What can a student looking for certified training from Microsoft expect to come across? Obviously, training providers ought to have a number of routes that cover the range of Microsoft authorised training routes. Perhaps you'd like to talk through what you're looking to do with a person who's got industry experience - and if you haven't come to a decision, then have some guidance on what sort of job would be right for you, based on your personality and ability level. Having selected the career path you want, a suitable training program needs to be chosen that's reflects your needs. This can be personally tailored for your requirements.
A top of the range training course package will have fully authorised exam preparation packages. As most examination boards in IT come from the United States, you need to become familiar with their phraseology. It isn't good enough simply going through the right questions - they have to be in the same format as the actual exams. Simulations and practice exams can be invaluable in helping you build your confidence - so when it comes to taking your actual exams, you don't get uptight.
Now, why ought we to be looking at commercially accredited qualifications rather than more traditional academic qualifications taught at schools and Further Education colleges? Vendor-based training (as it's known in the industry) is most often much more specialised. Industry has realised that this level of specialised understanding is vital to service the demands of a technologically complex marketplace. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe are the big boys in this field. Academic courses, for example, clog up the training with a lot of background study - and much too wide a syllabus. Students are then held back from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.
The crux of the matter is this: Recognised IT certifications provide exactly what an employer needs - the title says it all: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Windows XP Administration and Configuration'. Consequently companies can look at the particular needs they have and what certifications are needed for the job.
Get rid of the typical salesman that just tells you what course you should do without a thorough investigation so as to understand your abilities as well as level of experience. They should be able to select from a wide-enough range of products so they're actually equipped to provide you with what's right for you. It's worth remembering, if you have some relevant previous certification, then it's not unreasonable to expect to pick-up at a different starting-point to a student who's starting from scratch. If you're a new trainee beginning IT exams and training anew, it can be useful to start out slowly, beginning with a user-skills course first. This is often offered with most accreditation programs.
Full support is of the utmost importance - look for a package that includes 24x7 access, as not obtaining this level of support will severely put a damper on the speed you move through things. Try and find training with help available at any time of the day or night (even 1am on Sunday morning!) You'll need 24x7 direct access to mentors and instructors, and not simply some messaging service that means you're constantly waiting for a call-back when it's convenient for them.
It's possible to find professional training packages who provide their students online direct access support around the clock - no matter what time of day it is. Never compromise when you're looking for the right support service. The vast majority of students that can't get going properly, are in that situation because of support (or the lack of).
Of course: the training course or a certification is not the ultimate goal; a job that you want is. Far too many training organisations place too much importance on the certificate itself. Don't be one of the unfortunate masses that choose a course which looks like it could be fun - and get to the final hurdle of an accreditation for something they'll never enjoy.
Prioritise understanding the expectations of your industry. Which precise exams they will want you to have and how to gain experience. It's also worth spending time considering how far you think you'll want to get as it will control your selection of qualifications. Obtain help from a professional advisor who appreciates the market you're interested in, and who can offer 'A day in the life of' synopsis of what you'll actually be doing on a day-to-day basis. It makes good sense to understand whether or not this is right for you before you jump into the study-program. There's little reason in beginning your training only to realise you've made a huge mistake.
A top of the range training course package will have fully authorised exam preparation packages. As most examination boards in IT come from the United States, you need to become familiar with their phraseology. It isn't good enough simply going through the right questions - they have to be in the same format as the actual exams. Simulations and practice exams can be invaluable in helping you build your confidence - so when it comes to taking your actual exams, you don't get uptight.
Now, why ought we to be looking at commercially accredited qualifications rather than more traditional academic qualifications taught at schools and Further Education colleges? Vendor-based training (as it's known in the industry) is most often much more specialised. Industry has realised that this level of specialised understanding is vital to service the demands of a technologically complex marketplace. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe are the big boys in this field. Academic courses, for example, clog up the training with a lot of background study - and much too wide a syllabus. Students are then held back from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.
The crux of the matter is this: Recognised IT certifications provide exactly what an employer needs - the title says it all: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Windows XP Administration and Configuration'. Consequently companies can look at the particular needs they have and what certifications are needed for the job.
Get rid of the typical salesman that just tells you what course you should do without a thorough investigation so as to understand your abilities as well as level of experience. They should be able to select from a wide-enough range of products so they're actually equipped to provide you with what's right for you. It's worth remembering, if you have some relevant previous certification, then it's not unreasonable to expect to pick-up at a different starting-point to a student who's starting from scratch. If you're a new trainee beginning IT exams and training anew, it can be useful to start out slowly, beginning with a user-skills course first. This is often offered with most accreditation programs.
Full support is of the utmost importance - look for a package that includes 24x7 access, as not obtaining this level of support will severely put a damper on the speed you move through things. Try and find training with help available at any time of the day or night (even 1am on Sunday morning!) You'll need 24x7 direct access to mentors and instructors, and not simply some messaging service that means you're constantly waiting for a call-back when it's convenient for them.
It's possible to find professional training packages who provide their students online direct access support around the clock - no matter what time of day it is. Never compromise when you're looking for the right support service. The vast majority of students that can't get going properly, are in that situation because of support (or the lack of).
Of course: the training course or a certification is not the ultimate goal; a job that you want is. Far too many training organisations place too much importance on the certificate itself. Don't be one of the unfortunate masses that choose a course which looks like it could be fun - and get to the final hurdle of an accreditation for something they'll never enjoy.
Prioritise understanding the expectations of your industry. Which precise exams they will want you to have and how to gain experience. It's also worth spending time considering how far you think you'll want to get as it will control your selection of qualifications. Obtain help from a professional advisor who appreciates the market you're interested in, and who can offer 'A day in the life of' synopsis of what you'll actually be doing on a day-to-day basis. It makes good sense to understand whether or not this is right for you before you jump into the study-program. There's little reason in beginning your training only to realise you've made a huge mistake.
About the Author:
(C) Jason Kendall. Go to LearningLolly.com for great career advice on Learning C and Programming Courses.
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