If you’re reading this it’s possible that either you’re considering a career change into IT and an MCSE certificate appeals to you, or you could already be in IT and it’s apparent that you can’t get any further without the MCSE accreditation.
When researching training companies, steer clear of those who cut costs by not upgrading their courses to the latest version from Microsoft. Overall, this will cost the student much more as they will have been educated in an outdated MCSE program which will have to be revised pretty much straight away.
A company’s mission statement must be based upon doing the most for their students, and they should care greatly about getting things right. Working towards an MCSE isn’t just about the certification – the process must also include guiding you on the most suitable route for you.
Think about the points below carefully if you believe the sales ploy of a guarantee for your exam looks like a reason to buy:
Clearly it isn’t free – you’re still paying for it – the price has simply been included in the whole thing.
Should you seriously need to pass in one, then you should pay for one exam at a time, give it the priority it deserves and give the task sufficient application.
Don’t you think it’s more sensible to not pay up-front, but at the time, not to pay the fees marked up by the training college, and also to sit exams more locally – instead of the remote centre that’s convenient only to the trainer?
Paying upfront for exam fees (plus interest – if you’re financing your study) is insane. Why fill a company’s coffers with your money just to give them more interest! Some will be pinning their hopes on the fact that you will never make it to exams – so they don’t need to pay for them.
It’s also worth noting that you should consider what an ‘exam guarantee’ really means. Many training companies won’t be prepared to pay for re-takes until you can prove to them you’re ready to pass.
Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is short-sighted – when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is what will get you through.
At the top of your shopping list for a training program should be proper direct-access 24×7 support via dedicated instructors and mentors. So many companies we come across only provide office hours (or extended office hours) support.
Never buy study programmes that only provide support to students with an out-sourced call-centre message system outside of normal office hours. Companies will give you every excuse in the book why you don’t need this. The bottom line is – you want to be supported when you need the help – not at their convenience.
The most successful trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres across multiple time-zones. Online access provides the interactive interface to seamlessly link them all, any time of the day or night, help is just a click away, avoiding all the delays and problems.
If you fail to get yourself online 24×7 support, you’ll regret it very quickly. It may be that you don’t use it throughout the night, but what about weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.
An advisor that doesn’t dig around with lots of question – chances are they’re just trying to sell you something. If they push a particular product before learning about your history and experience, then you know you’re being sold to.
Where you have a strong background, or even a touch of commercial experience (some certifications gained previously perhaps?) then it’s likely the point from which you begin your studies will be different from a trainee who has no experience.
Opening with a basic PC skills course first may be the ideal way to start into your IT program, but depends on your skill level.
The right sort of package of training will undoubtedly also include accredited simulation materials and exam preparation packages.
Steer clear of depending on unauthorised preparation materials for exams. The terminology of their questions is sometimes startlingly different – and this leads to huge confusion in the actual examination.
It’s a good idea to ask for testing modules in order to check your understanding along the way. Simulated or practice exams will help to boost your attitude – then the actual exam is much easier.
(C) Jason Kendall. Browse LearningLolly.com for the best information. Click Here or Computer Course.
