Microsoft Certification
By Jess
@JJ4Ever (4693)
United States
May 15, 2008 1:37pm CST
A year ago, I graduated from college with my Bachelor of Science in Business (Office Administration Concentration) and a Business Technology Minor. I'd always thought about the possibility of getting my Master's, but I was never really interested in it, especially since very few schools offer a Master's in Office Administration...at least, that's what I've heard. I know I could go further with my Business degree.
Although a Master's really isn't an option for me (I'm not letting it be and don't want to spend the money), I've definitely been interested in taking classes here and there to keep myself updated on the "latest and greatest" as far as technology is concerned. I've always been interested in computers as well.
A couple days ago, I heard an ad on the radio for www.ComputerTraining.com. It said that anyone could go onto the website and take a Level 1 training to see if they would be elligible to be accepted into the program to receive their Microsoft Certification, another thing I'd been interested in for a while. After passing Level 1 online, the user would go on to Level 2 to see how well he or she could do.
I'm not here to brag because I was just taking a shot in the dark when I took the online test. I wasn't expecting to do very well since I was only slightly interested. I took the Level 1 test, passed it, and went on to Level 2. I figured I must've done ok since I wouldn't have been allowed to go on to Level 2 if I'd done poorly on the first level.
The evening after I'd taken the online test, I got a voicemail and an e-mail from the campus nearest to me. The following day, I got another call and e-mail. I figured they must've really been trying to get in touch with me! I try to be a positive person, but I didn't have high hopes for any of this actually working out.
Yesterday, I finally got in touch with the representative from the campus who had tried to reach me earlier. She said that I passed both levels with flying colors. There were 20 questions on each level. On Level 1, the average score was 70 percent (6 questions wrong). I missed one question, which is a 95 percent. On Level 2, (an exam-level test of things that they don't expect most people to know), the average is a 20 percent, which is only 4 questions correct. I got a 60 percent. I was in shock that I'd done so well.
Getting my Microsoft Certification would be a dream come true, and the school guarrantees that they try their best to place all of their graduates in a high-end career within 90 days of graduation. I'd love to get into something like this, but I'm concerned about the cost. At my current job, the company has tuition reimbursement. Unfortunately, I'm not qualified for reimbursement since I already have my degree, and would be receiving a certification rather than a degree.
I'm meeting with a representative from the school this evening. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions for them. The biggest issues are time and money. I'd have to pay for this myself, and I'd have to cram my schedule with a full-time job during the day and school at night. I don't mind not having a life for a while (LOL), but I know education will always pay off as long as I put my mind to it.
What would you do? Should I pursue getting my certification even though I already have a degree? Do you think this will be a waste of time? How much do you think something like this would cost? How long do you think getting my certification will take? Do you think they'll offer online courses as well?
After I meet with the representative this evening, I'll know a lot more than I do now. Your comments are greatly appreciated. I'd love to know what you would do if you were in this situation. Also, if you've received your Microsoft Certification, I'm very interested in hearing all about it! I'll also keep you posted on how everything goes. Thanks in advance for you input on this discussion.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
15 May 08
What kind of certification are you interested in? I have Microsoft MOUS certifications but I know there are several others available.
Are there any community colleges in your area that offer online classes which could prepare you to take the certification test? Training schools can be both good and bad so be sure to check out exactly what this one guarantees and you might also want to look at their placement record...what percentage of graduates get jobs after being certified. Also find out if they offer financial assistance. Good luck!
@JJ4Ever (4693)
• United States
15 May 08
Thank you so much for your response. I think you covered all the bases because I was taking down notes as I read what you wrote. I'm thinking through some questions I should ask this evening. You came up with some really good points of things I wouldn't have even thought to ask! I'm definitely not going to be interested in going through with this unless it meets my requirements. If I'm going to spend the money to continue my education, I might as well look for the best since I already have a degree. A degree and certification would look really nice on the resume! In answer to your questions, I'm not sure what certification I would like to pursue. That's one of the questions I'm going to ask tonight. They might only offer so many of them. I guess I didn't even realize there were different certifications. It makes sense since Microsoft is so broad and complex. Good point there, Spalladino. Also, I'm sure there are plenty of community (cheaper) colleges in my area that offer online courses. Online courses are quite common nowadays, so I'm sure I wouldn't go wrong there, especially considering I could do some if not all of my coursework in the comfort of my own home without having to drive anywhere and take up more time in my already-hectic evenings. I will definitely scrutinize this school before I give them any guarantee that I'll go there. I know I was accepted into the program already (accepted to receive my certification after I complete the required coursework), but that's only the beginning. Thanks so much for your detailed response. It has really helped me understands what I'm up against and some good questions I need to ask tonight. I couldn't have asked for a more helpful response - thanks!
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
15 May 08
I used to work in Academic Technology at a community college so I've heard stories of schools that teach the bare minimum for a huge fee, leaving students with little skills and a big debt. With your major being in business (I wish I could see your original message from this screen) you would probably benefit more from having software certification unless you have an interest in network administration. Some trade schools are great so I'm not going to pass judgement on this one, altho I was disappointed that they didn't give you more information on exactly what they offer on the website. It also sounds like they're trying to "fast sell" you so don't let them rush you into anything when you meet with them. Unless the world is coming to an end next week and nobody told me, you should take a day or two to research other options and decide before signing anything.
