Cheaper Routes to Certifications

From DICE, April 22, 2009...

EarthWeb’s Eric Geier is well aware - as you likely are as well - that studying and testing for IT certifications can be expensive. Luckily, he offers two great suggestions for getting the study materials you need at a bargain price. His first idea: Join the IEEE Computer Society.

"For $28, for a half year, and non-students can join the society only for a half year at $49. This gives you free access to a conglomerate of study resources and networking outlets. You’ll have access to 3,000 distance-learning course modules, where your favorite certifications will probably be included. Course subjects range from Cisco to Java to project management. You also have access to 600 selections from Safari Books Online, Essential Tech, and Business Library. Plus you are given access to 500 books through their e-Learning Campus, provided by Element K. You’ll also get discounts on select conferences and be able to participate on committees."

Geier’s other good idea: Join the Association for Computing Machinery.

"Students can become members for as little $19, for an entire year. Professional membership starts at $99, also for a year. All individual members receive full access to over 2,500 online computing and business courses, in multiple languages, and 1,000 virtual labs provided by Element K. Also like the IEEE Computer Society, ACM gives you access to 600 selections from Safari Books Online. The ACM Online Books Program also includes an additional collection of 500 online books from Books24×7."

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