There are a variety of things you can learn about computers.  Some people go to school just to learn how to give other people advice about their computers.  This person would be considered a computer consultant.  Computer consultant training is becoming as popular as some of the other types of computer training that is out there.  The primary reason for this is that computer consultants are in demand, helping people decide on what type of system and / or software is needed for their personal or business use.

Becoming a computer consultant is not exactly easy, as this is a field that is under constant change.  Computer consultant training is something that a consultant should undergo at least once a year.  While there is no ‘official’ industry standardized test or certification, there are several certifications that come to mind based on a manufacturers recommendations.  For example, if you are primarily concerned with working with Microsoft software products and machines that are compatible with them, you might consider becoming a MCSE, or Miscrosoft Certified Systems Engineer.  On the other hand, if you are a Dell man (or woman), then you would be more interested in getting Dell certified as a DCSE, or Dell Certified Systems Engineer.  Basically both of these titles mean that you know how to tear down a system and put it back together again.  Ideally, you would have some overall knowledge and idea of what type of functionality a system would be capable of, or what it can be used for.

Computer consultant training can be accomplished in a variety of ways.  If you are looking for an actual certification program such as one of those mentioned in the preceding paragraph, you can go online and do a search.  Simply go to one of the major search engines, such as Google, and do a search for ‘computer consultant training’ or the actual name of one of the certifications you are seeking.  There are a couple of things you should know about certifications with big names, however.  Most of these certifications are done in a strict testing environment at a local facility.  However, the payment for the tests is usually done online.  Shop around.  Don’t buy the voucher, or payment coupon, from the actual site itself.  A lot of times if you take the time to shop around you will be able to find computer consultant training at a discounted rate, through a third-party vendor.

Computer consultant training can also be accomplished by the tried and true method of internship, or learning from someone else.  If you are serious about becoming a computer consultant, but are short on cash and don’t really feel like going through an official training program, consider taking a job in a local computer shop.  You will be pleasantly surprised how much you can learn in a short period of time working in a shop where you have a computer consulting training mentor.  Computer consulting can be a very lucrative field to get into, but you have to know your stuff.  Taking a class or mentoring under someone are the best methods available to go from novice newbie to avid computer consultant in the shortest period of time.

In a portion of the hands-on training, computers play a major role. For instance, for law enforcement there are ‘shoot or don’t shoot’ scenarios: These are played out on a video game like system, in which the officer stands on a padded surface that detects every movement (ducking, kneeling, shifting side-to-side). While standing on the surface, the officer has a weapon ‘holstered’ and is provided scenarios in which he or she must decide whether or not to shoot a subject. During this training, the officers every action or inaction is monitored up to and including verbal commands given to the ‘subject’.

This type of computer training has proven vital over the years in terms of evaluating prospective law enforcement officials. In the world of Emergency Services, certification is imperative. Included in the definition of Emergency Services personnel are police, fire, and EMS. In most states these personnel are required to maintain certification through a points system. Personnel earn points through course completion; annual certification in different subject matter and annual re-certifications.

In addition to the points earned for required academic subjects, there are points awarded for similar training courses. These ‘extra’ subject matter are often considered an acceptable substitution for required subjects. In the past fifteen years, due to budget constraints and other factors, annual academic subject matter is being rearranged to accommodate computer training. This has proven cost effective to state and local agencies: budgets aren’t stretched thin, leaving funds available for special projects and such. There are many examples of computer training received by Emergency Services personnel. Of the many important classes, for example, are Hazardous Material recognition courses. The benefit of completing a course such as this is twofold: the materials can be covered easily during a shift, and instant results are generated. The fact that a computer training course can be completed during a shift makes it cost effective for a small department in terms of travel expense, wear and tear on a vehicle, and time lost to training. For policemen desiring to obtain training on subject matter that would normally require their attendance at a far off training conference, this is a boon. Computer training courses covering topics such as drug recognition are relatively easy to find. These courses are generally recognized by the respective law enforcement training division of the given state. While a policemen may be discouraged from taking such a course during duty hours, it is entirely possible to complete such a course during off-duty hours. Again, this type of computer training course benefits not only the officer, but the Department.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of computer training for Emergency Services personnel is the one aspect of their lives that become the most neglected: family time.