To go it alone or pay the price??

Discussion in 'CIW Certifications' started by elmopants, Aug 20, 2006.

  1. elmopants

    elmopants Bit Poster

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    Hi Y'all

    I am concidering doing the CIW Manager course and has already had my "Interview" with the training advisor from Skillstrain. After he had left I got on the net and found several forums slating them and I was almost interested in signing up, I am thinking about purchasing some books and going it alone but can't seem to find any that cover the whole syllabus?? :(

    Any advice on books or Skillstrain gratefully recieved.

    Thank you in advance

    Mo
     
    Certifications: MOS, CertEd, ECDL Adv Expert
    WIP: A+ & CIW Maybe
  2. Boycie
    Honorary Member

    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    Elmo,

    This <type> of situation has aroused (not me personally) many times.
    My personal opinion on self study versus training provider depends really on you.
    If you are dedicated, eager and willing to plan your time then i would say self study. If you are someone that needs that helping hand then maybe the investment in money will <push> you along.

    Now if we are talking classroom teaching, that is a different ball game and one that i believe in totally.

    Si
     
    Certifications: MCSA 2003, MCDST, A+, N+, CTT+, MCT
  3. elmopants

    elmopants Bit Poster

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    Hi Boyce

    Skillstrain is distance learning, self study but with a couple of days of classes near the exam so maybe I have just answered my own question...:oops: but I would still like to know of any recommended books for the CIW course for those brave enough to self study...

    I actually facilitate self study MS Office courses already so I hope I can be more dedicated than my own students...:dunce
     
    Certifications: MOS, CertEd, ECDL Adv Expert
    WIP: A+ & CIW Maybe
  4. Boycie
    Honorary Member

    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    Elmo,

    The fact that you have searched for advice shows that you are keen.
    CF, Google and Amazon are your best friend for training :thumbleft

    Si
     
    Certifications: MCSA 2003, MCDST, A+, N+, CTT+, MCT
  5. elmopants

    elmopants Bit Poster

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    Cheers Boyce

    Have googled and amazoned but there are several books on offer, anyone who can advise me on the best books for the foundation module would be good please? :rolleyes:
     
    Certifications: MOS, CertEd, ECDL Adv Expert
    WIP: A+ & CIW Maybe
  6. Boycie
    Honorary Member

    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    Surf over to amazon.com (more reviews than .co.uk), although CIW stuff seems a little scare compared to networking, security etc.
    Make sure it is for Version 5.

    Si
     
    Certifications: MCSA 2003, MCDST, A+, N+, CTT+, MCT
  7. elmopants

    elmopants Bit Poster

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    Cheers again Boyce

    Will check out .com for reviews, doesn't seem to be enough on sale in the UK as you say.
     
    Certifications: MOS, CertEd, ECDL Adv Expert
    WIP: A+ & CIW Maybe
  8. Boycie
    Honorary Member

    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    no prob, if i come across any useful material i will post back here.

    Si
     
    Certifications: MCSA 2003, MCDST, A+, N+, CTT+, MCT
  9. wayne

    wayne Bit Poster

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    Personally, I would go it alone. I'm currently studying with Skillstrain and so far all I have got out of it is the courseware. I have basically paid £2500 for the books and exams. This would've been much cheaper had I have just studied by buying the books off Amazon.
     
  10. wayne

    wayne Bit Poster

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  11. elmopants

    elmopants Bit Poster

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    Thanks Wayne

    Thats just the advice I was hoping for, have decided to go it alone and stuff the big money training providers, have found local exam centre and will certainly check out the book you recommend, thanks again.

    Mo
     
    Certifications: MOS, CertEd, ECDL Adv Expert
    WIP: A+ & CIW Maybe
  12. Keimos

    Keimos Byte Poster

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    Hi elmopants,

    Ignore Waynes link the book is out of date, although it may help.

    There is no CIW v5 curriculum books available other than from http://www.computerprep.com/certifications/ciw.asp

    they may sell, but you are warned to be an approved provider.

    A warning to any one else, that may be interested, is that any other so called CIW revision materials, testing engines, are not approved or tested and may prove to be a downfall.

    This will change in the near future due to takeovers. The benefits are that Self study for CIW will get cheaper. I have inside info, so bide your time.

    Until then I can help!

    Keimos
     
    Certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist
  13. Nick_G

    Nick_G Bit Poster

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    Hi all.

    This is something that I was considering doing too. I have Macromedia Studio MX on my Mac but this software is about 4 years old.

    If I get books from Amazon and use this software will this be good enough or do I have to upgrade the software too?

    I'm hoping not because I am completely skint at the moment and can't afford to upgrade.
     
  14. Spot

    Spot New Member

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    After 2 years I have just finished the Scheidegger / Skillstrain ciw course.
    This was originally a one year course. But with so many pointless TMA’s taking forever to return, I had to pay for a second year to complete it.
    I found the course material long winded, outdated and difficult to digest, eventually buying books or surfing the web to better understand things.
    The web design section was a big disappointment with very basic coverage of Dreamweaver, Flash etc.
    I would not recommend this course to anyone.
    In fact buying a few good books and taking the individual CIW examinations as and when you need would be a cheaper and better option.
     

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