2 people like this
@JJ4Ever (4693)
• United States
16 May 08
Excellent idea. There's a lot of wisdom in your comment, and for that I'm very thankful. I'm not going to go jumping into anything, and that's for sure. I found out a few things last night, although I wish I had the complete information with me to share with you. I know the school prepares me to pass four tests to receive three certifications. There are four main portions to the 6-month coursework. Again, I wish I could list those for you. (I'll make sure I have my notes next time I consult this discussion!) The program costs just under $28,000 for a 6-month (24-week) program. I'd start in July and get done next January, just a month before my wedding, which would definitely be nice. I go in two nights a week for 4 hours, which is 8 hours total per week in class. I have to spend approximately an additional 12 hours outside of class working on various projects and assignments, which is a grand total of 20 hours per week. ComputerTraining.com has to place a minimum of 70 percent of their graduates in IT-related career positions within 90 days of graduation according to the State of Michigan's accredidation law that this school has to abide by. That's a really good rate. I obviously had to test into the program because they don't let just anyone into the program. Of course, I already know right off the bat I won't be able to afford this without some financial aid. That doesn't make me very fond of this situation, but I'll definitely do my research because this is a huge investment in my future. I hope I've answered all of your questions. I'm not sure how much you know (or how much research you tend to do), but it's www.ComputerTraining.com; and I believe you can also go to www.Microsoft.com, and ComputerTraining.com should be listed under Michigan and certified Microsoft educational institutions. It's a trade school that specialized in certified Microsoft functions. Everything looks good, but I still don't want to take any unwise chances. I really appreciate all of your help. You've been an excellent resource!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208746)
• United States
17 May 08
That;s a good question. What are your future goals? What are you hoping this certification will do for you? I think these are all good questions you might want to address with the school admin. They should be able to answer all your questions.
@JJ4Ever (4693)
• United States
21 May 08
I love how you answered my questions with more questions because it really helps me think through this decision I must make. Most of my questions have already been addressed by the school administration. They're quite thorough in all of their prep work. In answer to your questions, through this program, I'm hoping to be (and promised I will be) qualified to take four tests to receive three certifications that will allow me to work as a Systems Administrator. (There are various other jobs under this title, but this is the highest I could go with all three certifications.) I'm not very satisfied with where I'm working now and for good reason. I'm thankful for it and will hold onto it until I get a better position, but I'm going to settle or sit around and complain. If I want something to change, I have to be proactive and do it myself. I've always been that way. I'm hoping these three certifications will qualify me for a better job that will soon turn into an amazing career. For these reasons, I would be making at least triple what I'm making right now. The potential earnings of an employee in this position is more than worth furthering my education. I hope I answered your questions thoroughly. Thanks so much for your helpful response. These are good questions that I needed to address to see where I'm at in all of this.
@edigital (2709)
• United States
22 May 08
Very valuable information for the people who care for a certification from Microsoft and like to add an precise item . I of course no need this certification as the old age but hope your inforamtion will be benefited to young education thrust member of myLot.
1 person likes this
@JJ4Ever (4693)
• United States
28 May 08
I definitely consider this Microsoft information very valuable as you said. If I had the money to afford this schooling, I'd be more than happy to spend 20 hours per week studying to pass the four test I'd have to take at the end. I think it would be extremely worthwhile. Thank you for your kind comment.
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
17 May 08
It is too bad that you cannot get this paid for through work. I love to go back to school all of the time. I am not using any of what I am certified in, however. Still, it feels great to score well on tests and learn new things. I cannot tell you if you should afford this. The one person I know who did all of this training to be Microsoft certified decided he did not want to do it all of the time. He went back into retail work, as he was making about as much money and saw more of people there. I guess it depends on the work environment that is best for you.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
21 May 08
Some really good advice I heard lately is a friend of mine talking about her son. His degree is in English and Writing, but he has mastered on his own several computer languages. He started with a company in your neck of the woods, the company folded it's Michigan offices, but they pay him to work from his home, which is really cool as his wife just got a full ride on a PhD. from Oregon.
1 person likes this
@JJ4Ever (4693)
• United States
21 May 08
Thanks, Gerty! I agree with you that my job should pay for my schooling and certifications. I emailed HR, and they said they only pay for 2- or 4-year degrees through the tuition reimbursement program. I'm a little discouraged, but if this is to be then everything will work out. It's got to be something I love and will use. I know what you mean about how good it feels to do well on tests and in school! That's where they pulled me into this thing because I did so well on the prereq testing. They told me I was way about average. It made me feel great, but it also makes me wonder if they tell everyone that even if they don't do as well. (LOL) Obviously, I had to be qualified to even get into the program, but that question is still in the back of my mind! I don't think I'm going to go through with this if I have to get a loan. I know $20,000 or $30,000 isn't just going to fall in my lap, but if I spend a little while working hard for the money, it'll make it all the more worth it when I can go back to school and get my certs. Thanks for your genuine response. It was really helpful and enjoyable to read.
1 person likes this
@JJ4Ever (4693)
• United States
28 May 08
Thank you! Your comment is much appreciated. I'm glad you mentioned the topic of working from home because that's something I've always wanted to do eventually. It would make me feel that much more independent, especially when I have kids someday. I'd want to be home all day to raise them myself without my soon-to-be husband and I losing my incoming that would be combined with his. Thanks again and take care!
1 person likes this
@ayanbanerjee (148)
• India
18 Mar 09
Can anyone tell me what is cost for MCP in India ?
Thanks in advance
