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Home » Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionsPlease select a question from the following list:
If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us using our enquiry form. What is Distance Learning, Computer Based Training (CBT) or Home Study?Our distance learning training courses have been developed over many years by the worlds' largest e-learning training company. Millions of students worldwide have benefited from using these courses, whether IT Pro's or new to IT. They have gone on to achieve successful careers in IT, whilst studying in their spare time at work and at home! Why is Distance Learning more effective than classroom training? What unique features set it apart from traditional training methods, why do you learn FASTER, and why is it a better training option for you? Each IT training course provides a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional classroom training. Being portable, your entire course is available to you online when you start training. You can study online or download your course to your computer or laptop so that you may study anywhere, anytime. We provide your classroom 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with Support from Certified Instructors on all our Certification training. Our extremely knowledgeable Tutors are certified in the technology you are studying. They are able to answer your questions 365 days a year, so you can get help when you need it. With all our IT courses, you have access to over 400 IT reference books, study aids and guides. Rather than spending hundreds of pounds just for a few essential IT books, keep up-to-date with the latest developments with books covering your course and also all other area of IT. The list of books is constantly updated and added to so that you can be sure you have the latest information in all IT subjects, to help you with your studies or to get the job done. These training courses allow you to study at home, work or on holiday when it is convenient for you, ensuring that you maximise your study time and use your spare time effectively. Studying using our system means you are in control of how little or how much you study each week. There's no requirement to visit classrooms in the evening or give up your job to attend intensive training in the day. You don't waste time and money traveling and you can study any time day or night ensuring your study time is used much more productively. You can go as fast or as slow as you need to ensure you understand what you are being taught allowing you to learn each subject thoroughly before moving on. You can repeat units, sections and tests and even work through the entire interactive training course as many times as you like to ensure optimum learning. You can even take a break from your studies when "real life" interferes with your best laid plans to study! To find out why Distance Learning is becoming the standard for IT Training have a look at our Consumer Guide. ^top Why don't you have support over the telephone?We have found from years of experience that telephone support simply doesn't work. By expressing your question in writing in a live chat environment direct to your qualified Tutor (or by email), you are already working through the thought process to resolve the issue. Your question is received by a trained Certified Tutor in your Certification subject. They can see the question and respond to it in full - not just give a quick, glib answer over the telephone. That way you have a written response which you can then thread if there are additional related questions. By supporting you in this way, you can be assured of an speedy, written response, and that you are always being assisted by the appropriately qualified Tutor to deal with your question. ^top What do I get in my training course?Your training course is delivered to you via the Internet where you can access your entire training course within your own "Virtual University." Further information and updates are obtained via Internet links which are set up on your software. At the click of a button you get up-to-date information on the innovations and changes happening in IT specific to your studies, as they develop. Note that when course modules are received via an Internet connection, you can study online or offline for complete portability. Each of the courses may include any combination of the following:
Each individual course curriculum lists the training material included. These elements provide you with fully interactive IT training that surpasses traditional classroom and video courses giving you the information and tools you need to master the technology and pass the exams first time - we guarantee it!* ^top How much do the exams cost?The exams vary in price from £65 for a Microsoft Office exam, £88 for a Microsoft technical exam, or £114 for a CompTIA A+ exam. For more information on exam fees and your local exam centres, go to the Prometric or Vue web site, or to Certiport or Prodigy for MOS and MCAS exam centres. ^top Can I get a job before I complete the course?Yes, you can! Many of our Students secure a position prior to completing their course as employers are aware of the achievements and dedication of our Students. Our courses allow you to sit industry recognised Certifications which employers recognise - and which are in great demand, in the UK and all over the world. This makes it easier for employers to know what you are doing and when you would expect to complete your studies, so they are able to offer positions even before you are finished. We recommend our Students to begin applying for jobs at the earlier stages of their courses as the IT job market even now, still has a shortage of qualified IT Professionals. So let potential employers know that you are already studying to take industry-recognised Certifications, and inform them which ones you are taking. Employers who see that you are sitting multiple Certifications