ComputerPREP FAQ
- I see acronyms throughout your site. What do they stand for?
- What is ComputerPREP?
- How is ComputerPREP related to Prosoft Learning Corporation?
- What kinds of IT training products does ComputerPREP offer?
- Why does ComputerPREP now offer business and professional development (BPD) titles?
- Can I view samples of your products online?
- What are computer-based training and Web-based training? How do they work with instructor-led books?
- What is the difference between your academic courseware and your other courseware?
- How do I know which courseware version is right for me?
- What do the terms "vendor-neutral" and "vendor-specific" mean?
- How can I purchase ComputerPREP products?
- What is CIW and how can I find out more about it?
- What is CCNT and how can I find out more about it?
- What is CTP and how can I find out more about this certification?
- What are the different ways I can train and prepare for a certification exam?
- How do I find my ComputerPREP Regional Account Manager?
- What if I still need more information?
1. I see acronyms throughout your site. What do they stand for?
BPD = business and professional development
CBT = computer-based training - Internet connection not required
CCNT = Certified in Convergent Network Technologies
CIW = Certified Internet Web Professional
CIW ATP = CIW Authorized Training Partner
CTP = Convergent Technologies Professional
ILT = instructor-led training
IT = information technology
LPI = Linux Professional Institute
MCDST = Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
MCSA = Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
MCSE = Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
TIA = Telecommunications Industry Association
WBT = Web-based training through an Internet connection
2. What is ComputerPREP?
ComputerPREP is the worldwide distributor of an extensive, nationally acclaimed library of courseware products for both vendor-neutral and vendor-specific information technology (IT) subjects and certifications, and business & professional development topics. Serving the academic, corporate, learning center and individual markets, our titles are available in instructor-led, computer-based, Web-based and self-study formats. We offer much more than books; we provide e-learning titles, customized solutions, assessment tools, reference cards and much more to ensure an effective training program.
ComputerPREP also distributes Official CIW Curriculum as well as convergent technology curriculum to support the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)-endorsed Certified in Convergent Network Technologies (CCNT) certification. (To learn more about TIA, visit www.tiaonline.org.)
3. How is ComputerPREP related to Prosoft Learning Corporation?
ComputerPREP is a division of Prosoft Learning Corporation, (Nasdaq: POSO) a developer of IT educational materials and certifications that provide marketable and portable IT job skills for the workforce. ComputerPREP provides the courseware products for Prosoft's education programs that support IT certifications, such as CIW and CCNT, and other technical training.
4. What kinds of IT training products does ComputerPREP offer?
ComputerPREP has one of the world's largest libraries of instructor-led IT curriculum for both vendor-neutral and vendor-specific programs, plus Web-based, computer-based and self-study curriculum available through our XpressPREP product. Instructors and educators can blend XpressPREP curriculum with instructor-led materials to enrich a classroom environment or to provide extra learning tools outside of the classroom.
5. Why does ComputerPREP now offer business and professional development (BPD) titles?
BPD skills, such as project management and customer service, are just as important to workplace competitiveness and effectiveness as the technical skills for which we have traditionally provided courseware. As part of our mission to provide the most effective, comprehensive workforce development training, we have added more than 250 carefully chosen third-party BPD titles to our already extensive courseware library.
6. Can I view samples of your products online?
Sure. Simply locate your desired title through the catalog categories on the left, and click on its Product Code to access the product page. Then click on any of the hyperlinked downloads available for that product. Available downloads may include sample chapters, course outlines, tables of content, pre- and post-course evaluations, slide shows and additional exercises.
7. What are computer-based training and Web-based training? How do they work with instructor-led books?
Computer-based training (CBT) is interactive learning via CD-ROM. This format gives students the ability to learn at their own pace without the need for a network connection.
Web-based training (WBT) content is available online with a password or voucher code required to access it. A computer and an Internet connection are required. This format, too, enables students to learn virtually anytime, anywhere.
