There are different types of Sage training products that seem to offer similar benefits and you may be wondering which one is best for me? This guide is designed to give you an overview of the differences between Sage E-Learning, Sage Training Workbooks, Sage Training CD-ROMs, and Sage Training Passports.
Sage e-learning
- Online-based learning course
- Reuse the course within the 12-week license period
- Learn with me simulations the Sage software
- Includes interactive quizzes to test your progress
- Learn at your own pace
The Sage e-Learning courses offer a highly flexible way of learning. The ability to enroll from any computer with internet access means you are not restricted from completing the course entirely on a single computer, eg at work.
Learning-by-doing is always easier, and e-learning gives you the opportunity to practice what you’ve learned using on-screen simulations in Sage software. Because this simulation is online, it’s not quite as good as the full versions that come with the training workbooks and CD-ROMs, but it still makes learning easier.
You pay for access to the course for 12 weeks, allowing you to review any of the subjects as many times as needed within that period. This is very useful because inevitably there will be situations where you can’t remember exactly what to do.
Sage training workbooks
- Includes 180-day copy of Sage software and practice data
- Learn at your own pace
- Available in separate tiers or as a bundle
- Includes Sage accredited certification exams
The self-paced workbooks include more material than the e-learning course and also include the opportunity to earn a recognized certificate that will allow you to demonstrate your skills to employers/clients. These online-based exams typically cost £50 each so you can really save by buying the workbooks. The main advantage is the 180-day versions of the real Sage software with practice data, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience to make the learning experience more comprehensive.
Sage Training CD-ROMs
- Cheapest way to learn sage
- Includes simulations of Sage software to aid learning
- Use a CD-ROM as often as necessary
The main advantage of the Sage Training CD-ROMs is that you can reuse one copy as many times as you like. This can be especially beneficial for small businesses who can buy a copy and distribute it around the office as needed. As with all training products, some form of Sage software is included to add experience as you learn. However, similar to e-learning, only a simulated version is included.
Say training pass
Sage Training Passports are a very different product from the individual training products described above. Although you can use Sage Training Passports to purchase all self-paced training courses (self-paced workbooks, e-learning, training courses and CD-ROMs), the feature that really sets Training Passports apart is the access they give your organization to the classroom grant training centers. These are Sage training courses, created and delivered by experts to provide your employees with the best possible training. There are currently 9 training centers across the UK.
The decision to take employees out of the office to attend a training center or to use self-study methods can be difficult. On the one hand, having a real person to talk to face-to-face can really benefit some people and make the learning process more enjoyable, on the other hand, it’s a more restrictive, formalized method. Also consider the additional time and travel costs when using the training centers. There is no one best solution, so consider what works best for your business and employees.
As with some other Sage training methods, you can share passes with more than one person. This makes the training passes a cost effective method if you want to train multiple employees.
The passes are also very flexible, allowing you to mix and match courses to create a training solution tailored to the unique needs of your organization.
They are currently available in 3, 5 and 10 days. Pricing is structured so you get a discount the more you buy, for example the 5 day RRP is £990 but the 10 day RRP is £1344. However, don’t feel tempted to pay more than you need. You only save by purchasing 10 days when you to need 10 days.
It is also important to note that the passes are only valid for a limited period of time from the date of purchase. 10 day passes are valid for 12 months and the 3 and 5 day passes are valid for 6 months.
Thanks to Lewis G James
