Archive for the 'Education' Category

How to Choose the Right IT Certification Boot Camps

Friday, February 9th, 2007

The field of IT training has become one of the biggest growth areas in the entire employment and training arena. The demand for trained technicians has outstripped the supply for years now, and each passing day and new technological development has made this more acute. One of the new methods that have emerged in recent years is the IT Certification Boot Camp.

The entire concept of IT certification has emerged as an important part of the overall training environment. College degree programs were becoming more of an introduction to the complex field, and there was a demand for skilled technicians beyond what the colleges could provide. On the other hand, employers were left with no sure method of evaluating the skill level of prospective employees. The Certification revolution addressed this problem. The Certifications gave a measuring stick for the learning level of the IT technician.

Although there was now a way to gauge employee skills in a formal manner, the need to get certified techs out of the classroom and into the workplace was still urgent. Certification boot camps were the result of this need. They take their names from the boot camps of the military. The military boot camp was a place where intensive training was given in a short period of time. Many of the Certification programs that were developed were online and suffered from two drawbacks. The first was that they were student paced, and as such would often take years to complete. The second was the lack of hands on training. Often the programs, software, and hardware needed for training was unavailable to the online student.

The boot camp solved these problems by creating a learning center that put a priority on speed and hands on training. How do you determine which boot camp training is right for you? First, you need to identify your certification needs. You must have a long term job path mapped out that will identify exactly where you need to go, and how long you intend to take to get there. You need to identify which Certification program is needed first. You might need a MCSE boot camp or a CCNA boot camp first, even if you intend to get both certifications eventually. Select your boot camp as you would any other computer based training. You need to compare costs, scheduling, and curriculum in the same manner as you would use in selecting a college program. Such things as checking references or trying to speak with others who have attended the boot camp are the types of things that can help make sure your selection is the right one for you.

Match Training Options with IT Certifications

Friday, February 9th, 2007

It is important to the career development of an IT tech to have proper certification. It is getting more important everyday as the IT field continues to grow. Computer based training is not something that is optional any longer. So, the question is no longer if you should pursue it or not, but rather where can you get it. There are several options.

It does not come as a surprise that IT training is available on the internet. There are quite a few sites offering computer based training, and preparations for Certification training. Online training, or distance training as it is often called, is a viable option in many different circumstances. Not everyone is in a position to abandon their jobs and take time off to attend onsite type of training. The major advantage of distance training is that you can work at your own pace. What is important is your own personal learning profile. Some people learn better in a hands on environment with the guidance of a trainer. Other people thrive on independent study and have the self discipline to make their own schedule and to adhere to it.

Onsite training is another option, and for many people it works better. Classes that use computer training videos and study guides can make the learning less stressful, and questions and confusion can be cleared up quickly. Many of the onsite learning centers are equipped with the most up to the date computers and software. Some of the software is designed specifically for training and troubleshooting. Many students benefit from this opportunity. Of course, onsite training involves being in a class at a certain time, as well as travel back and forth from the training site. The expense is usually much greater, and the loss time from work for training could create hardship.

For some students a balance of onsite and online training works best, and helps control the expense to some degree. Many employers are not supporting certification training to the point of paying for the classes and expenses, and allowing attendance during normal working hours. There are many options to get Certification training and to add IT certificates to your resume. Each of them should be carefully studied, and the proper match found to complete this important training. The best source of information for your training options is the internet. Most sites that offer training give very complete and accurate information on the options that they offer.

Computer training is not something that is optional any longer. So, the question is no longer if you should pursue it or not, but rather where can you get it. There are several CBT options.