"Before I decided to check out ComputerTraining.com, I was working as a store manager at a minor video rental chain. It was fun and all, working with my friends and not having a lot of responsibility, but I wasn't making a lot of money and when I hit my 30th birthday, I realized I was working way under my potential and really needed to make a change.

I had heard about ComputerTraining.com on the radio, and I realized this could be just the kind of program I needed to move into a new, more rewarding career. I was computer-literate and had developed a bit of an aptitude over the years, though I had little formal training.

One day I heard the ad again on the radio and decided to give their Online Skills Challenge a try. I completed the first part and left it at that. The next day I got a phone call from one of the staff at ComputerTraining.com, asking what happened, and why I didn't finish the challenge. I was a little surprised at the personal attention, but I went back and completed the challenge. She then contacted me again, sounding very excited, and informed me that I'd gotten a perfect score on level one of the challenge, which tests for a basic understanding of computers, and scored considerably higher than I'd expected to on the much more advanced second level. Based on my performance in the Skills Challenge, she was able to determine that I had the basic grounding in computer knowledge to be able to benefit from the course.

The only question remained was whether I had the financial capability to pay for the course and the will and commitment to see it through. Thanks to my father cosigning for a student loan from Sallie Mae, I was able to afford the class, and as for seeing it through, I'm happy to tell you that I did! It was a lot of hard work, but I've remade myself and created the beginnings of a new career!

I was making nine dollars an hour working for a boss I hated and who didn't respect his employees at a job where I had no benefits, little to any prospects for a raise, and where in the end there was zero job security when the owner decided to close the chain and take a trip to Hawaii.

Now I work in the IT field, where my skills are valued, respected, and rewarded. I have great benefits, and I'm making more now per hour just starting than I ever could have hoped for at my old job, and I'm only three months in! I have a boss and coworkers that I like in a healthy work environment of mutual respect, providing tech support to Department of Defense personnel all over the world, from Iowa to Iraq. Not only do I love my work, I am proud of it…I've gone from wondering what happened to my life, to realizing that I'm right on track and the best is yet to come."

Alex Greenfeld
MCP, MCSA
Tier 2 Help Desk,
Department of Defense contractor

View Video Testimonial Below. Click Video To Play.

My interest in computers started mostly as a hobby, writing simple programs and eventually expanding this knowledge into database development where I occasionally found contract work.  However, I had no networking experience other than what I set up with a couple of desktop computers at my home (I got it to work, but I really didn't know what I was doing).  Furthermore, I did not have a computer science degree so no companies would even consider hiring me as a programmer or engineer.  I did some work as a contract programmer, but jobs were sparse and it just wasn't the direction I wanted my career to take.

When I heard about ComputerTraining.com's program, I decided to investigate for several reasons:

• I enjoy working with computers and I was interested in networking even though I didn't know much about it.
• The possibility of a career with good pay and benefits.
• The short length of the program.  I am in my early 40's and didn't want to spend another 2-4 years in school.

I knew the program would be intense but I was confident I could do well and finish.

After starting at ComputerTraining.com, it was immediately evident that the program was fast-paced but taught at a beginner's level, so anyone who was really interested and committed could keep up.  The pace of the program required 2-4 hours each day for reading, labs, assignments, and practice certification exams; but as long as I put in the time, I did well.  I simply refused to allow myself to fall very far behind with the current topic(s); and when I did fall behind, I was sure to catch up the next weekend.  I believe anyone that remains committed to the program by completing all of the course work and labs, and spends plenty of time practicing the certification exams, will leave the program with at least their MCP and be well on their way to higher certifications.

The instructor at ComputerTraining.com was available for much of the day and the lab was available all day for anyone that needed the extra time and resources.  I was not usually able to take advantage of these resources because of family and/or work commitments (probably not unusual for many of the people that take this course).  However, it was nice to have these resources available when I did have the time. To further enhance my experience, I worked in my home repeating the lab work or making up new labs for myself.  I believe the extra work paid dividends when I took the certification exams.

During the last couple of months of the program, ComputerTraining.com's career placement service started helping with advice, training, resume building, and the job search.  I was amazed at how many leads the placement coordinator was able to find and the sheer number of resumes she sent out on my behalf.  It wasn't long before I was getting phone calls from interested recruiters and companies.  I started interviewing two months before finishing the program and was hired before I graduated—starting the very next week.  I was very impressed and grateful because I limited my job search to the local area and I just was not expecting to find a salaried position with an excellent company in such a short period of time. 

