Has anyone used it-academy.co.za?

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linkinpark

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I hope this is in the right section...

I'm thinking about doing an online course (MSCE etc) and came across it-academy.co.za, the site says its certified for microsoft, cisco, oracle etc etc. But i don't wanna get ripped off, has anyone used them? Or does anyone know of any good online IT courses? Thanks :)

Also, is there any way to check if sites are really certified?
 
linkinpark said:
I hope this is in the right section...

I'm thinking about doing an online course (MSCE etc) and came across it-academy.co.za, the site says its certified for microsoft, cisco, oracle etc etc. But i don't wanna get ripped off, has anyone used them? Or does anyone know of any good online IT courses? Thanks :)

Also, is there any way to check if sites are really certified?
Click to expand...

Not so sure if you get good online IT courses.... R5000 for an online course does not offer any benefits over buying the books, building your own labs, and working through them over time (actually you will benefit more from buying the books, building labs and working through the material yourself). All online courses are similar. I don't think they are worth the money. You can check if a training institute is registered by contacting the relevant company, e.g. Microsoft. Comments on benefits below:

• 24/7 Advance Instant Mentoring: Instant Assistance - Optional Extra
The idea here is that somebody will answer your questions if you get stuck. Good idea, problem is that you could use these forums to ask the same questions, and probably get a better response, from a wider range of experience.
• Questions and Exercises: Challenging you
Rather build labs, and make it work. That will challenge you more. Don't just read about DNS, install it on a VM, configure it and see it work. You will understand IT better if you actually do stuff, rather than just read about it.
• Skill Assessment, Pre and Post Tests: Tracks your scores
Seriously now. Again, build a lab. When you have implemented every concept in your books, and have a fully configured domain, with DNS, DHCP, AD security, GPO etc; you will know that your skills have developed.
• Progress Reports: Check your progress
You were on page one, now you on page two. You finished book one and are starting on book two. Is that worth R5000?
• Simulation, Flash and Audio
Again, build it, don't just watch it. You can watch DNS setup, and forget about it; or you can build a DNS domain and always remember.
• New Mastery Page: See whether you have mastered a course
Again, labs. If you can sit down at a machine and configure the stuff mentioned in your book - then you are closer to mastering the subject
• Show Me’s™: View a Flash video
See Flash above.
• Flexible Timing: 24/7 365 days a year
So are books.
• Bookmarking: Tracks your progress
Progress tracking again....
• Computer Training: Course Completion Certificate
This certificate will be worth nothing unfortunately. You will still be required to complete the international exams.
 
Wow, thanks Conradl. Couldn't have asked for a better reply :)

I thought about doing the courses myself, but i haven't the time to find the books, prepare the labs etc etc. Add to the fact that i'm lazy and i need a set syllabus of sorts.
Since i'm working as well, i chose this site because you can do it at your own pace without lectures or deadlines (i think).

With regard to your last point, if their certificate will be worth nothing, whats the point of being microsoft certified when i still need to do an international exam? Can i not just do the international exam straight?

The specific course i'm interested in is the Microsoft Bundle (MCSE 2003, Microsoft Server 2008, MCSA, MCITP, MCSD, MCTS, MCDST, MCDBA, MCAD).

Thanks again :)
 
Regarding the international exam: you have to do it to get certified - you will not be certified until you complete it. The certificate of attendance you get from the training company will be worth zero.

There are two routes to doing the exam. The first (hard way) is to take time, work through the books, build labs and do the exam. The other option (easy) is to read the books, braindump and write the exam. The courses that you are looking at should take you around two years part time depending on the actual modules and your level of skill. If you rush it, you will have the paper, but will not fully understand the material. The importance of labs cannot be underestimated - it is the single most important step to success in IT.
 
Thanks for all the help, you cleared up alot :)
There isn't any point going through those online courses, considering i already know quite a bit of the content, i just need to be certified that i know it. I will study the courses directly from microsoft e-learning site and book the internationally certified exam on my own (through prometric).
 
Hi,

Yes, I used them to get my A+ exam, which is Internationally recognized.

I found that their site was great at teaching you - it has lots of practice questions / diagrams, etc.
Also, the exam you do online is worth zero. Once you're ready (after taking practice exams on their site ) you will need to book the exams at one of the Boston Campus'

So, you pay the normal fee online to study the materiel - then you have to pay per exam to book and go write there. If I remember correctly, the MCSE 2003 exam on it's own has seven exams at R400 to R600 each. So, it gets very expensive, very quickly.

All IT academy do is prepare you to pass the exams you write at the Boston campus, that's all. They give you all the materiel and learning guides.

I found their services good and had no real complaints using them.
 
hi guys thanks for the info, i also want to start studying IT but im still at a entry level, any advise as to what to start with? i want to be a Software Developer
Conradi i really love your input
 
Ive done a load of Comptia courses.....
A+, N+, S+, CYSA+, CASP+
All I ever did was just buy or download a book from somewhere....
(often the books also include a 10% exam voucher as well)

Lots of free resources out there, You Tube, O Reilly learning gives you 10 days free learning etc...Udemy often has courses for Comptia for R200 odd..
I dont think these fees at IT academy include the R2500 odd exam fees (there are 2 exams for A+)...

Comptia also expects you to either renew or complete a higher level cert every 3 years or faff about with CPE to keep your cert valid...

I would also rather just do the Cisco network cert over the N+....But thats just my opinion....:)
)Oh ja, I am also unemployed with all those certs and some others..Should have done my Tool & Die....)
:laugh:
 
Last edited:
mojoman said:
Oh ja, I am also unemployed with all those certs and some others..Should have done my Tool & Die....)
:laugh:
Click to expand...

Having network certs is definitely better than not having them and they will generally make you more employable. However like all types of educational qualifications they are not a guarantee of securing a job. Whether you do certs, diplomas or even degrees, it is inevitable that you will have a tough time in the job market at some point. But I honestly believe in doing the most you can with what you have.

So if Comptia certs are all you have then advertise them on your CV or write cover letters explaining how these certs made you better in IT. If you did well in these certs then also advertise that!
 
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