Methodology for receiving certifications?

Question

This isn't a question about degree vs certs, or even which certs to get. My question is, how do you get them? A google search results in various 'Boot Camps' that seem quite expensive. Do you buy books? Watch DVD's? Take a remote class? Assuming I know which certs I want, what is the next recommended step?

Answer 1

Unless a class is required I usually self study with books. They tend to work better for my learning style. Sometimes I use CBTs. CB Nuggets has been pretty good.
I have also used Transender practice exams.

Answer 2

What kind of certification?

For Microsoft ones, you "only" need to pass computer-based exams.

VMWare requires you to attend training.

Cisco has labs, not only questions to answer.

Each of them also has basic and more advanced certifications; for the former, you usually only need to pass a single exam; for the latter, it can get quite more complex, depending on the vendor and the certification you're after.

Some links:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-default.aspx
http://mylearn.vmware.com/portals/certification
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/learning_career_certifications_and_learning_paths_home.html

Answer 3

Once you feel that you're ready, you schedule yourself to attend a testing. It depends on which country you're in. In the US, you can take most tests at a Sylvan Prometric testing center.

Answer 4

I'd recommend taking a pre-assessment. One good way to pre-assess yourself before you begin studying is to take practice exams. I know for the Microsoft set of exams, www.measureup.com offers practice tests for a reasonable fee. The tests are divided into focus areas. The results of the practice exams will help you focus more on areas where you are weaker.

From there, I'd focus on the way you'd like to learn. Everyone learns and studies differently. Classes are great for some, but personally, I don't absorb as much as I do if I spend time with books and a test machine. Go with what works for you. Then go back and take another practice test.

Answer 5

I use a combination of methods.

• Books - mostly electronic, as paper books are absurdly expensive in Australia
• CBT Nuggets (or similar)
• Self test/pre-assessment (I can't recall which company but it's the only one Microsoft officially endorse)
• Hands-on lab and/or on the job experience, preferably both

Pay particular attention to that last one. Without it you really can't learn anything properly. Book learning is for theory. If you don't know how to apply that theory in the real world it's pretty much worthless. Of course hand-on without appropriate theory can lead to some pretty serious disasters.