Do You Have What It Takes? Microsoft Tool Answers IT Aptitude Questions

In the face of a nationwide IT personnel shortage, Microsoft (Redmond, WA) has introduced a tool to identify and prepare workers for an IT career. The aptitude tool, part of the

Microsoft Skills 2000 initiative, includes a series of questions aimed at identifying an individual's aptitude for eight career categories. Once aptitude has been evaluated, the tool offers direction for technical training, so that users can understand how to develop their skills needed for the identified career categories. Ultimately, the tool increases a person's awareness of the skills required and job opportunities available in the IT market. "There are many myths about the types of IT jobs available and the requirements to obtain those jobs," said Nancy Lewis, Microsoft's GM of worldwide training and certification. "This tool aims to dispel those myths." A recent survey indicated that one in ten IT job positions remains unfilled.