Both CBT and WBT are often used to enrich and reinforce the lessons taught in instructor-led books. Even if used on their own, CBT and WBT lend an element of interactivity to the learning experience.
8. What is the difference between your academic courseware and your other courseware?
The objectives and content are the same but they are designed for different environments (for example, semester vs. short-term). Our regular, non-academic Student Guide supplemental CD includes answers and handout files while the academic Student Guide supplemental CD does not. The answers and handout files are made available in the academic Instructor Guide and accompanying CD.
9. How do I know which courseware version is right for me?
If you are a school, our academic courseware may be your best option, though not in all cases. Academic courses that are non-credit or in the business & industry (B&I) department would benefit from the non-academic courseware.
If you are part of a not-for-credit or fast-track class (i.e., adult or community education, or employee training program), the regular, non-academic courseware would be ideal for you.
10. What do the terms "vendor-neutral" and "vendor-specific" mean?
Vendor-neutral courses focus on job-role skills and key concepts that are critical to current job roles. These key concepts are often reinforced through the use of popular hardware or software tools from multiple vendors. For example, in a CIW Web Design course, students are taught how to create attractive, efficient Web sites and are introduced to tools for creating them. Examples of vendor-neutral certifications: CIW, CTP, A+ and Network+.
Vendor-specific courses teach students how to use a specific company's hardware or software. Vendor-specific certifications are valuable because they demonstrate mastery of a specific product. Many employers require their IT employees to have skills for one major product, and a vendor training course is one of the most effective ways to develop specific skills. Examples of vendor-specific certifications: MCSE, Oracle DBA and CCNA.
11. How can I purchase ComputerPREP products?
Click either the "Add to Cart" icon at the top of a specific product's page or the shopping cart icon in the Purchase column of a listing of products. This will populate your shopping cart order. After adding an item to your cart you may complete your transaction or continue browsing other products to purchase. Additional information is available from our ComputerPREP Order FAQ. You may also order by phone at (800) 228-1027 or 1 (602) 275-7700 during business hours.
12. What is CIW and how can I find out more about it?
CIW stands for Certified Internet Web Professional. With more than 80,000 certifications earned, CIW is recognized and accepted as the standard vendor-neutral Internet development certification. Visit www.CIW-certified.com to learn more about the CIW program and how you can find or offer training.
13. What is CCNT and how can I find out more about it?
CCNT stands for Certified in Convergent Network Technologies. Any job requiring knowledge of data convergence, computer telephony and telecommunications will benefit from job-role CCNT training and certification. The training program covers a wide range of convergent technologies and is supported by a self-paced online exam designed to facilitate learning. Convergent technology students have earned more than 5,000 of the TIA-endorsed CCNT certifications through corporate training programs conducted by large manufacturers including Avaya, Cisco, Siemens, SBC Corporation and 3Com. Learn more about CCNT.
14. What is CTP and how can I find out more about this certification?
CTP, or Convergence Technologies Professional, is a high-stakes, vendor-neutral curriculum and certification program that focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to work with data, video and telephony technology. This popular telecommunications certification program is recommended by companies like Avaya, Cisco and Inter-Tel. Learn about the CTP program.
15. What are the different ways I can train and prepare for a certification exam?
Instructor-led training (ILT) - Traditional classroom environment
Self-study - Self-paced, self-scheduled study using assessment tools, reference cards, and courseware that includes multimedia features to provide interactive training
Web-based training (WBT) - Students receive passwords and user names to access course content from any computer via an Internet connection
Computer-based training (CBT) - Students use interactive CD-ROMs to learn on any computer, with no network connection required
16. How do I find my ComputerPREP Regional Account Manager?
Visit our Sales Locator to find your Regional Account Manager. If you have difficulties, please call (800) 228-1027 or 1 (602) 275-7700.
17. What if I still need more information?
You can send questions and comments through our Contact Us form or call (800) 228-1027 (or 1 (602) 275-7700 outside the United States) during business hours 7:00am - 5:00pm Mountain Standard Time.