subject: How to Choose the Best Computer Certification Course For You [print this page] How to Choose the Best Computer Certification Course For You
Taking a computer certification course can help change your career, whether you're aiming for a promotion or trying to get onto the career ladder. There are numerous ways in which you can prepare for a certification exam. Your prefered learning style, your funds and your ultimate goal will ultimately be the main factors in choosing a certification course. Let's have a look at how you should choose the best computer certification course for you.
Classroom-based "boot camp" learning is usually the most popular option. This type of course is the quickest way of preparing for the exam, consisting of intense 7 or 14 day courses led by a tutor who will show you what you need to know step-by-step. This option is very helpful if you like to ask questions as you are learning if you are confused or need some help. However, this course is the most expensive option available and if you are not used to working under pressure, this style of learning may not be for you.
Today, many universities and colleges now offer training courses to other members of the public. These are taught in a similar way to classroom-based courses, and are usually slightly cheaper. These take a longer time to complete, however, where the class will meet a few nights per week making the course last several months. The lack of time-pressure may be more appealing to some learners who like to spend time and digest what they have learnt.
A more traditional method of learning, books are a popular way of self-teaching for a certification exam. This is by far the cheapest option. However the lack of tutor can make this method of learning fairly difficult as there will be no one to turn to. It's a good idea to take this route of learning, however, to see whether this is suitable for you. If you find that you are struggling, take a different approach and take a different course as outlined here; at least you will still have your text books to refer to for some revision.
Online training courses, or "distance learning" courses, are becoming ever more popular. A tutor will teach you through a computer or TV screen where you can watch and learn from them in your own home. This can either be broadcast live over the internet, via downloadable video files or by DVD in the post. This is a very flexible option, and unlike books you have a real tutor to refer to if you need any help. It is also the cheapest option after books.