perceive that you are more motivated than other individuals who apply for jobs but require training. The same applies to IT Professionals with experience but no qualifications. The latest figures state that an IT Professional can increase their income by 15 - 28% by becoming Certified! ^top Do I have to wait until the end of the whole course to sit my exams?You can sit your exams when you are ready, and progress through the course sitting exams as you go along. It is not like traditional classroom learning where you sit your exams at the end of term. Exams can be taken anytime during the year (most exam centres are open 5 days per week, and some are open 6 days) and this allows you to prepare and sit the exams when you are ready. ^top Why is your training successful?Quite simply, it's because we have to give more than other training providers to satisfy the high demands of individual Students and corporations who use us to train their IT staff. We not only get you to the standard needed to pass the appropriate, most up-to-date exams, we also train you to do the job! We have to provide so much more than other training organisations because of our Pass Guarantee.* There are other reasons too; Unlike traditional classroom learning, with Online IT Training you do not have to wait on term times and exam times. You can begin your studies within a week of enrolling and sit your exams when you are ready - when the subject is fresh in your mind. Each training course incorporates proven training methods to ensure the highest rate of information retention and therefore provides you with a cost-effective means to enhance your IT credentials and boost your career - fast! For optimum learning you will follow a four step model: Presentation, Demonstration, Guidance and Independent Practice. These innovative training courses include engaging graphics, comprehensive text, practice questions and hands-on simulations to provide valuable working experience. Our Progress Assessment Tests will provide you with immediate and graphic information regarding your daily improvement as you complete your studies. Each test is designed to be used prior and subsequent to studying in each individual subject unit. In addition to these proven teaching methods we enhance your training course by supplementing it with online support and even more information to increase your skills and knowledge in your chosen subject. By working in this way and monitoring your progress you can be assured that you will know when YOU are ready for your exams and therefore be better prepared. You will never need to sit an exam until you are completely confident and ready, ensuring your exam success - and your career success! ^top Are your training courses approved or endorsed?Our training courses are co-developed with industry leaders such as Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, IBM, PMI, Javasoft, Sun, Netscape, CompTIA, Oracle, IIBA, ITIL, Adobe, ASQ, GIAC, EMC, ISC(2), ISEB, CIW, etc, etc. These organisations review training course content before it is released. You get the most accurate up-to-date training for each specific certification, ensuring you have the complete information you need to pass your exams and get certified. ^top Do you provide support?We provide 3 levels of Enhanced Support...
In addition, you also have access on the Virtual University to video downloads, further information, updates and over 400 books in your own onlineTechnical Library. Your daily training emails contain realistic scenarios and problems for you to solve, helping you prepare for complex real world situations. You also have 24/7 Technical Support to ensure your course runs properly from day one on your computer. ^top Why is there a fee for the exams?The fee associated with the exam is paid to the testing centre for administering the tests. This is common within other qualifications in other industries too such as City & Guilds, HND's, etc. and IT Certifications are no different as these are Professional Level Qualifications. ^top Are exams included in the cost of your training courses?As our training courses are covered by our Pass Guarantee, we do not want to have an ulterior interest in you passing your exams by including them with your training. We need to be completely impartial, which is why you sit your exams at your local Prometric, Vue, Prodigy, or Certiport exam centre, and do not attend our training centre for exams. We feel it is better to pay lower fees for your training right now rather than including exam fees which you may not be ready to take for anything from the next 2 weeks to a year! You also do not have to travel to our training centre which would involve additional travel costs, accommodation costs, time off work and having to do the exams when we say - which defeats the purpose of Distance Learning! By funding your exams when YOU are fully prepared you can also benefit from promotions and offers at your local exam centre, saving you even more money. So, by sitting your exams when you are fully prepared you can ensure you pass first time! ^top Do your training courses include hands-on exercises or tasks?Hands-on exercises and simulated tasks are included which allow you to practice what you learn in a fully functional, simulated environment. You'll learn how to implement and utilise your skills under specific real life circumstances. ^top Who uses your training?We help people from all walks of life and backgrounds, and also assist companies large and small to train their staff and give them the skills, knowledge and expertise they need to become confident, competent and Certified in the fastest moving industry in the world. From IT Professionals with years of experience to 14 year old's taking their first steps into IT whilst still at school, our training is designed to help our Students reach their goal quickly and effectively in their own time, using the most modern training methods available. The flexibility and low cost of our training makes it the choice