Personally, I find any study book frustrating. Mainly due to the fact that it takes much longer to actually achieve something using computer than it does with someone actually showing you how to do it.

Using computers is a very visual experience and the most effective way to learn is to be shown first hand and then refer to study books or help files if you get stuck.

Using computers is a matter of process and mouse clicks and the ability to remember where certain buttons which I find is linked to a kind of visual memory (if there is such a thing)

In my opinion, sitting down reading a study book is not ideal as it slows the process down. sure there are exercises and step by step guides, but I don't feel they get the same affect compared to someone sitting down with you who explains and shows you how to do certain things.

But this all depends on the course or training you opt for. Sitting in a boardroom or class room watching some guy or gal show you how to do it on a projector screen whilst you do the relevant steps is ok to an extent, but whilst your trying to follow them and then make notes, by the time you get back to the office and sit in front of the computer, you may have forgotten 50% of it and your notes don't make too much sense so you have wasted not only time but money as well.

I find 1 on 1 training is far better if you actually do some work within the training. This way out of say 1 days training, you spend 3-4 hours on the basics and theory and then the same again on practical whilst actually getting some work done.

Ok, everyone is different and responds differently to certain types of learning but this is wht I find is best not only for myself, but for my clients as well.

Hello Jane,

I have just completed the workbook training for Sage 50 Accounts, passed all 3 stage exams first attempt and have the certificates to prove it .

I'm now much more confident with the software and being "Sage Certified" should make me a more attractive proposition to anyone looking for someone with Sage skills. Will definitely put in on advertising, business cards, etc.

Each set of workbooks comes with a 180 day licence (so 540 days in total if buy all 3 stages) for Sage 50 Accounts Professional on CDROM, together with lots of practice data. I also used the software to pass my ICB level 2 and 3 computerised exams.

I think the workbooks are excellent and will really take you through all the nooks and crannies of the software. OK, you might not use some of the features (eg Foreign Trader, stock control, etc) most of the time but at least you will know what the software is capable of. I made my own index for all 12 books and now have an excellent reference source to refer to in case of need.

It is nice to be able to work at your own pace and, just as soon as you are ready, sit the exams wherever and whenever you choose via a simple log in process.

You get a very good deal for buying all 3 stages up front, though most of what you will need will probably be in stages 1 and 2.

On the downside, the course isn't cheap and the certification is only valid for 2 years. There are members who post on this site who can offer genuine cheaper deals than buying from Sage direct. Unless they chip in here, you will need to search back through posts to find contact details.

I believe there is also a cheaper and shorter package for Sage Instant Accounts, if that is all you need.

Phil


-- Edited by Scrat on Tuesday 2nd of November 2010 07:47:36 AM

Well done Phil.

Just another thought, I suppose it depends on how you intend to use sage, if like many of us on here are self employed bookkeepers as such and we rely on our knowledge, qualification and ability to use such software as sage then perhaps study books is the way to go and especially if it include a sage licence too (depending on no. of companies etc..) then it is probably a better option as you can do the study books alongside your day to day work. I think most would benefit this way as its best of both.

If on the other hand you want to learn to use sage as a business owner or employee of a business, then I think it is probably best to go along with the day courses or 1 on 1 intense training. Other bits can be found out along the way as you come across different scenarios such as refunding an over payment or writing off a customer account.

After all Sage is both a business tool and an accounting tool.

Hi Paul,

Fair comments. I only really started with Sage workbooks because I want to offer my self-employed services covering for employed staff absences in larger businesses  using Sage, sort of agency service really. I'll start canvassing once I get my practice licence (just applied for).

Had it not been for that I would probably not have bothered or would have gone for Sage Instant Accounts, because it's a lot cheapoer to buy and train for, and as you say, the functionality in 50 Accounts goes far beyond basic bookkeeping.

I imagine many larger employers who use Sage in a big way will put their staff through training in-house and allow them (or even insist on it) to sit the certification exams at work and at no cost to the employee.

On the licence issue, whilst it is physically possible, Sage have confirmed to me that I can't use the training software for real clients as this would be in breach of the licence terms. Shame.

Phil