While programming is a hobby and interest of mine, I’d have to consider myself still pretty much a novice in most areas. My area of expertise is networking, security, and basic help-desk-technician duties. The more I’ve dabbled in programming, though, the more I want to learn. A couple months ago I got started with an “unlimited access” program from PrepLogic.com so I could add my CCNA and Network+ certifications to my resume. The program is awesome: I knew PrepLogic’s training was good, because I used them for my A+ and Security+, but their unlimited program is really cool. I’d originally planned on getting my MCSE next, but I think I might put that off for a little and focus on some programming and development training. After all, I have plenty of time to get whatever certifications I need.

The way the program from PrepLogic works is like Netflix. You pick out whatever certification you want to get first, and you get everything PrepLogic has for that one. (I’d give you the direct link, but I can’t find it right now. Just look around here: http://www.preplogic.com/). So for CCNA I got a bunch of different study guides, audio training, the video training, some practice exams and an audio quiz. All of it was downloadable except the videos, which they mail on DVD. At first I thought it was lame that you couldn’t just download the video but when I saw it was 27 hours long I understood why. The DVD wouldn’t play when I got it, which was frustrating, but when I called PrepLogic customer service they were really friendly and helpful. They got me a new DVD really fast, and that one worked perfectly.

PrepLogic’s video training, by the way, is really good. The instructors are very clear and thorough and they were able to keep my attention, which isn’t always easy to do. It’s amazing how much I learned in 27 hours spread out over the course of a month. I watched an hour or two at a time most nights after work, since that’s the only time I could fit it in. All of the stuff from PrepLogic was great, really, even though I didn’t wind up using the audio training much. The practice exam was really helpful. PrepLogic’s practice exams are a bit harder than the actual exam, but that helps you feel extra prepared for the real thing.

Anyway, when you’re finished with whatever certification you chose, you send your DVD back to PrepLogic, and they send you all the training material for whatever certification you want next. I’m almost finished with Network+ and getting ready to take the exam in a couple of weeks. With just these two certifications the unlimited program has nearly paid for itself, and since you get two years of access, I still have over a year and a half left to get my MCSE and whatever else I want for practically free (other than the cost of the actual exam).

So my questions is, what should I get from PrepLogic next? I’ve mostly worked with web development, but I might try something new. What do you guys think? Would VB.NET be a good place to start? I know a bit of Visual Basic, but a full training course would fill in all the gaps, and probably set a good foundation before I move into anything else. My friend is using Preplogic for his PMP and he seems really happy for that, but I'm not too interested in Project Management right now. Regardless, I’m really happy with the program I got from PrepLogic. If any of you are looking for some certs, I recommend checking them out.