of companies, charities, government departments, schools and universities who recognise these and other benefits when training their own IT personnel. Individuals also see the benefits of training in their own time - particularly because of the high level of support given, which is sadly missing from many other training organisations. ^top Do the training courses include practice questions or mock exams?To help you fully prepare for your exams, our training courses include practice test questions. This not only reinforces the information learned, but familiarises you with taking the exams. Practice questions are of a similar type, but not identical to the actual certification questions. ^top Are course manuals or books provided?With all our IT courses, you have access to over 400 IT reference books, study aids and guides. Rather than spending hundreds of pounds just for a few essential IT books, keep up-to-date with the latest developments with books covering your course and also all other area of IT. The list of books is constantly updated and added to so that you can be sure you have the latest information in all IT subjects, to help you with your studies or to get the job done. Check out some of the books here.... ^top Can I see your Terms and Conditions before I enrol?We want you to understand our commitment to you before you sign any Enrolment documents. Please contact us if there is any aspect of our Terms and Conditions you are unsure of. ^top Do you help me get a job?Online IT Training do not help you get a job in the way that some other training providers suggest they do. If you are promised a job at the end of a course, check the small print for get-out clauses such as "depending on economic climate" or "you must accept the first job offered. Although some training organisations genuinely do their best to provide jobs at the end of training you usually pay a premium price for the training course. Here at Online IT Training, we know that first class training to provide multiple Certifications gives you the best opportunity to put yourself in charge of your own IT Career. Having multiple Certifications shows employers that you are not taking short-cuts and are covering all the related subject matter in the area you are specialising in. That's why all our courses include a number of Certifications to ensure the main subjects are covered, and any cross-training skills too. Employers recognise that individuals with the necessary Certifications and cross-training skills make for more rounded and knowledgeable employees. Have a look at our Free Consumer Guides on what to look out for when choosing IT training . ^top Web LinksOur training material includes links to online sites to get further information from the vendors, certification boards and various other information and update sites. This ensures that you receive information, downloads and updated additional to your training. ^top Are any of the lessons video based?Interactive digital video lessons may also be included in your IT training course. These lessons will help explain complex subjects and provide additional reinforcement to help you remember what you learn. ^top Do you guarantee I'll pass?No Risk Guarantee - Pass or we'll buy your training back!You have nothing to lose when you study with Online IT Training. We are so confident in our training methods that we can guarantee that you will pass your exams - or we'll buy your training course back! Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. ^top What qualifications do I get?Our training courses lead to industry recognised qualifications which show employers that you have the essential technical skills, knowledge and expertise in demand in businesses all over the world. These range from basic user level qualifications to high level technical qualifications, and each training course curriculum will list the specific exams and certifications which that course leads to. ^top How long will it take?You are in control of the time you take to work through your training course. Every individual is different. Your experience, current skills and knowledge will influence how quickly you proceed through the material. On every training course we have included the "Course Duration" which is the amount of support given on that course. We have also included "Typical Study Hours" which is the average hours you will need to study to complete your training course. The minimum hours is the study time an experienced student would typically take to complete the course and the maximum hours is what an inexperienced student would or should typically take. The amount of time you spend studying each week will obviously affect your progress too. We would recommend a minimum of 5 - 10 hours per week and for the larger Career Courses, we would recommend 12 - 15 hours per week. By dividing the number of "Typical Study Hours" by 10 hours you will see how long your training could take you. By studying for more than 10 hours per week you will see how quickly you can complete your training and get your Certifications. Note that if you feel that you cannot spare 5 - 10 hours each week we would not recommend a course of study with Online IT Training or indeed any other training provider. ^top Where do I take my exams?Your exams are conducted at your local examining board centre. The main examining centres are run by Prometric or Vue, Certiport or Prodigy, and can be located on the Internet. These centres are located all over the country and the world, so you can be sure that there is one nearby you. ^top On-line DictionaryA constantly updated dictionary of words, phrases and abbreviations relating to computers and technical jargon. You will have access to thousands of definitions about hardware, software, operating systems, networking, programming and internet issues. Additional links to further sources of information are also given and new terms are added daily to ensure you keep up-to-date with industry developments. You can even opt in