Training and Certification

[brianCFCU]

So I signed up for Avaya University so I could finally get some training on this system I've Admin'd for 2 years without any prior Telecom experience
I'm completely overwhelmed by my options to say the least.

I admin everything about the current system, s8500 and Intuity Audix but have been letting our contract vendor handle the big stuff (gateway installs, firmware upgrades, etc). So I'm not sure where to focus my attention Training or Certification wise. Is it worth it to try and learn how to deploy gateways? Or should I let the vendor continue to install them so it's their fault when it doesn't work?

I'm most definitely called upon to do more than just MACs in my curent position but as the sole Telecom person I do process my share of them. What focus (Cert) should I concentrate on? What (if any) Avaya training do you suggest?

I've had zero formal training and have survived on documentation, Avaya's website and this forum up until now. My prior background was Network related so VOIP was easy to pickup as was taking care of the digital and analog punch blocks (we're a mix of Prologix and VOIP Gateways). I feel there are a great deal of "holes" in my knowledge scope as I tend to learn enough about the issue at hand to solve the problem and then move on to the next. Is it worth starting from scratch with the training?

I appreicate any feedback you guys can toss at me!

 

[FicBen]

I'm in the same boat and interested in seeing what responses you receive.

 

[mikeg826]

IMHO, go for the ACA Maintain track, they will be easier for you. While getting these, you will get a better understanding of how things relate to each other and such, which should help you understand the install path. It's a good thing to learn about how to install them as this will allow you to keep your BP in check.

>mike


ACA ; ACS

 

[mikeydidit]

I am about to start the Avaya certification track myself. After being (somewhat) where you are about getting started, I called the Avaya U about this. Well they too decided to save some money and outsoursed to India. Try that one LOL.

I am going to start with the ACA after attending Westnet for the prep test for the communications networking exam.
Then its Avaya (Impliment IP telephony media servers and gateways.

I have someone that I spoke to at Wetsnet yesterday that I am sure will be as helpful to you. Het name is Kathy Hendrix. She can be reached at 303-424-9168 x117.

After you go through the communications networking exam contact Lynn Womack with Accenture learning (Avaya) at 720-444-7559 and she can help with the Avaya classes.

This is the path that I have choose to do. Hopefully this will save you some time and help you in getting started.

"You don't stop playing because you get old. You get old because you stopped playing."

 

[qz01gs]

The networking exam is pretty easy just buy any CCNA book and you should pass.

 

[sjforcum]

I would focus on the maintain track if you are an on-site administrator.

I mean let's face it...it's not like you can just buy these gateways at compUSA and install them yourself. I also can't see a business partner making it easy for you to purchase only the hardware (the margins are in the implementation) and let you install it yourself...

So unless you're planning on going into the provider realm at some point the Implement creds don't do much for you...

 

[brianCFCU]

First, thanks for the responses everyone!

Looks like the maintain track is my best bet. I was leaning towards that anyway since it seemed to fit with more what I do but I had done a search on this forum and some others had suggested Implementation as the best Cert path. Hence my confusion

Mikeg826, as the in house Admin do you feel I would need anything further? Or would Maintain sustain me as the Admin?
I ask because having never done training through Avaya I'm not sure what to expect.

Mikeydidit, thanks for the contact info! I will be sure to utilize it.

gz01gs, SHOULD being the operative word there I haven't done ANY certs in years. This is the first time I've ever even thought about focusing on a single area. I fell into this job and wound up really liking it.

Sjforcum, I agree. I'll leave the gateway installs to pros!

As a general question... Am I correct in my assesment that maintain path says you must complete one elective... but that only one elective is even offered for this cert, Enterprise IP Telephony? I'm finding it difficult to match up what I may need training wise as well to complete this course. Given my history, I would like to take some training whether I need it or not to pass the tests just to potentially fill in any gaps I may have from being self taught.

 

[ltw500]

Did anyone find Avaya University very difficult to use?
I can't believe they make it so hard to find and take a class. If you compare Cisco certs and their program its such a huge difference.

I want to take a class on the 8700 and there are like 3 pre-reqs to take the class, which are mainly online assesments but obviously the reason I want to take the class is because I don't know it. If I am going to do all the reserach and studying to pass the assesment, then I don't need to bother paying for the class. Also their classes are pretty expensive $3,900 per class...

 

[brianCFCU]

ltw500, exactly why I posted here. I *JUST* found the Prepare Me button which gives more detail on the course itself. I think the reason I didn't see it before is it only appears after selecting the elective, even though it lists information about the Network test as well as the core items which I would assume stay the same anyway.

But yes, I find the website very difficult to use and am very grateful for the folks on this forum for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[mikeg826]

Brian,

Sounds like the Maintain would fit what you are currently doing perfectly. I'd go this route, and then if still interested go for the implement/design ones - it doesn't hurt and you get 2 tries (for free) on the avaya-learning website.

>mike


ACA ; ACS

 

[siriussatelliteradio]

The prerequisite courses are there so you have a basic knowledge of the system. Classroom courses at Avaya dont teach the basics hense the overview courses.

If you are just an admin at your company then you can go after ACA credentials. The only test you will have to take at a testing center is the Core exam. All other courses you can take online. If you want to to after ACS or ACE you will need to take those tests at testing centers.

From a person who just got his ACE, Avaya exams for ACS may have low passing scores to achieve a passing grade, however they are not good at preparing you. ACS exams are really what you know as far as knowledge. The courses that they have in the study guide will give you general knowledge but you will basically need to know the stuff in the Admin and Implementation guides.

Cisco says here are two books. If you know these two books you will pass your CCNA but you will ned to score 85%. Avaya doesnt work like that unfortunately.

Hope this helps a little.

ACE - Technical

http://www.sirius.com

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