Microsoft MCSA Training Discussions (230409)

submitted: May 6th 2009 | by: JasonKendall | Total views: 28 | Word Count: 1167 | | |

If you're looking to gain accredited qualifications at the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) level of study, some of the best training tools on sale are for computer based interactive, hands-on study. So if you are a professional but are looking to gain acknowledged certifications, or are new to network support, you'll discover technologically advanced MCSA courses to fit your requirements. Each scenario needs a different type of course, so pay attention to check you're on the right one prior to getting going. Look for a training provider that talks with you so they learn what you hope to do, and will give you direction on how it will all work, well before they start talking about courses.

So, which kind of questions should we pose if we'd like to take in the understanding required? Because there seems to be a good many somewhat marvellous possibilities for us all to consider.

If an advisor doesn't ask many questions - the likelihood is they're really a salesperson. If they're pushing towards a particular product before understanding your background and current experience level, then it's very likely to be the case. An important point to note is that, if you've got any work-experience or certification, then you will often be able to start at a different point than a trainee with no history to speak of. Always consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can set the scene for your on-going studies and make the learning curve a a little easier.

Ensure all your qualifications are current and what employers are looking for - don't even consider studies which provide certificates that are worthless because they're 'in-house'. If your certification doesn't come from a company like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco, then chances are it won't be commercially viable - as no-one will have heard of it.

The classroom style of learning we remember from school, with books and manuals, is usually pretty hard going. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, look for learning programmes which feature interactive and multimedia modules. Where we can get all of our senses involved in our learning, then we normally see dramatically better results.

Start a study-program in which you'll receive a selection of DVD-ROM's - you'll start with videos of instructor demonstrations, and then have the opportunity to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions. Make sure to obtain a study material demo' from the training company. You'll want to see demo's from instructors, slideshows and interactive labs where you get to practice.

Often, companies will only use purely on-line training; and although this is okay the majority of the time, imagine the problems if your access to the internet is broken or you get slow speeds and down-time etc. It is usually safer to have actual CD or DVD ROMs which removes the issue entirely.

Students often end up having issues because of a single training area usually not even thought about: How the training is broken down and couriered to your address. Training companies will normally offer a program spread over 1-3 years, and deliver each piece one-by-one as you get to the end of each exam. On the surface this seems reasonable - until you consider the following: Maybe the order of study prescribed by the provider doesn't suit you. And what if you don't finish every element at the speed required?

In a perfect world, you'd ask for every single material to be delivered immediately - so you'll have them all for the future to come back to - irrespective of any schedule. Variations can then be made to the order that you move through the program as and when something more intuitive seems right for you.

It's so important to understand this key point: Always get full 24x7 instructor and mentor support. We can tell you that you'll strongly regret it if you don't. Many only provide email support (too slow), and phone support is often to a call-centre who will make some notes and then email an advisor - who will call back over the next day or so (assuming you're there), when it suits them. This is no use if you're sitting there confused over an issue and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.

We recommend that you search for training programs that utilise many support facilities around the globe in several time-zones. All of them should be combined to offer a simple interface as well as 24 hours-a-day access, when it suits you, with no hassle. Don't accept second best when it comes to your support. The majority of would-be IT professionals that fall by the wayside, just need the right support system.

A sneaky way that training providers make more money is via an 'exam inclusive' package and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. It looks like a good deal, but let's just examine it more closely:

Of course it isn't free - you're still footing the bill for it - it's just been included in your package price. Students who go in for their examinations when it's appropriate, paying for them just before taking them are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They are thoughtful of their investment and so are more inclined to be up to the task.

Shouldn't you be looking to find the best exam deal or offer when you take the exam, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance to a college, and to do it in a local testing office - rather than in some remote centre? What's the point in paying early for examination fees when you don't need to? Big margins are made by companies charging upfront for all their exams - and hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. Re-takes of previously unsuccessful exams with companies who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' are tightly controlled. They will insist that you take pre-tests first until you've proven that you're likely to pass.

Paying maybe a thousand pounds extra on an 'Exam Guarantee' is foolish - when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will get you through.

Finding job security nowadays is problematic. Companies will drop us out of the workplace with very little notice - whenever it suits. Where there are escalating skills shortfalls together with rising demand of course, we always hit upon a new kind of security in the marketplace; driven by conditions of continuous growth, organisations find it hard to locate the influx of staff needed.

The computer industry skills shortfall in the UK currently stands at approx 26 percent, as reported by the latest e-Skills analysis. To put it another way, this shows that Great Britain only has three properly accredited workers for every four jobs that exist currently. This fundamental notion reveals the requirement for more properly trained IT professionals throughout the country. Surely, it really is a fabulous time to join the IT industry.

About the Author

Author Jason Kendall splits his work between consulting and promoting quality training and UK Support. To find out more on MCSA Training, visit LearningLolly MCSA 2008.

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