Moving one level farther again, you could look into the first stage of professional accreditation: User and Systems-Support. Usually, if you're going to offer Software Support to users inside a corporate environment, then the 'MCDST' ('Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician') is probably relevant. Allow around a hundred hours of study time for you to acquire this level of certification.

Following this, we get into the realms of full Professional IT accreditation. To get offered a position providing hardware support or network support you must look at doing A+ and N+ certifications from 'CompTIA'. Training will include hard-ware & network installation at a fundamental level, and also elements of support, security & administration. A program that covers both of them ought to take roughly 200-250 hours to get through. This suggests an individual studying part-time alongside a job could feasibly be at the accreditation stage in six months' time.

Many people question why traditional degrees are being overtaken by more qualifications from the commercial sector? Industry is of the opinion that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, proper accreditation from such organisations as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA often is more effective in the commercial field - for much less time and money. Vendor training works through concentrating on the actual skills required (together with a relevant amount of associated knowledge,) rather than going into the heightened depths of background detail and 'fluff' that degree courses often do - to fill a three or four year course.

Put yourself in the employer's position - and you wanted someone who could provide a specific set of skills. What should you do: Trawl through loads of academic qualifications from hopeful applicants, struggling to grasp what they've learned and which vocational skills they have, or choose particular accreditations that precisely match your needs, and then choose your interviewees based around that. You'll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview - instead of having to work out if they can do the job.

You should look for authorised exam simulation and preparation programs included in the package you choose. Don't go for training programs relying on unofficial preparation materials for exams. Their phraseology is often somewhat different - and this could lead to potential problems in the actual examination. Obviously, it's essential to know that you've thoroughly prepared for your actual certification exam before taking it. Practicing 'mock' exams will help to boost your attitude and helps to avoid thwarted exam entries.

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