Frequently Asked Questions
At ICS, we aim to make achieving your learning goals as straightforward and flexible as possible by providing you with all the information you need before, during and even after you have completed your chosen course.
Here are some of our students' most frequently asked questions.
For each course you’ll find information on any previous qualifications or experience you might need in the ‘Prerequisites/previous study’ section of the relevant course page. Each Microsoft course also requires you to have access to a computer with the following technical specifications:
- 600MHz Intel Pentium III processor or equivalent
- Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista
- 128MB RAM (256MB RAM recommended)
- 128MB available disc space
- CD-ROM drive
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01SP2.
If you meet the requirements specified on the course page, you don’t need anything else, except a willingness to learn – we’ll provide you with all the materials you’ll need.
Distance learning allows you to learn where and when you want. What’s more, you don’t have to give up your job, and we support you every step of the way.
It works like this. All our courses are divided into bite-sized modules made up of clearly identified study units, which you work through at your own pace. When you successfully complete a module and feel ready, you move onto the next one.
With useful tips and self-assessments at every stage, you'll find your confidence and ability increasing steadily as you progress.
The price of your course will vary depending on the qualification that you choose to enrol upon. The price of the individual course is indicated on the specific web page dedicated to that qualification.
Prices for the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist courses range between £299 and £449, with prices for the Microsoft Certified IT Professional courses ranging between £679 and £1,149. Please note that for all courses, the exam fee is not included in the course price.
Payment plans are available (subject to a minimum deposit) so you can enrol for only a fraction of the course price. However, substantial savings will be made by you should you decide to pay for your course in full upon enrolment. Our standard 10% online discount applies to most courses should students wish to pay in full. For more information on our payment plans please speak to one of our courses advisors by calling us free on 0800 056 3983.
Our fantastic online Student Community has been designed to allow you to interact with and learn from other students, ICS members and experts. As a member of the community you’ll be able to share information, engage in discussions, browse our resource library, and voice your opinions through student surveys. You’ll also have access to online Customer Services, where you’ll be able to update your personal details, make payments and, in most cases, submit Test Papers and queries to your tutor.
You don't need to be a student to join the Student Community, so if you want to find out a little more about ICS, why not register? It’s free!
On each course page you’ll find information on the approximate number of hours of studying involved in that course, as well as the support period available. The length of time it takes you to complete your course will depend on how much time you’re able to devote to learning each week. Most students complete their course within a year, although some of our courses require longer periods of study.
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist courses take about 40-80 hours of study, with the Microsoft Certified IT Professional courses requiring approximately 80-200 hours.
Your enrolment should be processed within two days and your course materials delivered within two weeks.
Studying at home doesn’t mean studying alone. You will have access to our dedicated ICS Technology Student Community, which will allow you to share and collaborate with your peers, get interactive and expert feedback from tutors, and browse our resource library.
You will also receive up to 12 months of email tutorial support.
All of our Microsoft courses require you to sit one or more exams. You’ll receive all the information you need to make your exam arrangements with your first study shipment.
If you’re based in the UK, you shouldn’t have to travel far to any exams, as most can be sat in one of numerous centres across the UK.
Please note that exam fees are not included in your course fee.
All of our courses are available to overseas students. However, as all Microsoft courses involve an examination, you may have to come to the UK to sit it. Sometimes it is possible to arrange to sit an exam at your local British Council, but we suggest you contact a course advisor if your course has an examination requirement. Call 0044 141 302 5487 from outside the UK.
On successful completion of your course you’ll receive a qualification from the awarding body of your course (i.e. Microsoft). Each course page specifies exactly what qualification you’ll receive at the end of the course.
Enrolling is easy! Just call one of our Course Advisors free on 0800 056 3983 (from within the UK) or 0044 141 302 5487 (from outside the UK). You can also enrol online; just click ‘Buy Now’ on the relevant course page and then proceed to the checkout.
If you have any further questions please go to the Contact Us section on this site.