What to Expect
Are you a wannabe high-tech guru? Consider a Microsoft certification program.
But watch out: students must pass tough exams to become certified.
Students tend to agree that the Microsoft training programs are more
difficult and expensive than they had anticipated. They thought that one
year in trade school sounded like an easy trade for a high salary in the working
world. But it's not always that simple.
It is a program that needs your full attention and dedication.
"One thing you might want to make sure of before starting," says Microsoft
graduate Paul Edward, "is that you are entirely committed to Microsoft." Job
opportunities will be somewhat limited to Microsoft work, instead of general
IT work, he explains.
"General IT work, inclusive of all systems, can be just as lucrative,"
says Edward, who completed both a Microsoft and a general training program.
The annual costs are as much as many private universities. To save
money, students suggest working at least part time in a computer environment.
Purchasing used or paperback versions of textbooks can help. And fellow students
may agree to split the cost of equipment and texts by sharing.
A typical day depends on how the students choose to break up their curriculum.
Some pursue certification on a full-time basis, which generally entails one
year. Others choose to go part time for two years. There are several courses
and training sessions throughout the week, with 10 to 20 hours of homework. Classes
include both lecture-type settings and hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting.
"I went to school most of the day, with two hours of class time, three
hours of group work and two to three hours of computer work. I then spent
two to three hours studying outside of class each day," says Microsoft graduate
Moxi Rose.
"It is definitely intense," Edward stresses, "but really fun, challenging
and worth it!"