Acai Guide

It’s not unusual for training course providers to boast proudly that all exam fees and guarantees are inclusive in the cost of their courses. Now why don’t we think about that a little more closely?

There may well be several exams to take to complete some courses, with most IT exam entry fees coming in around the 110 pounds mark. It’s no secret that when exam fees are inclusive, the price of every exam has already been factored into the cost of the course anyway – it’s not as if they’re giving them as freebies! It’s simply that the marketing department think an inclusive cost comes across as a better deal to their customers, so they use it as a sales ploy to suggest better value and security. But when we look at what’s really going here, we might argue the case.

You won’t be taking exams for probably 12 – 24 months, so the most obvious question is why spend your money on them now? Wouldn’t the money for exam fees be better left in your account for longer, accruing interest, if you’re paying by cash for your training? If you’re borrowing money to pay for training, you’ll have a larger loan than is necessary to pay interest on, purely because your exam fees have been included up front. Surely it’s better to hold on to your money till you need to spend it? Paying interest on it definitely makes no sense.

Paying for exam fees up-front helps put more money into a training provider’s pot, therefore helping them with their cash-flow. In many cases, it does even more than that. Inclusive charges mean that every student is paying for their exam fees, whether they end up taking them or not.

For a number of reasons, not every student takes all their exams. Some give up part way through (especially if the standard of training and support isn’t good) and some find IT jobs before finishing their course so don’t feel the urgency to take every exam. When this occurs, the training college simply keeps the un-used fees. So actually it’s the colleges that benefit from payments up-front, not the student.

But what about exam guarantees – are they worth anything? Guarantees make us feel better (back to the marketing boys and girls). Colleges assure students that they can take their exams as many times as is necessary to pass without incurring further charges and many are convinced by this.

In reality, we all know that the only way to confidently pass an exam is with good study habits and a high standard of training. There is no back door that lets you through after a number of attempts. So the quality of the training, which should include 24 hour support and authorised exam preparation software, is much more relevant to success than exam guarantees. Reading the small print on so-called exam guarantees will tell you that the college decides when you’re ready to re-take the exam, so they won’t let you near one till they know you’re ready.

You can control passing your exams. When you’ve worked through the right level of training, and tested yourself under exam conditions, you’ll build enough confidence to know when you’re ready for the real thing.

It’s very easy to book it yourself, and there are places all over the country and around the world where you can sit your exams. (Students who’ve paid at the beginning of a course usually have to travel to the training provider to take exams). You can often take advantage of any offers that might be on at that time.

In actual fact, as your career develops, it’s possible you won’t need to take all of the exams – as sometimes it’s the knowledge that’s important, not the qualification.

(C) 2009. Check out LearningLolly.com for smart ideas on Managing for Commitment and IT Outline Database.

Globally we’re becoming increasingly more dependent on IT systems and the services we expect from them. Most of us are becoming more and more ‘au fait’ with IT functions and terminology, but really, are we becoming more adept with the systems? Surely we need to ask the question “is my knowledge expanding at the same rate as the developments within the industry? ” for if not then in reality I’m falling behind.

I understand the fact that no-one can know all there is to know about everything. The critical factors surely must be not necessarily the breadth of knowledge but the pertinence of the knowledge as the driving force. Therefore the above question should be placed into context, for example Dreamweaver or Networking if that’s my specialist subject or chosen industry.

An old story, about the owner of a large tanker who had consistent issues with the engines of his ship, illustrates this well. He often had to bring in “specialist” engineers to sort out the problems every time they berthed at ports around the world. The owner of the tanker was becoming more and more frustrated whilst trying different methods to resolve the challenge.

Finally when they berthed at a port in South America he remembered an old friend of his who, being a fully qualified engineer, had an exceptional talent for fixing and maintaining marine engines, so he asked if he could help. His friend arrived and proceeded down to the engine bays. After a period of time listening to the engines he walked around and tapped a few pipes with his spanner, finally moving to a valve which he adjusted 25 degrees clockwise. Immediately the engines settled down and the problem was resolved.

The next day the owner’s friend returned with a bill for $10,000. The owner was dismayed by the size of the bill, especially as all he had to do was to turn a valve and so he asked his friend for a breakdown, hoping for a reduction. The following day the engineer returned with the breakdown – For time spent onboard to fix the problem – special rate to a friend, $1. For the knowledge of where to tap and which valve to turn, $9,999.

