Are You Ready to be (IT) Certified?, Susan Aaron, MonsterLearning.com

IT certification credentials may not be required by today's IT organizations, but the salary and competitive benefits for those who have proven their knowledge on standardized tests make certification increasingly important. While some techies still study on their own, more and more seek preparation from IT certification schools.

To learn more about this specialized form of education, we contacted leaders at three IT certification preparation schools to find out why their programs are so popular right now.

The experts:
Jamie Sene, vice president of marketing, SmartCertify Direct, which offers, "computer-based training (CBT) courses plus access to mentors, test prep simulations, seminars and references online." Ned Snow, director of marketing, Intense Schools, "one of the largest independent IT boot camp training companies worldwide." Rick Winfield, president/founder Caution Media and ComputerTrainingSchools.com, whose programs, "help connect students of computer technology with schools?offering instructor-led, classroom-based training."

MonsterLearning: Why is certification important?
Sene, Snow and Winfield all point to the improved employment opportunities for the certified applicant.

Winfield: "As more people get certified, it simply becomes the norm. With two equal candidates, one certified and one not, the certified one will always look better."

Sene: "Certification offers employers a degree of confidence that the people they hire have certain skills and knowledge, and that these people have been independently tested to verify that knowledge. Imagine what could happen if a company hired a person to manage its network based solely on his word and never verified that the person could actually perform the tasks assigned." Sene also points out that the risk to companies is heightened when IT-knowledgeable people don't always do the hiring.

MonsterLearning: What are the benefits of the various program delivery methods: boot camp, classroom-based and CBT plus mentoring?

Snow on boot camp: "While there are many ways of preparing for difficult exams, the boot camp experience allows you to focus all of your attention on your studies. The cost is less than attending the equivalent preparation using traditional training programs. At a boot camp, you have the benefit of experimenting with the operating system through lab work, while an experienced trainer guides you through how it applies to the exams. [Lastly, the] intensive program reduces employee time away from the office."

Winfield on classroom-based training: "Asking questions is probably the most important learning tool you have when learning new technologies.... Networking and working with other students?is another huge benefit. Also, simply passing a test is never a replacement for?experience working with the technologies. Classroom training offers the opportunity to work directly with the technology."

Sene on computer-based training with mentoring: "Students can study anywhere and at anytime with [a]?CBT course, and also have access to online mentors. Furthermore, our courses come with test prep exam simulations, seminars and references -- all located online. [With] this training method?you get instructor-led training, but in a study format designed to accommodate individual learning needs."

MonsterLearning: Why not traditional semester-based classes in computer technologies?
All three agree time is a big factor. If you're working, a semester-long class may be too cumbersome.

Winfield adds that an individual's career goals are an important consideration. "Traditional universities tend to teach a computer curriculum that focuses more on concepts and theories than real-world technologies being used in business," he says.

If you could use the knowledge and job securing power of IT certification, consider choosing an education program specifically designed for that purpose. All three experts report high success rates for their respective programs. As a result, be sure you understand what kind of program will best suit your needs, budget and learning style. Use our Certification Checklist to find out what sort of program might be right for you. ism DotNET" at bkaufman@intenseschool.com.