For those hoping to start an MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) training program, you should know that courses vary hugely; some work an...
For those hoping to start an MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) training program,
you should know that courses vary hugely; some work and some don't. You'll discover a variety of courses, whether you're a beginner, or have a certain amount of knowledge but are ready to formalise your skills with certification. For a person with no knowledge of the IT industry, it's likely to be vital to pick up some skills prior to attempting to go for your four Microsoft Certified Professional exams (MCP's) required to gain MCSA certification. Identify a training company that can create a bespoke package to suit your requirements - one who will work with you to guarantee that your choices are good ones.
Commercial certification is now, without a doubt, already replacing the older academic routes into the industry - but why is this? Accreditation-based training (to use industry-speak) is more effective in the commercial field. The IT sector has acknowledged that this level of specialised understanding is what's needed to meet the requirements of a technologically complex marketplace. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe are the big boys in this field. Typically, the learning just focuses on what's actually required. It's not quite as straightforward as that, but the most important function is always to cover the precise skills needed (alongside some required background) - without attempting to cover a bit about all sorts of other things (as degree courses are known to do).
Think about if you were the employer - and you required somebody who had very specific skills. Which is the most straightforward: Wade your way through a mass of different academic qualifications from various applicants, trying to establish what they know and what trade skills they've mastered, or pick out specific commercial accreditations that precisely match your needs, and make your short-list from that. You'll then be able to concentrate on getting a feel for the person at interview - instead of long discussions on technical suitability.
We can guess that you're a practical sort of person - the 'hands-on' personality type. Usually, the trial of reading reference books and manuals can be just about bared when essential, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. So look for on-screen interactive learning packages if book-based learning really isn't your style. Research into the way we learn shows that we remember much more when we receive multi-sensorial input, and we put into practice what we've been studying.
Programs are now found in disc format, so you can study at your own computer. Using video-streaming, you are able to see your instructors showing you how it's all done, and then practice yourself - in an interactive lab. You must ensure that you see some example materials from your chosen company. It's essential they incorporate video demo's and interactive elements such as practice lab's.
It's usually bad advice to select online only courseware. Connection quality and reliability varies hugely across the ISP (internet service provider) market, make sure you get CD or DVD ROM based materials.
Be careful that the accreditations you're studying for will be recognised by employers and are current. Training companies own certificates are usually worthless. From the perspective of an employer, only the top companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA (for example) provide enough commercial weight. Anything less just won't hit the right spot.
Training support for students is an absolute must - locate a good company that provides 24x7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also impede your ability to learn. Email support is too slow, and phone support is usually just a call-centre that will take the information and email an instructor - who will then call back sometime over the next 24hrs, when it suits them. This is all next to useless if you're sitting there confused over an issue and only have a specific time you can study.
Be on the lookout for providers that incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. Every one of them needs to be seamlessly combined to enable simple one-stop access and also access round-the-clock, when you want it, with no hassle. Never ever take second best when you're looking for the right support service. Most IT hopefuls that drop-out or fail, are in that situation because they didn't get the support necessary for them.
