As you’re considering studying for an MCSE, it’s probable that you fall into one of the following categories. You’re either just starting to come into the computer world, and you’ve found the industry has a great need for men and women who are commercially qualified. Alternatively you might be a knowledgeable person wanting to gain accreditation with a qualification such as MCSE.
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 Overall, this will cost the student much more as they will have been educated in an outdated MCSE program which will have to be revised pretty much straight away.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.
Charging for examination fees as an inclusive element of the package price then giving it ‘Exam Guarantee’ status is a common method with a good many training companies. However, let’s consider what’s really going on:
You’ll pay for it one way or another. You can be assured it’s not a freebie – it’s simply been shoe-horned into the price as a whole.
Those who go in for their examinations when it’s appropriate, funding them one at a time are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They’re aware of their investment and so are more inclined to ensure they are ready.
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?
A lot of extra profit is made by a significant number of organisations who incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. A number of students don’t take them for various reasons but no refunds are given. Believe it or not, there are companies around who actually bank on it – as that’s where a lot of their profit comes from.
The majority of companies will insist on pre-tests and prohibit you from re-taking an exam until you’ve completely proven that you’re likely to pass – which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.
Average exam fees were around the 112 pounds mark last year when taken at VUE or Pro-metric centres in the UK. Therefore, why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra for ‘an Exam Guarantee’, when common sense dictates that the most successful method is study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams.
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.
Avoid those companies who use call-centres ‘out-of-hours’ – where an advisor will call back during the next ‘working’ day. It’s not a lot of help when you’ve got study issues and need an answer now.
We recommend looking for training schools that use several support centres from around the world. All of them should be combined to give a single entry point and round-the-clock access, when you want it, with no hassle.
Look for a trainer that is worth purchasing from. As only true round-the-clock 24×7 support truly delivers for technical programs.
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.
Often, the starting point of study for someone with a little experience is often hugely different to someone just starting out.
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.
Accredited exam simulation and preparation packages are crucial – and really must be supplied by your training company.
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.
Practice exams can be invaluable in helping you build your confidence – so that when you come to take the real thing, you won’t be worried.
(C) Jason Kendall. Browse LearningLolly.com for logical career tips. Click Here or Computer Course.
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