Anybody thinking about training for the IT industry will soon realise that there are a huge amount of choices available to them. Before starting a training program, look for a training provider that has advisors, so you can be fully informed on the type of work your new knowledge will help you to get. You could uncover job roles you hadn’t considered before.
There are so many directions you can go in. Some people need User Skills from Microsoft, others want career skills such as courses on Networking, Programming, Databases or Web Design – and all can be catered for. But don’t rush into it, don’t just guess. It’s much better to talk to a company who has experience of the IT economy, and can help you arrive at the right destination.
Today, there are many easy-to-use and sensibly priced options around that will give you everything you need.
One interesting way that colleges make more money is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. This sounds impressive, but is it really:
Patently it’s not free – you’re still paying for it – it’s just been wrapped up in the price of the package.
Those who enter their exams one by one, funding them one at a time are far more likely to pass first time. They’re thoughtful of their investment and take the necessary steps to ensure they are ready.
Sit the exam somewhere close to home and go for the best offer you can find when you’re ready.
Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for exam fees when there was no need to? A lot of profit is secured by training companies getting money in early for exam fees – and banking on the fact that many won’t be taken.
It’s worth noting, with the majority of Exam Guarantees – the company controls how often and when you can re-take the exam. You will have to demonstrate an excellent pass-rate before they’ll approve a re-take.
Splashing out often many hundreds of pounds extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is foolish – when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will get you through.
OK, why is it better to gain qualifications from the commercial sector as opposed to more traditional academic qualifications taught at schools and Further Education colleges?
Industry is of the opinion that for mastery of skill sets for commercial use, official accreditation from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially – at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.
They do this by honing in on the particular skills that are needed (alongside a relevant amount of related knowledge,) as opposed to spending months and years on the background non-specific minutiae that degrees in computing can get bogged down in – to pad out the syllabus.
Put yourself in the employer’s position – and you needed to take on someone with a very particular skill-set. Which is the most straightforward: Pore through loads of academic qualifications from various applicants, trying to establish what they know and which commercial skills have been attained, or select a specialised number of commercial certifications that specifically match what you’re looking for, and draw up from that who you want to speak to. You can then focus on how someone will fit into the team at interview – rather than on the depth of their technical knowledge.
The old fashioned style of teaching, using textbooks and whiteboards, is often a huge slog for most of us. If you’re nodding as you read this, check out study materials that are multimedia based.
Many years of research has repeatedly confirmed that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, will more likely produce memories that are deeper and longer-lasting.
Learning is now available in the form of CD and DVD ROM’s, so everything is learned directly from your own PC. Through video streaming, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how something is done, with some practice time to follow – via the interactive virtual lab’s.
You really need to look at courseware examples from the company you’re considering. It’s essential they incorporate video, demonstrations and various interactive elements.
Select CD and DVD ROM based physical training media whenever you can. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with broadband ‘downtime’ or slow-speeds.
It’s essential to have authorised exam simulation and preparation programs included in your course.
Due to the fact that many examination boards in IT are American, you must be prepared for the way exams are phrased. You can’t practice properly by just answering any old technical questions – they need to be in the proper exam format.
Simulated exams can be enormously valuable for confidence building – so that when you come to take your actual exams, you will be much more relaxed.
Written by Scott Edwards. Browse around Microsoft Certifications or CLICK HERE.
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