This area of IT is possibly one of the most sweeping and comprehensive there is. With so many complicated skill sets to embrace, some specialisation is really the only sensible solution. The key systems players in this marketplace are Microsoft and Cisco. Microsoft produce Network & Server Software, whilst Cisco concentrate primarily on the hardware end of Networking: Routers, switches, controllers and so on. It's become financially and economically necessary for MS and Cisco to move into Security over the last decade. An additional fast growing market within this sector is wireless-connectivity and devices. And next we have the dark art of Hacking (legitimately) & Forensics : each of which are complex & highly specialised subjects in their own right, & take a considerable amount of expertise and understanding.

You'll find a number of speciality MCSEs from Microsoft, that cater for options like Security or Messaging if that's the direction you need. It could be the 'CompTIA' Security+ meets your needs, in order to move on to the 'CISSP' - Certified Information Systems Security Professional. There are strict 'experience' requirements for the CISSP, and these need talking about and getting to grips with prior to deciding to take this route. As usual, we suggest that you speak with a professional IT training advisor to prevent any 'mishaps'.

A rudimentary knowledge of networks is a good first-base for anyone coming into the industry. Until you are aware of just how a Computer functions and 'communicates' with other PCs, anything more is probably nonsense. Providing you have decent user skills, you will find programs that include 'CompTIA's A+' and Network+ provides you with an excellent grounding to set up your career. Information on these accreditations are available in the 'CompTIA' section of this website.

Moving on from here you might consider the Microsoft MCSA or MCSE or perhaps the 'Cisco' CCNA/CCNP, depending on whether you are pursuing the hardware or software end of the equation. Although, it has to be said that a comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft networks is practically a necessity for the majority of network-environments, mainly because of MS's penetration in this field. Again, these qualifications are written about in-depth on the relevant sections on this web-site.

Alternatively, you may want to continue on the vendor neutral track with further 'CompTIA' certification (e.g. Linux+, Security+ and Server+ ) or maybe try your hand at the wireless (Wi-Fi) aspect of things by taking the CWNP/CWNA.

'CompTIA' (the Computing Technology Industry Association) is a worldwide enterprise that currently supplies many of the most reputed vendor neutral certification paths on the market. Some other institutions also offer worthy qualifications, for example 'CWNP' ('Certified Wireless Network Professional') and 'ISC2' (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium). Of course Cisco and Microsoft provide a total selection of professional level certifications. With the amount of training & job possibilities in this area, it's advisable to take more in-depth advice from an experienced professional before selecting your particular course. Without any personally tailored guidance you could potentially head off in a wrong direction & waste a lot of money or time.

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