ECDL Advance Database and MOUS Access 2000

[*ALFIE*]

I have recently done ECDL (level 2) and MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) in Access 2000. I want to continue training in databases. Does anyone know how different ECDL Advance Database is from MOUS Access 2000 ? I am considering in doing ECDL Advance Database but not sure if its on a similar level to the MOUS i previously did. Can anyone help ?

If they are both similar can anyone suggest any other courses i can do in databases on a higher level then MOUS Access 2000 ?

[vehelpfulguy]

The microsoft web site has a lot of information about being trained on Access. Try www.microsoft.com and also http://office.microsoft.com

These are worldwide sites but there are also uk specific sites like www.microsoft.com/uk

Search these sites for guides, training and so on. You will see the microsoft web sites are huge, with tons of stuff so it is worth spending some time there.

Access is also well represented in the bookshops. Go to a bookshop with a large computer section (Waterstones or Borders for example) and you will find a large number of Access books.

Note that Access is considered a 'baby' database in the world of databases, fine for individual use or small departements but not for large projects.

If you REALLY want to get into databases then go for its big brother, SQL Server.

Microsoft have just released SQL Server 2005 and there is loads of information about it on their web site. You can also send away for a free trial version of the code, or download it from the web.

Databases is a HUGE subject so you have a lot to learn, but there is also a HUGE demand out there for people with skills so you should be able to get work in the future.

Let me know if you need more help.

[*ALFIE*]

Thanks for your help. So far I trained in SQL at only an introductory level. This is the highest level of databases i have leant to date.

Can i just ask - is having an ECDL Advenced level in any office application, say Access, more valuable then having MOUS Access 2000 ? Which one of these cetifications is valuable in the general job market ?

[vehelpfulguy]

Sorry but I cannot help on these qualifications as I have no experience of them.

What does count in the IT marketplace is having PRACTICAL experience as well as exam passes.

If you have a computer at home make sure you install and use Access, create some samples applications, learn how to use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) that comes with Office/Access.

Maybe find a real world place where you can gain some experience, perhaps a charity where you could use your skills to help them, but also build up your practical knowledge.

[vehelpfulguy]

One more thing, you talk about Access 2000.

I am not sure if you are aware, but there have been two extra releases of Office/Access since then.

First there was Office XP in 2002, then there was Office 2003, which is the current release.

You should ensure you have experience with these levels of Office/Access as well as Access 2000.

You can download trial versions of Office from here (they are rather large)

http://www.microsoft.com/office/trial/default.mspx