This surely reminds us that all knowledge has to be fit for purpose and as such the techniques and methodology of training must fit the same criteria. Within a fast-paced industry like IT, dependence upon traditional training techniques such as classroom environments and staid teaching skills surely conflicts with the vitality of the industry itself.

Whilst I’m not disparaging IT teachers, there remains a concern where it’s left to the individual to keep their knowledge as pertinent and cutting-edge as possible. I have considerable sympathy for the difficulties in maintaining this when a person isn’t exposed to the latest industrial developments, such as those who are working within Microsoft directly as an example.

The reverse applies to students, who are voracious in seeking access to the latest techniques, terms and thoughts wherever possible. As such, any system that can offer 24 hour direct or indirect access to the thoughts and knowledge of the leaders in the industry would be pertinent to both teachers and students.

In the working environment, many IT systems owners look to their IT support teams to protect the business interests by doing more than just managing and maintaining the integrity of the systems. They also expect them to provide advice and strategic support to ensure that decisions regarding hardware, operating system procurement and IT procedures provide a business edge and within their particular field keep the company ahead of its competitors.

One of the key factors has been the increasing attraction of the professional qualifications for those considering the options for development within IT (either as a career change, start of career or furthering ones future within the industry). IT enjoys the same overall factors as the Aviation industry, in that a common format and language is fairly dominant throughout.

Students seeking to maximise their employability for the long-term are favoured by adopting the approaches and methods of the industry heavyweights. This makes them attractive to a wider range of employers in both the short term and long term. Qualifications recognised by industry leaders such as the MCSE or MCSA, that have legitimacy across geographical boundaries and industry sectors, remain a prudent choice when considering the same level of insurance in today’s economic climate.

(C) 2009. Go to LearningLolly.com for great tips on Apple Final Cut Pro 4.0 and Apple Final Cut Pro 4.0 Training.

The CCNA certification is where it all starts for Cisco training. With it, you’ll learn how to work on the maintenance and installation of network switches and routers. Basically, the internet comprises of vast numbers of routers, and large companies that have a number of branches need them to connect their computer networks.

Because routers are linked to networks, it is essential to know how networks operate, or you will have difficulties with the course and not be able to do the work. Seek out a program that features the basics on networks (CompTIA is ideal) prior to starting your CCNA.

The appropriate skill-set and correct mind-set prior to starting your Cisco CCNA course skills is vital. So find an advisor who can tell you what else you need to know.

The age-old way of teaching, involving piles of reference textbooks, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, find training programs which feature interactive and multimedia modules.

Where possible, if we can study while utilising as many senses as possible, then we normally see dramatically better results.

Programs are now found in disc format, where everything is taught on your PC. Using video-streaming, you can watch instructors demonstrating how to do something, with some practice time to follow – in an interactive lab.

You’ll definitely want a look at some courseware examples from the training company. The package should contain demo’s from instructors, slideshows and fully interactive skills-lab’s.

It is generally unwise to opt for on-line only training. With highly variable reliability and quality from all internet service providers, ensure that you have access to disc based courseware (On CD or DVD).

When did you last consider how safe your job is? Typically, we only think of this after something goes wrong. But really, the reality is that true job security is a thing of the past, for all but the most lucky of us.

Now, we only experience security in a quickly rising marketplace, driven forward by a shortfall of trained staff. This shortage creates the appropriate setting for a secure marketplace – a much more desirable situation.

The IT skills shortage in Great Britain is standing at around twenty six percent, as reported by the 2006 e-Skills study. Or, to put it differently, this clearly demonstrates that the country only has three qualified staff for each four job positions available now.

Attaining the appropriate commercial IT qualification is therefore an effective route to achieve a life-long and worthwhile living.

It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market settings will exist for gaining qualification for this hugely growing and developing industry.

Considering how a program is ‘delivered’ to you isn’t always given the appropriate level of importance. How many parts is the training broken down into? What is the order and do you have a say in when you’ll get each part?

Training companies will normally offer a program spread over 1-3 years, and courier the materials in pieces as you finish each section. This sounds reasonable until you consider the following:

Many students find that their providers standard order of study is not what they would prefer. You may find that it’s more expedient to use an alternative order of study. Perhaps you don’t make it in the allotted time?

