There are two main categories of computer education: instructor-led training and independent study. If you are interested in independent study, you have a variety of options available for your convenience. However, you first should decide which type of computer certification you're aiming for: exam-only qualifications or a certificate that is awarded at the completion of course work and exam. If you're attempting exam-only qualification, keep in mind that you should be very confident that you already know the subject material well. If this is the case, then you can independently polish your skills with the aid of exam preparation books and study manuals. Vendors that offer certification usually offer study guides to help you prepare for the exam. If you elect to complete training before certification, you also have a couple of alternatives. First, there are training sessions called CBT, or Computer-Based Training. Such guides are classes recorded on CD-ROM, for the benefit of learning at your own convenience. If you want to maximize chances of approval for certification, the optimal choice might be a combination of both the book and the Computer-Based Training. Most certification vendors offer this combined deal, for instance, Microsoft offers Solution Sets, which come packaged with both the Microsoft Training CBT and accompanying literature. The advantage to independent study is that you can work at your own pace, whenever you want to. For more information, consult a certification specialist.
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