This area of I.T. is perhaps one of the most sweeping & comprehensive there is. With so many advanced skills to embrace, a degree of specialisation is really the only realistic option. Cisco and Microsoft are essentially the two leading corporations who rule this particular field. The Network & Server software is done by MS, while Cisco are mostly responsible for routers and data-switches, in other words the Network hard-ware. Security has grown to be a big problem in recent years, which has led both businesses to move in to the sector in a big way. An additional fast growing area within this sector is wireless connectivity & devices. And next we come on to Hacking (legally) & Digital Forensics - both very complex & very specialised subjects in their own right, & take a great deal of experience and knowledge.

There are various specialist MCSE's from MS, that look after subjects such as Security or Messaging if that's the direction you want. You might elect to go for Security+ with 'CompTIA', followed by the 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional' ('CISSP'). Before opting for this path though you need to be aware about the amount of experience needed for the CISSP. As always, we advise talking with a professional industry advisor to avoid any mistakes.

Some of the finest industry-acknowledged accreditations now come from the independent Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). In addition there are several other organisations, including the 'ISC2' (abbreviated from their rather long-winded: 'International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'!) and 'CWNP' ('Certified Wireless Network Professional'). Naturally, there's a total gamut of certification programs from Cisco and Microsoft. As there are so many training & employment possibilities in this sector, its sensible to take more personalised advice from an experienced industry advisor before selecting your specific route. You could possibly save yourself a lot of money and time, as well as frustration & discouragement.

One of the latest sectors in this particular field is 'Digital Forensics'. We relate forensics with TV programmes such as CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). The actual reality of 'Digital Forensics' is much less glamorous than pictured in these types of shows (obviously!) Nonetheless, technological-forensics provides a fascinating profession for many individuals today. The role entails seeking & interpreting 'digital-footprints' to assist with data-recovery or legal investigations.

In a related field to Forensics and I.T. Security is 'Ethical Hacking' - another relatively new discipline to manage criminal offences. Skilled IT professionals can learn the principles of criminal hacking for ethical security purposes. The EC-Council delivers mid-high level accreditations, entitled the 'CEH' (Certified Ethical Hacker) & the CHFI ('Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator').

If you're aiming to progress a professional career in IT, begin by developing a certain amount of networking expertise. Nothing else will make sense until you've developed an understanding of how PC's run & communicate with one another. Assuming a basic level of computer literacy, (see the more general IT Training sections if not,) the recommended starting point is almost always the 'CompTIA' A+ & Network+ . We feature specifics of these programs on our pages dedicated to CompTIA.

What you choose to do next will depend largely on whether you intend to focus on 'hardware' or 'software'. With regard to 'hardware', you are talking about Cisco (CCNA or CCNP), and with regard to 'software' you will need Microsoft (MCSA/MCSE). Nevertheless, MS has a high domination in most network environments, therefore an in-depth understanding of their software is actually pretty relevant whatever you specialise in. As before, you'll see the specifics of each qualification on the Cisco & MS pages of the web site.

Of course you might want to enhance your Wi-Fi (wire-less) skills with certifications like the CWNA and CWNP, or keep going down the 'CompTIA' track with Server+, Linux+ or Security+ .

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