Monday, July 13, 2009

Discussions on CS4 Design Training Clarified

By Jason Kendall

Selecting an IT training program that equates to industries needs is vital in today's economy. But it's also just as relevant to discover one that you can cope with, that matches your abilities and personality. There are courses covering Microsoft User Skills up to Web Design, Databases, Programming and Networking. There's a great deal of choice and so it's probably best to chat to an experienced advisor prior to deciding which way to go: don't make a guess and learn about a subject for a job you'd actually hate!

By reducing overhead structures, training companies now exist with up-to-the-minute courses that feature outstanding training and guidance for much lower prices than those charged by traditional establishments.

One crafty way that training providers make a big mark-up is by charging for exams up-front then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status. This sounds impressive, till you look at the facts:

Everybody's aware that they're ultimately paying for it - obviously it has been inserted into the overall figure from the training provider. Certainly, it's not a freebie (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!) Students who go in for their examinations when it's appropriate, funding them one at a time are much better placed to get through first time. They're conscious of their spending and so are more inclined to make sure they're ready.

Why pay the college at the start of the course for examinations? Find the best deal you can when you take the exam, don't pay mark-ups - and sit exams more locally - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call. Big margins are made by many training colleges who get money for exam fees in advance. A number of students don't take them for various reasons but the company keeps the money. Amazingly, there are training companies who depend on students not taking their exams - and that's how they increase their profits. Re-takes of previously unsuccessful exams through companies who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' inevitably are heavily regulated. They'll insist that you take mock exams first to make sure they think you're going to pass.

Due to typical VUE and Prometric exams costing in the region of 112 pounds in this country, it's common sense to fund them one by one. There's no sense in throwing away maybe a thousand pounds extra at the start of your studies. Commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always proper direct-access 24x7 support through dedicated instructors and mentors. It's an all too common story to find providers that only provide office hours (or extended office hours) support. Avoid those companies which use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - with the call-back coming in during standard office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and need an answer now.

As long as you look hard, you will find the top providers who recommend and use online direct access support around the clock - at any time of day or night. Never make the mistake of compromise when it comes to your support. The vast majority of IT hopefuls who give up, are in that situation because they didn't get the support necessary for them.

A top of the range training package will undoubtedly have accredited simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Steer clear of relying on non-official exam preparation questions. Their phraseology is often somewhat different - and this leads to huge confusion when the proper exam time arrives. Why don't you analyse your depth of understanding through tests and simulated exams to prepare you for taking the actual exam.

Students often end up having issues because of one area of their training very rarely considered: How the training is broken down and delivered to your home. Most companies will sell you a 2 or 3 year study programme, and courier the materials in pieces as you complete each exam. On the surface this seems reasonable - until you consider the following: Students often discover that their providers usual training route doesn't suit. Sometimes, it's more expedient to use an alternative order of study. Perhaps you don't make it at the pace they expect?

For future safety and flexibility, it's normal for most trainees to have all their training materials (which they've now paid for) delivered immediately, and not in stages. You can then decide in what order and how fast or slow you want to work.

Students who consider this area of study often have a very practical outlook on work, and won't enjoy sitting at a desk in class, and slogging through piles of books. If you're thinking this sounds like you, go for more modern interactive training, where you can learn everything on-screen. Many years of research has always shown that an 'involved' approach to study, where we utilise all our senses, is far more likely to produce long-lasting memories.

Learning is now available on CD and DVD discs, so everything is learned directly from your own PC. Through video streaming, you can sit back and watch the teachers showing you precisely how to do something, and then practice yourself - in an interactive lab. Don't take any chances and look at some examples of the kind of training materials you'll be using before you sign the purchase order. Always insist on video tutorials, instructor demo's and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.

You'll find that many companies will only provide purely on-line training; and although this is okay the majority of the time, imagine the problems if you lose your internet access or you get a slow connection speed. A safer solution is the provision of actual CD or DVD ROMs that removes the issue entirely.

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