An ideal situation would be to have all your study materials delivered to you right at the start; the whole caboodle! This way, nothing can happen down the line which could affect your capability of finishing.

A lot of commercial training providers only give office hours or extended office hours support; It’s rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover.

Locate training schools where you can access help at any time of day or night (irrespective of whether it’s the wee hours on Sunday morning!) You want 24×7 direct access to mentors and instructors, and not a call-centre that will take messages so you’re constantly waiting for a call-back when it’s convenient for them.

Keep your eyes open for providers that use several support centres from around the world. Every one of them needs to be seamlessly combined to enable simple one-stop access and round-the-clock access, when it suits you, with no hassle.

Don’t under any circumstances take a lower level of service. 24×7 support is the only viable option when it comes to IT study. Maybe burning the midnight-oil is not your thing; usually though, we’re out at work when traditional support if offered.

(C) Jason Kendall. Go to LearningLolly.com for clear career tips on Cisco CCNA Training Course and Cisco Training Course.

Because you’re looking at information about MCSE training programs, you’re most likely in one of two situations: You might be wondering about a complete career change to the world of IT, and your research tells you there’s a massive need for certified networking professionals. Instead you’re already a professional – and you need to formalise your skill-set with a qualification such as MCSE.

As you do your searches, you will discover colleges that reduce their costs by failing to provide the latest version from Microsoft. Stay away from this type of college as you’ll have problems when it comes to exams. If you are studying an out-of-date syllabus, it is going to be hugely difficult to get qualified.

A company’s mission statement should primarily be on the very best they can for their clients, and they should be passionate about their results. Studying for a career isn’t just about passing exams – the procedure must also be geared towards guiding you on the best action plan for your future.

You’ll come across courses which guarantee examination passes – inevitably that means paying for the exams when you pay for the rest of your course. But before you get taken in by guaranteed exams, consider this:

Everybody’s aware that they’re ultimately paying for it – obviously it has been added into the full cost of the package supplied by the training company. It’s definitely not free (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!)

The fact is that when trainees fund their relevant examinations, one after the other, the chances are they’re going to pass every time – as they are conscious of the cost and so will prepare more thoroughly.

Look for the very best offer you can at the time, and hang on to your cash. You’ll also be able to choose where to take your exam – which means you can stay local.

Considerable numbers of current training course providers net a great deal of profit by asking for examinations upfront and banking on the fact that many won’t be taken.

Re-takes of any failed exams via companies with an ‘Exam Guarantee’ are tightly controlled. They will insist that you take pre-tests first until you’ve proven that you’re likely to pass.

Exam fees averaged around the 112 pounds mark in the last 12 months when taken at Prometric or VUE centres around the United Kingdom. So don’t be talked into shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds more for ‘an Exam Guarantee’, when common sense dictates that what’s really needed is a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools.

Usually, trainers will provide mainly work-books and reference manuals. This can be very boring and not a very good way of remembering.

Years of research and study has time and time again verified that an ‘involved’ approach to study, where we utilise all our senses, is far more likely to produce long-lasting memories.

Interactive audio-visual materials with demonstrations and practice sessions beat books hands-down. And they’re far more fun.

It’s very important to see courseware examples from the company you’re considering. They have to utilise video demo’s and interactive elements such as practice lab’s.

Some companies only have access to just online versions of their training packages; sometimes you can get away with this – but, imagine the problems if internet access is lost or you get intermittent problems and speed issues. It’s preferable to have actual CD or DVD ROMs that don’t suffer from these broadband issues.

Now, why might we choose commercial qualifications as opposed to the usual academic qualifications obtained from the state educational establishments?

As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, industry has of necessity moved to specific, honed-in training that the vendors themselves supply – in other words companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. Often this saves time and money for the student.

Many degrees, as a example, often get bogged down in vast amounts of background study – and much too wide a syllabus. This holds a student back from understanding the specific essentials in enough depth.

Just as the old advertisement said: ‘It does what it says on the label’. All an employer has to do is know what they need doing, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. Then they’re assured that a potential employee can do exactly what’s required.

It’s quite a normal occurrence for students not to check on a painfully important area – how their company divides up the physical training materials, and into what particular chunks.

