Bootcamps
Bootcamps are intense learning environments that normally last a week or several weeks, depending on the difficulty of the exam. Virtually all bootcamp attendee’s time is spent in a classroom learning the material, taking practice tests and taking the actual tests.Bootcamps are stressful, and not for the faint of heart. You will be working 12-18 hour days, and must be completely focused and committed to make it through.
Pros:
- Speed. You can get a certification very quickly; usually in one or two weeks as opposed to months of training with other methods.
- Live instructors. You will have an instructor who can not only answer questions, but can see where you’re struggling and give you individual help.
- Labs. Most bootcamps offer labs that simulate a real working environment, allowing students to learn by doing.
Cons:
- Cost. Bootcamps can run many thousands of dollars. There’s also the cost of travel to a hotel, which is often out of town.
- Isolation. You’ll be cut off from family and friends for a week or two.
- Pressure. They don’t call it a “bootcamp” for nothing. If you don’t work well under pressure, consider skipping this type of training.
University Course
Many colleges and universities now teach certification courses. These are set in a classroom, and normally include a significant amount of lab work. They generally meet several nights per week over a number of months.Pros:
- Live instructors. The teachers of university certification courses are often IT pros in the field. You can ask them questions and get specific feedback for your situation.
- Moderate pace. The classes are spread out over months, so the time pressure is not nearly as great as it is for a bootcamp, for example.
- Equipment. Most colleges and universities are likely to have decent, or better, equipment. This includes substantial classroom networks, large labs and all the software you’re likely to need.
Cons:
- Proximity. Your local school may or may not have certification training available. If not, you will have to travel.
- Cost. Courses are expensive, ranging from about $1,000 to more than $2,000.
Books
There are tons of books available for every conceivable certification. There are multiple series, like the Exam Cram series, with a reputation for delivering solid information. Large national booksellers like Borders and Barnes & Noble usually have a strong selection of certification books; I find that mall-type bookstores normally only have a few, making it hard to comparison shop. Almost all certification prep books contain companion CDs with practice tests.If you choose this study method, I recommend going to an online bookseller like Amazon.com instead. You’ll have the widest range of choices, and be able to read customer reviews -- an invaluable aid.
Pros:
- Cost. Books are, by far, the most cost-effective study method.
- Variety. It’s not too expensive to get multiple books covering the same test or certification. Having more than one point of view can be helpful, and could provide insights that another book might not.
- Self-paced learning. If you’re in the middle of a big work project, put the book down for a few weeks and pick it up again. Unlike a university course, it will still be there, and you won’t fall behind.
Cons:
- Lack of feedback. If you have a question, there’s no instructor to walk you through the answer. Most book publishers have websites with forums, but they can be hit-and-miss in terms of the quality of information.
- No hands-on work. Learning from a book is much different than learning by getting your hands dirty. Most people retain information better by working through a real-life situation, rather than by just reading about how to solve a problem.
Computer-Based/Online Training.
I’ve combined these two categories into one, since they are most often melded these days. Normally, these types of courses offer video training, delivered either through a download from the Internet, or on DVD or CD through the mail.Pros:
- Human beings as instructors. Although you can’t ask a video a question, you are taught by an expert. Additionally, many people are visual learners, and seeing someone troubleshoot a logon problem, for example, is more effective than seeing a few screenshots in a book.
- Always available. As long as you have an Internet connection, you have access to your course(s). You can fit it into your schedule, instead of the other way around.
- Cost. These types of courses are generally pretty reasonable. Starting at around $100, they can go up to $500 or more. It’s more expensive than buying books, but a lot less expensive than bootcamps or college courses.
Cons:
- For online training, an Internet connection is required. If your connection is down, or you’re traveling in an area without access, you can’t get to your course material.
- Quality of instruction varies. If the trainer is boring or confusing, you won’t be as prepared to take your certification tests.
- Feedback. As with books, you can’t delve deeper into a topic that’s confusing you or ask the instructor questions.