CBTs

Darthn3ss

so i've been looking briefly into CBTs and i'm wondering if there are any out there at don't come with as large of a pric,e tag as CBT nuggets? I mean i'm sure they're great if the company you wok for pays for them or if you're making enough to where $200 is pocket change.. but uhh... like for Cisco CBT nuggets... $200.. ouch. thoughts?

Webmaster

Compared to most CBTs/video training, CBT nuggets is actually one of the cheaper ones.

But also, CBTs are meant as an alternative to classroom instructor-led training usually costing thousands of dollars for just a week training. So compared to that all CBTs are a 'relatively' cheap alternative. Only when you start comparing it to books and practice exams etc (which is comparing apples to oranges) they seems expensive.

mikej412

The old LearnKey CBTs were priced in the thousands (ooooh, dropped to $550 now) -- obviously priced from back in the day when Companies would invest in employees and training (and had huge training budgets they needed to spend).

The CBTNuggets and TrainSignal Videos are priced for individuals and are really cheap when you thing about it..... And both have a great "bang for the buck" ratio.

Hum.... Darby with a web cam might be able to beat that Nugget price.... but the Nuggets and TrainSignals are real products available for purchase right now.

Darthn3ss

Webmaster wrote:

Compared to most CBTs/video training, CBTNuggets is actually one of the cheaper ones.

But also, CBTs are meant as an alternative to classroom instructor-led training usually costing thousands of dollars for just a week training. So compared to that all CBTs are a 'relatively' cheap alternative. Only when you start comparing it to books and practice exams etc (which is comparing apples to oranges) they seems expensive.

ohhh see i didn't know that :P

flares2

I don't think the CBT videos are overpriced....if they prepare you for the test.
I've searched the forums and there are mixed reviews of the CBT videos. Does anyone know if these videos, primarily the CCNA, are enough to train you for the test? Reading the Sybex and/or Cisco press books cover to cover 5 times could take six months, but watching the CBT videos 5 times will take a week.
I'll gladly pay more if it helps me learn and understand all the test requirements faster.
Opinions???

Webmaster

flares2 wrote:

Reading the Sybex and/or Cisco press books cover to cover 5 times could take six months, but watching the CBT videos 5 times will take a week.
I'll gladly pay more if it helps me learn and understand all the test requirements faster.
Opinions???

I think it depends a lot on the learning style of the user. Personally I rather read and apply it myself than have someone read it for me (CBT/classroom training), but for many people seeing and hearing someone else read and explain it makes the information stick better.

I wouldn't suggest using solely a CBT instead of a book, just as you should read the book and do additional practice if you go to a real classroom course.

Rearden

mikej412 wrote:

Hum.... Darby with a web cam might be able to beat that Nugget price.... but the Nuggets and TrainSignals are real products available for purchase right now.

Seriously, you or Darby could make some nice spare money by making a few CCNA level videos. You might want to actually consider it.