Pursuing continuing education? Do your homework - Boston Business Journal:

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The classes -- specific industry or topic training not related to a degreeprogram -- can be highluy beneficial but also represent a significant investment, especially for small and midsize companies that oftenh find them difficult to snare at an affordablwe price. With so many outlets for continuing experts suggest doing your homework beforre plunking downany money. Checking with professionao associations, local universities and community colleges is a good way to saidJudy Bailey, chairwoman of the Authorized Providefr Commission for the International Association for Continuing Education and Plenty of private training companies round out the continuing education and it's wise to pay close attention to theire credentials.
"You want to research a providerr as thoroughly asyou can, evaluate a trainingh program as carefully as you would a employee that you expect to keep for 10 Bailey said. Find out if the trainin g is the right fit by looking at a list ofcoverec topics. And ask out about the level of participatiobsince it's easier to learnm in an interactive, small group setting. " don't think that you can teach effectivelyu or learn in a group of morethan 25-30," Bailey "I wouldn't want to go to a hotel ballroo m and sit with 75 other For individuals, continuing education courses can help enhanc the skills of those who want to changew careers or move up the ladder in theier current field.
Local community and technicap colleges can be the best place for individuals to start looking for continuing education courses, according to Michele executive vice president of the Association for Continuing Highetr Education. "In addition to their traditional degree programs, many colleges and universities offefr non-credit courses, those not counting toward a Shinn said. "And many continuing education providersz are moving into theonline arena, making their coursese accessible and convenient for nontraditional In some fields, continuing education courses are necessary for professionak credentials.
Shinn said one hot arena is project management where certificatiobn requires passage of aspecial test. "There's a slew of occupationes out therethat don't require a formal degree but do requird intense coursework and perhaps taking a national certificatio exam," she said. And fieldss such as information technology are constantly so taking continuing education classes might be the best way tostay "The certifications change with the job market and wher the interests are," Shin n said.
"That is one of the reasons continuinv education is such a great resourcer for working individuals because we can respond very quickl to what the needs of the community The renewal of many professional licenses requiresw continuing education classes in industriee suchas engineering, real health care, law and education. When searching for training to meet professional license see what continuing education unit your licensing body will For example, the IACET-CEU is accepted by a number of organizations.