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I’m looking for suggestions for online training/certification prep. I started in IT going to a trade school, then worked for a managed service provider learning on the job until one of their clients stole me away as in-house I.T.

I don’t have ANY certifications, and this has bothered me for a long time. I couldn’t believe my first job in IT didn’t require it, and the only reason my current job doesn’t is because they have seen me in action so much and could tell I know what I’m doing, or if I don’t, I’m honest about it. In the rare occasion that we have an issue I can’t handle we have a Microsoft partnered MSP who works hourly.

I was supposed to be CompTIA A+ certified upon graduating my trade school course, but I never even took the exam because I was lazy and already had a full time job (school required internship, the company I interned for hired me right away). Pretty sure I could pass that exam no problem though; now I’m more interested in networking, Microsoft, and Linux certs.

At the end of last year, I got the full subscription to Testout.com, their full library suite of training courses. However, I think that program is meant to be partnered with an actual school/teacher. Almost every chapter test has questions that were never covered in the training, and every time I log in it tells me to link my account to my school. I thought it was a full training course, but evidently not. It definitely has some good info though.

Anyway, if you could recommend a good online academy with training videos, labs, etc. that isn’t outrageously expensive, that would be awesome. Also, I know there are similar posts on spiceworks, but the ones I saw were from at least a few years ago. I want to make sure the suggestions aren’t out of date.

Thank you all

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Pluralsight.

Microsoft Virtual Academy

VMware Hands on Labs.

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Thanks Gary.

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Hey Matt - Have you checked out Udemy for course options? https://www.udemy.com/topic/comptia-a/

Most of the instructors on Udemy are IT Pros like you who understand what you’re after when building up your skill sets!

Also, how big would you say your team is? We do have Udemy for Business plans available that offer affordable a team plan subscription for 5-20 employees or an enterprise plan for larger teams or your entire company. Might be worth talking to your employer about it if they’re willing to invest for your education!

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Thanks, I’ll check it out.

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Cisco Networking Academy, https://www.netacad.com/

Typically this is setup as companion to community college networking classes. Originally designed as a four course series to a CCNA, it is commonly compressed into two one-semester classes. First should be straightforward for an on the job I.T. Pro, however the second semester will take more time & effort. Successful passing of the course with appropriate high marks will grant a test voucher for the cert.

Cisco R&S (routing and switching) is a good foundation for networking. Even if not going further into the Cisco milieu, it remains invaluable for virtualization.

Real value is in-person training, real equipment to use, an on-hand instructor for the inevitable learning bottlenecks, and learning with a peer group. NetAcad has a huge amount of behind the-scenes resources for those passionate about the topic and willing to invest the time & effort to pursue.

CCNA is one step into the Cisco world (psst, it is big). CCNP is the next step, as are parallel-ish branches of wireless, voice, security, design, et al ( Training & Certifications - Cisco ).

Am a huge fan of the curriculum.

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No substitute for using it daily.

Wipe your main computer, and install Linux. Any distro. Have at it.

Need Windows? Use WINE, VirtualBox, or VMware.

Need community support? Use a popular distro (e.g., Ubuntu) until you can better decide for yourself to change to another distro.

Have done the cert training, and it was all boring. The general tact was based on rote memorization. Linux’s foundation hasn’t changed, hence even older books remain relevant for the core components.

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So much on this.

For a classroom approach the Microsoft Press “Exam Ref” and “Training Guide” series is better for a classroom, systemic approach. Expect to go through the books 3+ times. Link to source:

Feel free to peruse Sybex, Wiley, and other offerings for their related offering ob the above three books. Would still consider the above as the primary, and a second publisher as complementary support. If fortunate, a local library district may offer a title or two to get started.

Labbing will be very important. Labbing the same lab multiple times will be an aid for exam retention.

Microsoft’s training site is, mslearn.net . Also, Microsoft Learn - Microsoft Community Hub . It offers on-line study group opportunities if you are amiable to the format and can commit to it (i.e., don’t disappoint your fellow learners and potential future job contacts).

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Want more? Study, lab, test, and pass the above first. Expect to study, lab, and test/quiz daily until passing the cert(s).

Don’t consider the books/etc an expense. They are an investment in your future.

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Hey OP, since you’re on the hunt for some training materials I just wanted to hop in to put @Skillsoft on your radar as well! We have a ton of multimodal IT training options that support IT professionals interested in certification and professional development at every level. The variety of formats our Skillsoft Online Learning solutions are offered in allow you to pick options according to schedule and preferred learning method.

Plus we do offer hands-on fast track to many different certifications, Cisco, CompTIA and Microsoft included, and we co-develop much of our training courseware with partners so that we can provide easy access to our partners’ product, education and certification plans as well as beta software and course materials.

I hope some of this can help at some point! I’m always here in the Community so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything :slight_smile: Wishing you the best of luck!

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maybe I missed it, but you need to also look into https://www.cybrary.it Always free, lot’s of Cert prep courses and real nice selection of Security offerings.