Question

Is the Training Camp Accelerated Learning course worth the cost?

Training centers, Training and certifications, IT career development, Certifications, Network+

I'm planning to take a two-day training course with Training Camp Accelerated Learning. The cost is $1,590.00 for a Network+ certification. Do you think this is worth the money, and what do you know about the company's validity?

I paid a little less and received 48 hours of instruction spread over 6 weeks, but it was well worth the investment in my particular circumstance. Though I had a fundamental understanding network architecture I truly needed instruction on some of the finer points to pass the CERT.

Hi!
My name is Ed Tittel, and I'm a certification and training expert on retainer with SearchNetworking who handles questions like yours on their behalf (I also created the Exam Cram Series of certification prep books and have myself contributed to over 70 certification titles, and edited more than 200 such titles, including Network+ related Exam Crams, Study Guides, practice test questions, and more).

My answer to your question has two parts:
1. The Training Camp is a very professional and skilled training company and delivers good value, information, and experience for the money they charge. That said, my local community college charges about $450 for a 12-week, 2 3hr classes per week, Network+ prep class that uses a very good text book and provides useful lab time and instructor exposure. If spending the $1500 or so is not a big stretch for you (or if your employer is picking up the tab) by all means go for it: but if you have to borrow the money, or scrimp and save to pay it out of your own pocket, maybe you should look into some cheaper alternatives.

2. Why spend money on a Network+ class? It's a very junior level certifiction and fairly unlikely to make the difference between landing and losing a job (search some want ads on line and see how many positions that mention Network+ certification don't also require or request higher level credentials as well). I'd suggest buying two or three good self-study guides for Network+ (this will cost you $100-150) and trying the self-study approach to passing the exam on your own first. If that doesn't work, then you can start thinking about springing for some classes. But if I were you, I'd save my classroom dollars for more advanced training, where access to a qualified instructor and a practice lab will make more of a difference in your learning experience.

HTH, and thanks for posting.

--Ed--