Anyone tried computertraining.com? Are its rates reasonable? Can I really make 55k+ with an MCSE?

[DreamInBlue]

Ive been looking into getting some certifications, and locally I have a place called computertraining.com where I can take classes and eventually the certs. Im looking for advice from people that tried it or are familiar with similar programs. It offers a Windows Server 2003 program that will if passing get certs for
MCP Microsoft Certified Professional
MCSA Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
MCSE Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003
Category 5 Cabling.
Its a 6 month course that includes books, software, exam vouchers, and a computer voucher with everything totalling about $24,000 which is the same price as about 2 years of the college I go to. Does this sound like its worth that much money? It also claims that an MCSE starts at around $55,000 a year is that accurate? Any and all input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dquan97]

save yourself some $$ and buy the books instead. An MCSE alone does not enable someone to get a $55K job. MCSE + job experience likely, though MCSE + job experience + hot body definitely does

 

[MiniDoom]

Originally posted by: dquan97
save yourself some $$ and buy the books instead. An MCSE alone does not enable someone to get a $55K job. MCSE + job experience likely, though MCSE + job experience + hot body definitely does

+1 save $ and if you are young and don?t have kids or a mortgage and really have a passion for IT get a low paying job at a helpdesk and learn, learn, LEARN... start with that.:beer:

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: dquan97
save yourself some $$ and buy the books instead. An MCSE alone does not enable someone to get a $55K job. MCSE + job experience likely, though MCSE + job experience + hot body definitely does

i disagree. classroom training is better than just studying for the tests by yourself. there is a hands on aspect to the classroom training and good interaction with other students, that can aid in communication of the concepts learned.

MCSE via Classroom training > MCSE via Books and Transcenders.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: dquan97
though MCSE + hot body definitely does

fixed...

there are lots of paper mcses out there...you have to have some background to be taken seriously, except as above...geeks love hot wimin.

there is a huge range from entry to uber....like say you are paid 6 figures a year to spend most of a work week in a pool or on the beach.

However play your cards right and with just an MSCE you could do $75k I bet.

 

[dquan97]

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold

Originally posted by: dquan97
save yourself some $$ and buy the books instead. An MCSE alone does not enable someone to get a $55K job. MCSE + job experience likely, though MCSE + job experience + hot body definitely does

i disagree. classroom training is better than just studying for the tests by yourself. there is a hands on aspect to the classroom training and good interaction with other students, that can aid in communication of the concepts learned.

MCSE via Classroom training > MCSE via Books and Transcenders.

I seriously doubt $24K in classroom training is better than studying from a book and getting a starter job to learn the trade.

 

[DreamInBlue]

Of the certs in the program:
MCP Microsoft Certified Professional
MCSA Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
MCSE Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003
Category 5 Cabling
Is the MCSE the only one that really matters?

Why I was interested in the program is that it is quick, supposedly has good success, and placement rate and I already do have experience in the field I have done HelpDesk Support, Technical Support, and now I am a manager at a repair center, but being able to make $55k in about 6 mos sounds awesome. I am currently pursuing an Associates in Digital Media Creation and I have more than a year left in it and it has starting salaries averaging $35k. I know I could save money by just studying on my own but is $24,000 reasonable for getting six months of instruction? Thanks for all the replies.

 

[DreamInBlue]

ttt

 

[Looney]

Originally posted by: dquan97
save yourself some $$ and buy the books instead. An MCSE alone does not enable someone to get a $55K job. MCSE + job experience likely, though MCSE + job experience + hot body definitely does

BS the books themselves, and getting the certification yourself, is useless. Get the books if you're already in a job that can benefit from your certification... and some jobs will pay for your tests or even courses. If you don't have such a job, then take a course/school... but go to one that will offer help in placements. For 24k, i would imagine that school does.

 

[Looney]

And no, you won't start at 55k... unless they have such good networking that they can place you in such a job.

 

[Pepsei]

What a rip!!!! 24k?!?!?! geeze. I think it is useless now.

what you need to do is become a paper MCSE, use it to get a job and experience (which is more important).

I'm a MCSE,CCNA and I do make a lot more than 55k. I also don't put those certs in my email sig. it is lame IMO, YMMV.

 

[Looney]

Originally posted by: Pepsei

I'm a MCSE,CCNA and I do make a lot more than 55k. I also don't put those certs in my email sig. it is lame IMO, YMMV.

What about a forum sig?

 

[Pepsei]

Originally posted by: Looney

Originally posted by: Pepsei

I'm a MCSE,CCNA and I do make a lot more than 55k. I also don't put those certs in my email sig. it is lame IMO, YMMV.

What about a forum sig?

I will not judge other people on AT, i don't work with them, so it's a free country.

 

[yougotdeals]

The problem with allot of certs is that there are tons of braindumps out on the net. It's possible to get nearly all the questions in advance. This had devauled the certifications somewhat. I'd not let that deter you from getting them, but much of the above advice is correct. Starting from the bottom, then working your way up and getting experience is the way to do it.

 

[yougotdeals]

Originally posted by: Pepsei

I'm a MCSE,CCNA and I do make a lot more than 55k. I also don't put those certs in my email sig. it is lame IMO, YMMV.

What I find funny is when someone puts MCP and MCSE in their sig. It sort of goes without saying that if you are a MCSE, you are also an MCP since you become an MCP when you pass any MS exam (I'm an MCP). I guess people do it because it looks better to have more credentials.

 

[DreamInBlue]

To those of you that have an MCSE or any other certs do you also have college degrees? Are college degrees along with certs a must in the industry?

 

[DreamInBlue]

ttt

 

[rezinn]

MCSE + no college degree + little experience = useless as far as I have seen.

 

[flot]

Originally posted by: DreamInBlue
averaging $35k. I know I could save money by just studying on my own but is $24,000 reasonable for getting six months of instruction? Thanks for all the replies.

$24k sounds like an absurd amount of money considering you could do it on your own for a couple grand and a month's time.

 

[BunLengthHotDog]

Originally posted by: rezinn
college degree + little experience = useless as far as I have seen.

Corrected

I have worked with as many paper degree's as I have with paper MCSE's and CCNA's, they are pretty much interchangeable.

Regarding the post, I would worry more about getting my foot in an entry level job in the industry along with the certs. There are people unemployed with years of experience in IT that are having issues finding jobs. The positions don't command as high a salary any more because employers have prospects begging to work for much less than they had previously earned, before the industry took a nose-dive