who has IT experience. In truth, if you are thinking about a new career, you should have this conversation before you attempt any qualification - to ensure you're embarking on the correct track from the start. People who do not organise where they're going from the start can finish up throwing away a lot of time and money - which might have been avoided with a basic 30 min chat.

Basically, the starting place for an absolute beginner, who simply would like to gain a fundamental idea of how to get more from their computer, is the European Computer Driving Licence. The 'ECDL' will educate you on all the standard basic functions of 'Windows', which is the Operating System for most PCs. You can also cover web browsers (so that you can search on the web,) plus e-mail software (to help you be in touch with friends and colleagues.) A small amount is additionally taught about how to make use of spreadsheets and perform a little word processing.

The next level is to get some more formalised instruction to improve your Resume or equip you for additional tasks in the office. A wide understanding of Microsoft 'Office' stands out as the skill set most people require at this point. The two industry accepted qualification courses are MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) and 'MCAS' (Microsoft 'Certified Application Specialist'). MOS has been about for several years and is based around Office 2003 & 'XP', which is still perfectly well utilised in business. MCAS emphasises Office 2007 and Vista, so obviously carries greater life expectancy. Each Ms 'Office' application is reviewed seperately with both of the accreditations, that is - "Word" (word-processing), 'Excel' ('spreadsheets'), Access ('databases') & PowerPoint (presentations.) The benefit of getting these certifications is they prove your in-depth competency level when using these packages.

Going one step further again, you could investigate the first level of professional certification: User & Systems-Support. Typically, if you are going to deliver Software Support to others in the business environment, then the MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician) is probably relevant. You'll typically need approximately one hundred hrs of studying for this grade.

After this, we get into the realms of full professional I.T. certification. CompTIA offers the most widely acknowledged entry to industry examinations (known as 'A+' and Network+) for networking, hardware-support & security. Training courses will include hard-ware and network installations at a basic level, plus aspects of support, security and administration. Many combined A+ & 'N+' training courses will take the average person in the region of 200 to 250 hrs to finish, and so can successfully be taken alongside a full time job.

You will be able to find out more about the many IT careers and training paths from dedicated pages on this site. In addition, our Free Information pack offers you further advice, as well as access to our industry professionals.

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