Duane Birnbaum
MCP, MCSA
Consulting Engineer

My class started in early September and I started my new job in December, less than a week after obtaining my MCP. Now, I get to work with the newest technologies available, learning more everyday from other experienced professionals at my company. I get to travel the country, working with remote sites and training at some of the country’s best facilities, furthering my education at the expense of my employer.

Before, I was working a dead-end restaurant job, but now I actually enjoy getting out of bed in the morning. I owe it all to ComputerTraining.com and wonderful staff of IT instructors and career service professionals."

Doug Hebebrand
MCP, MCSA
Help Desk/Application Support

The training I received was great. I learned the skills that I needed to better myself, not only in the work place, but in working with others as well. With the help of the instructors and my peers, I am now an Intern for ComputerTraining.com helping out with the new classes. I have the skills that a lot of the employers are searching for. I have been able to gain a great deal of knowledge allowing me to build a strong foundation in networking. ComputerTraining.com has helped me turn my interest for computers into a career."

Anthony Richardson
MCP

"After being laid off from my former job and trying to find a new job for months, I heard the ad for ComputerTraining.com. I knew I was tired of dead end jobs and wanted a fresh start and a new career. I was in a very low place in my life when I enrolled in the program. I was a bit apprehensive at first with going back to school because of my earlier years of not doing well in college. I have to say that the entire staff was so supportive and positive that I knew I would get through the program.

I started the program in June, earned my first certification in July, and had a job in the IT field by October. If you are considering a new direction and have any interest in computers I highly recommend this program. Six months of intense studying and hard work is a small price to pay for a career and financial security. This program has changed my life in so many ways…I feel that my accomplishments now are going to be with me for the rest of my life."

John David
MCP
Help Desk, Computer Technician, Jr. Administration

"I first started computing at the age of 14, and I have always enjoyed tinkering with technology. When I graduated from high school I did not have the financial ability to put myself through college. One day I started hearing radio commercials for ComputerTraining.com, of course I was skeptical. I had heard these types of advertisements before about other educational paths, but they never interested me. A few weeks went by and the thought never left my mind about how great it would be to put my skills toward a career in computers.

So one weekend on a Sunday night, I was tired and stressed about my future and my career path. I heard the advertisement for ComputerTraining.com and decided to take the Online Skills Challenge. I did well enough on the test and received a call back within eight hours of taking it. When I went to visit the campus, the very knowledgeable staff informed me of all the details of the program.

A month later I started my classes and even though I was signed up for the program and on my way to my first class I still had some doubts because I am not easily persuaded. But only six months later I was Microsoft Certified and had one of the best classroom experiences I have ever had in my life.

Our instructor had an amazing personality and was knowledgeable about all the materials we had to learn, including lots of experiences to talk about within her own IT career. We received a ton of hands-on experience, which in the long run, counts more than learning from a textbook in my opinion.

After graduation, a couple of months went by and I was looking for a position. Initially, I could not find a company that was just right for me. One day I received a call from my Director of Placement with an opening that really sparked my interest. I went to the interview and the rest is history! Ever since I started with my new company, I have been happy to go into work each day while enjoying the challenges that comes my way.

I am a Network Operations Controller for one of the biggest wireless broadband Internet service providers in Chicago and surrounding suburban areas. Being in an environment that I love and a job that is fun and interesting is not something you come by easily. It was worth all of my time and effort. I was no longer skeptical of the potential this program can give to people if they work hard!"

Thomas Catania
MCP
Network Operations Controller

"I've been interested in computers since high school. I didn't really care for programming, but I ended up as the go-to guy for computers at every place I worked. Finally, my wife kept telling me about the advice her company was getting from their computer consultant. I didn't always know the solution to the problem they were having, but I knew what would happen when they followed the consultant's advice and I knew that, ultimately, it wouldn't fix the problem. At this point I decided I should explore this as a new career path.

I like being able to do "magic". People don't generally understand how computers work, so when they malfunction, being able to fix them is like doing magic. As long as I keep my skills fresh and current, I will have a job!

To be perfectly honest, when I decided to pursue this career path, I had no concerns at all. I would advise new students to start taking the practice tests early, the sooner, the better. Since graduating from ComputerTraining.com, I am making more in my first year than I was after 10 years in my last career."

Philip Jones
MCP, MCSA, MCSE
Information Technologist