to receive daily emails giving you a constant flow of new information to assist with your studies. ^top What do your Personal Course Advisors do?Our Student Support Team have employed Personal Course Advisors who have vast experience in the IT industry. Their role is to ensure that you know about your chosen career path, you know how our training works and you know what you get in your training course. They can also assist with course fees and the best method to fund your training. The Personal Course Advisors staff the reception desk of our training school and are available to answer all your questions prior to enrolling with us. You can deal with our Personal Course Advisors by email, web enquiry or telephone (see top of page). We do not visit you at home or make you sit mock tests to find out if you are suitable for training! Our advice is free, so the more you know about us, the easier it is to know whether you are choosing the correct career path, course - or training provider - before you invest in your training. ^top If your CIW training is authorised, why are you not listed on the CIW web site?All our CIW material is authorised and endorsed by CIW. We are not listed on the main CIW web site as our training is entirely distance learning. The listing on the CIW web site are for learning providers who use classroom based training. This is a hidden cost when you are training; traveling, accommodation and time off from work! ^top When do your training courses start?Unlike traditional classroom learning our training courses start when you are ready. We take about 7 days from the time you request an Enrolment Form until you receive your training. This allows us to ensure that there are no curriculum changes or developments which need to be added to your training material. ^top Do I have to attend classrooms at your training centre?With Online IT Training you do not have to attend classrooms. All you training is done at home - anywhere in the world! Unlike classroom based learning you do not have to take time off work to attend intensive courses or waste time traveling back and forward to evening classes for example - this means your time is better used - in studying. Even your exams are sat at your local exam centre so that you don't waste valuable time. ^top Access to the Virtual UniversityThe Virtual University is our online training centre where Students have access to the facilities including training material, test preparation, 24/7 technical support, Tutor support, and your online technical book library. ^top Can you send me a brochure?The Information Technology industry is very fast moving as you are aware. Exams, Certifications and course curricula are also constantly changing to keep up with the innovations within the industry. As you can see, we have one of the largest IT training web sites in the UK and include a great deal of information regarding our courses and IT careers. To that end, we do not supply brochures as we have found that the best and most up-to-date information we can give potential students is via this web site which is constantly being updated. ^top What are the recommended system requirements?Our courses can run on PC's, laptop's or Mac's. The minimum PC system requirement is:
Additional information for Mac users:
The additional minimum requirement for Adobe Creative Suite CS4:
Can you help with funding?Online IT Training provide payment options for UK residents (see below). For overseas Students full payment by bank transfer is required. We cannot provide any funding, grants, or payment options for Students residing outside of the UK. ^top How do I pay for my training?Funding methods are only available to UK Residents. Another method of funding your training course is through your local Department of Social Security/Jobcentre PLUS. They will advise you on New Deal or EU funding relevant to your area. ^top Cheque, Credit or Debit CardPayment can be made by cheque, made payable to Online IT Training. We also accept all major credit and debit cards, including PayPal, Mastercard, Visa, Solo, and Switch. ^top Interest Free Monthly PaymentsThis method allows you to start immediately and spread the payments with no additional interest or administration charges. Course fees are split into 4 equal payments and no higher deposit payment is required at the beginning of your training. Interest Free Monthly Payments are only available for UK Residents. ^top Bank TransferFunds can be transferred electronically from anywhere in the world to our account. We will inform you of our bank details on Enrolment. ^top How do I enrol?Please visit the section on how to enrol where you will find details of the enrolment process. ^top What do you do with my personal information?Please read our privacy statement. ^top How do I know you are a legitimate organisation?Online IT Training are listed with the Learning Skills Council (LSC) and LifeLongLearning and we have trained people via the ReAct scheme in Wales. Our courses are also listed through Learndirect, Hotcourses, Directgov, Nextstep, IAGs, British Council Education UK, the National Learning Directory, Training Pages, Careers Advice, Whatuni, Floodlight, Employer Guide to Training, and The Learning Bank. We have also provided training for some of the biggest organisations in the UK and to government departments. ^top Why can't you call me back if I am outside of the UK?Over the years, we have found that due to time differences and language issues, this is prohibitive and causes more delay in getting the information you want. We are more than happy to answer your questions by email as it is quicker, more effective and is not affected by time differences. You also then have a record of our answers to refer back if you should need. ^top Are your courses PC or MAC based?Our courses run on both PC or MAC's. ^top Can I study using a Laptop instead of a PC?Yes, laptop's, Mac's and PC's can be used to run our courses on. ^top
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