Delivery by courier of each element stage by stage, according to your exam schedule is the typical way that your program will arrive. While seeming sensible, you should consider these factors:

Often, the staged breakdown pushed by the company’s salespeople doesn’t suit all of us. What if you find it hard to complete all the modules inside of their particular timetable?

For future safety and flexibility, most students now choose to insist that all study materials are delivered immediately, and not in stages. It’s then your own choice how fast or slow and in what order you’d like to work.

(C) Jason Kendall. Look at LearningLolly.com for the best ideas on MCSE 2003 Course and MCSE Courses.

What could a trainee searching for training tracks certified by Microsoft expect to find today? Clearly, training providers should give access to a range of routes that cover the range of Microsoft certified training tracks.

You may wish to discuss all the different permutations with someone who understands the IT industry, and can help you choose the most fruitful career to match your character.

Courses should be designed to reflect your ability level and skill set. Hence, having got to grips with the most appropriate area of work for you, your next focus is the appropriate training programme that will get you into that job.

Far too many companies only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and avoid focusing on what you actually need – getting yourself a new job or career. You should always begin with the end in mind – too many people focus on the journey.

You may train for one year and then end up doing a job for a lifetime. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of finding what seems like a very ‘interesting’ program only to waste your life away with a job you don’t like!

You need to keep your eye on what it is you’re trying to achieve, and formulate your training based on that – don’t do it back-to-front. Stay focused on the end-goal and ensure that you’re training for a career you’ll still be enjoying many years from now.

Before you embark on a particular training program, it makes sense to talk through the specific career needs with an experienced professional, to ensure the training path covers all the bases.

Think about the following facts and pay great regard to them if you’re inclined to think the sales ploy of a guarantee for your exam looks like a reason to buy:

We all know that we’re ultimately paying for it – it’s not so hard to see that it’s already been included in the gross price invoiced by the course provider. It’s definitely not free (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!)

Students who take exams one at a time, funding them as they go are far more likely to pass first time. They’re aware of what they’ve paid and revise more thoroughly to be up to the task.

Doesn’t it make more sense to not pay up-front, but at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium to the training college, and to do it in a local testing office – instead of miles away at the college’s beck and call?

Paying in advance for exam fees (and interest charges if you’re borrowing money) is insane. It’s not your job to boost the training company’s account with your hard-earned cash just to give them a good cash-flow! Many will hope you won’t get to do them all – so they don’t need to pay for them.

Don’t forget, in the majority of cases of ‘exam guarantees’ – they control when and how often you are allowed to have another go. You’ll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they’ll pay for another exam.

With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric exams coming in at around 112 pounds in the UK, it makes sense to pay as you go. Not to fork out thousands extra in up-front costs. Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

Students looking to build a career in computers and technology usually have no idea of what route is best, let alone which sector to achieve their certification in.

How can most of us possibly understand what is involved in a particular job when we’ve never done it? We normally don’t know someone who performs the role either.

The key to answering this quandary in the best manner stems from a deep chat, covering some important points:

* Your individual personality as well as your interests – what work-related things you enjoy or dislike.

* What time-frame are you looking at for your training?

* Where do you stand on travelling time and locality vs salary?

* Considering all that the IT industry covers, you really need to be able to absorb what’s different.

* Our advice is to think deeply about the level of commitment you’re going to invest in gaining your certifications.

For most of us, dissecting each of these concepts needs a long talk with an experienced pro who can investigate each area with you. And we’re not only talking about the qualifications – but the commercial expectations and needs also.

A lot of trainers only give office hours or extended office hours support; very few go late in the evening or at weekends.

Many only provide email support (too slow), and phone support is usually just a call-centre who will take the information and email an instructor – who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, at a time suitable for them. This is no use if you’re lost and confused and can only study at specific times.

World-class organisations opt for an online access round-the-clock service combining multiple support operations from around the world. You will be provided with an easy to use interface that switches seamlessly to the best choice of centres irrespective of the time of day: Support on demand.

If you opt for less than direct-access 24×7 support, you’ll quickly find yourself regretting it. It may be that you don’t use it during late nights, but you may need weekends, late evenings or early mornings.

(C) Jason Kendall. Hop over to LearningLolly.com for intelligent career tips on Database Training Courses and SQL Server Course.