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Dated: Apr. 17, 2012
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Need Certification
Up until recently, I was very comfortable creating websites as a freelancer. However, that all changed when one of my only few clients, changed their policy regarding outsourced consultants. They now require all non-full time help to be certified in whatever area of expertise they work on. So, about 42 of us outsiders are looking for ways to become certified in our own various fields.
I viewed it as a positive thing because it'll only give me motivation to prove to myself and my clients how worthy I am. Amongst us, there are those who work on MySQL databases, PHP Scripts, PHP Frameworks, Network Infrastructures, MS Excel Geniuses, and a whole host of other skilled professionals. Since I do a lot of tweaking to their PHP, and already have my CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, MCSE 2K, it's only practical to go out and get my Zend Certification. Although, I'm a jack-of-all-trades like you wouldn't believe, I really love working on the scripting side. So I asked myself, how hard can it be?
Need Training
I live in Magnolia, TX area which is just North West of Houston. I'm sure, all that I would need is to maybe get a couple of community college classes to brush up on the fundamentals of programming, then maybe a few hours training on PHP to get up to speed. Finally, I'll need a few hours training for the Zend Certification itself, right? I mean this is the United States of America. We invented most of this stuff. And Houston is only 45 minutes away, I'm sure it's bustling with certification training centers. WRONG!
Hard Reality
Here is the honest to goodness ordeal. I looked up classes in my local college (LoneStar College). I found a perfect "Intro to Programming" class. I spoke to the admissions and was told right away that all the programming classes are online and not in classroom. Same with Sam Houston University & University of Houston. Do you see a pattern? So I asked the admissions counselors (of all three schools) of this "Let me get this straight…I'm going to pay college tuition rates for online tutoring?" The answer for a stark YES.
Path I Chose
My path to certification will be much different than the path the schools are leading me to. I refuse to pay $675.00 for a single college course that I'm not even physically attending. I have no problem with learning online, I did my bachelors degree in Business Administration using distant learning. But what I don't understand is that if I have to get my training online, why not go with a method that worked for majority of the people? One that gives me the biggest bang for my buck.
Since, I'm dealing with PHP, I decided to go with by Stefan Mischook. I've already started the beginners, and am working my way up. Another good method of training is by VTC.Com. We at TechiWarehouse.Com already endorse them due to high number of subjects that they cover including tons of other softwares and certifications.
Now that you've gotten free know-how on this topic, try to grow your skills even faster with online video training. Then finally, put these skills to the test and make a name for yourself by offering these skills to others by becoming a freelancer. There are literally 2000+ new projects that are posted every single freakin' day, no lie!
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