IT training

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IT training

IT training and certifications, A+, Network+, MCP, MCSA, Certifications, Networking certifications, Microsoft certifications, IT education, IT careers

I would like to know if it is worth the money for IT training. I met with someone from a company called New Horizons. Their network admin program includes the books, practice labs/exams, job placement assistance, and mentored learning to obtain 4 certs which are A+, Network+, MCP, MCSA. The cost of this program is roughly $15,000. I have heard that there are self-study programs that can I also take, but are these the right path for someone who just has general computer knowledge. By having these four certs, what are my chances for any job placement after completion. I have an Associates Degree too but in a different field of work.

ASKED: Mar 30 2009 7:34 AM GMT

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Certifications can be extremely helpful to have depending on the job. Where I work at least one cert is required, and the more you have the more likely you are to get a job here, but there are some very talented team members who do not have certs. The best of the best are MCSE or close to getting their MCSE and are highly knowledgeable on many many things. Getting the certs helps to broaden your knowledge and prepare you for many more tasks than you are likely to be prepared for without them. Those team members with few certs were well trained on the job but they still do not hold a candle to those who have the certs. Having the certs very often will get you in for the interview at the very least. The rest is up to you. If you can afford it, get the training. If it's out of your price range yes you can do your own study and start getting your certs. A+ , Net+, MCP and Exchange I got without formal classes but the other server certs I attended classes for and I am very glad that I did. It gave me a chance to ask questions; the self-study of course did not give me that opportunity.

I noticed you were looking into New Horizons. I am currently going there for a number of certifications and if you do have financial resources to do it, it is definitely worth it! In the beginning I was looking into the program you are, but it depends if thats the area you want to go into. I lean more towards security so I am doing A+, Net+, and Security +. They provide test past insurance, so if you do fail the first exam you can take it agin, plus they have teachers there who are so willing to help and answer any questions you have. They also do a wonderful job helping you find a job. Through the connections I made there with the staff, I was able to get an advantage over other applicants for a dream job becuase I was able to meet the HR manager before interviews even started. I have a Bachelors degree in Business and Computer Information Systems, but these certs a must for most positions and can transfer into experience from an Employeers point of view... Hope this information helped a little bit!

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It depends on how pro-active and self motivated you are. If you can do the self-study on your own time without fiddling your fingers, you will save money. Otherwise, your best course of action is to take a class which will put you in the environment where you need to study and take the exams. It is expensive to get training equipment and materials, but motivation is the key.

Last Answered: Apr 8 2009 11:08 PM GMT by Mshen

23535 pts.

Latest Contributors: RRyanC

30 pts., Technochic

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A:

Certifications can be extremely helpful to have depending on the job. Where I work at least one cert is required, and the more you have the more likely you are to get a job here, but there are some very talented team members who do not have certs. The best of the best are MCSE or close to getting their MCSE  and are highly knowledgeable on many many things. Getting the certs helps to broaden your knowledge and prepare you for many more tasks than you are likely to be prepared for without them. Those team members with few certs were well trained on the job but they still do not hold a candle to those who have the certs. Having the certs very often will get you in for the interview at the very least. The rest is up to you. If you can afford it, get the training. If it's out of your price range yes you can do your own study and start getting your certs. A+ , Net+,  MCP and Exchange I got without formal classes but the other server certs I attended classes for and I am very glad that I did. It gave me a chance to ask questions; the self-study of course did not give me that opportunity.

I noticed you were looking into New Horizons. I am currently going there for a number of certifications and if you do have financial resources to do it, it is definitely worth it! In the beginning I was looking into the program you are, but it depends if thats the area you want to go into. I lean more towards security so I am doing A+, Net+, and Security +. They provide test past insurance, so if you do fail the first exam you can take it agin, plus they have teachers there who are so willing to help and answer any questions you have. They also do a wonderful job helping you find a job. Through the connections I made there with the staff, I was able to get an advantage over other applicants for a dream job becuase I was able to meet the HR manager before interviews even started. I have a Bachelors degree in Business and Computer Information Systems, but these certs a must for most positions and can transfer into experience from an Employeers point of view... Hope this information helped a little bit!

-----------------------------------------------------------

It depends on how pro-active and self motivated you are.  If you can do the self-study on your own time without fiddling your fingers, you will save money.  Otherwise, your best course of action is to take a class which will put you in the environment where you need to study and take the exams.  It is expensive to get training equipment and materials, but motivation is the key.

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AlexD 15 pts. | Apr 8 2009 9:50PM GMT

Technochic, I got some ?’s for ya?. Which location do you go to for your certs? What type of learning method are you enrolled in? What are some pros and cons of being a network admin? Would someone with just basic computer knowledge be able to get through an admin training program and perform the job duties needed in the field? I’m asking because I’m a little hesitant about enrolling and not getting the proper training. I’ve heard some mixed answers about the quality of their training.

Edtittel 1005 pts. | Apr 23 2009 5:15PM GMT

Here’s the deal: most people who self-study can earn an A+ in about 3-6 months, a Network+ in 2-4 months, an MCP in 2-4 months, and the MCSA in 4-8 months. They’ll usually spend about $500 per subject on the exam, study guides, exam crams, and practice tests to get ready (you’ll spend more like $800 on A+ because of the cost of the two exams involved: about $336 to 400, depending on whether or not you qualify for any discounts). Total cash outlay for self-study would be approximately $2,300. Compare that to $15,000, and then the questions become:
1. Is the classroom training really worth $12,700?
2. Are the credentials really worth that much money?
3. Can you earn the extra cost back because of the access to labs, a good instructor, and guided learning that you’ll get?
For most people, the answers range from “Maybe” to “Definitely not!”
My advice is to try this stuff on your own first, and look for study groups in your area to help you deal with stuff you can’t handle completely on your own. Only if you come to understand that you really can’t learn this material outside the classroom does this kind of package really become conceivable–unless somebody else is going to foot this bill. It’s no accident that the biggest consumers for this kind of high-dollar classroom training comes from already-employed IT professionals whose companies or organizations are footing the often substantial bills involved.
I have nothing against New Horizons, and in fact, must disclose that I’ve even worked for them on some occasions, primarily doing Webinars to help them attract classroom training customers. They’re a good company, and offer very good training, instructors, and facilities. But the number of dollars involved is quite large, and the MCP, A+ and Network+ barely register on most employment radars anymore, and the MCSA is soon to become (2010 or 2011, probably) an obsolete credential.
Think long and hard, then spend your time and effort in the way that makes most sense for you.
Best wishes,
–Ed–

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