CDIA Training and Certification

I'm in the midst of going there myself so any inoput would be greatly appreciated. My understanding is that it takes 10-15 people at $795/person to justify Ricoh doing the class. I've been told it is 2 days and I've heard 4 days so definately need clarification on that point. I would also like to know if there is a way to take the class independent of Ricoh.

I believe there is a way through AIIM

AIIM link

I'm not sure what the difference is, but AIIM is the Enterprise Content Management Association. I am going to the show in March, I understand the show is the largest of its king for Document Management.

Art

I am checking into this also, I know that it can be done online through Ricoh U. That would be the easiest way for me to do it.

I do not believe that the CDIA training is avaliable on line through Ricoh University, but rather that you can buy the course material consisting of 4 or 5 cd and a workbook.
The purpose of the training is to prepare you for analysing buswiness practices and then devloping a plan to streamline document flow.

I will be taking the cbt training and am currently enrolled at SmartCertify.com to do study for certification on CompTia A+, Network +, Windows 2000 Server and Security+.

Scott, how did the certification go? Does anyone have thoughts on certification? Some I have talked to insist it is a waste of time and money.

I purchased a Work Book and CD set for $495. The information on the cd's and work book do provide valuable information on key procedures for evaluating document management opportunities. You will learn formulas that help you calculate everything from storage disk space needed, how to estimate the number of documents to be scanned, network bandwidth required, as well as ROI calculations. If certification is not a goal, which I'm not convinced it is really needed, then the terminology and tools gained are well worth an investment. Being able to speak knowledgeably about Document Management as well as being able to identify and define each opportunity will most assuredly separate us from our competition.

I am currently involved in all of the training I mentioned in my earlier post, and it is taking a lot of my time in the very early am and late pm.

The reason I am doing this is because I have a territory that the database is All IT people.
What I have discovered in calling on these types of people and departments is that 1: They are way overworked and understaffed 2: Because of reason 1 and the fact that IT types are not generally "people" person it is very difficult to get face time with them.
It also seems that all of Corp America is pulling in IT to help them make choices on "copier" vendors, or they are given that responsability altogether. This makes them an important target in every account we call on, and if we don't do something to be very different we will pay a heavy price. I have spoken to a great many IT people and told them what I was going to do, and why. They all agree that the certification in these diciplines won;t get me the order, but they will get me opportunities.

Have you been able to use what you have learned so far and how far into the training have you gotten?

I started COMPTIA's A+ and Network + program back at the beginning of the year, and plan to test for certification by the end of the month.
I stardted using the ricoh cbt's for CDIA about 2 weeks ago and am on disc 3 of 4. All of this training has proven to be usefull because of the territory I have. I am certain that certification , and having the ComTia logos on my business card, emails and stationary will be of great help getting appt. With the product line and company I represent I am confident that increased opportunities will lead to increased sales.

I hope that helps.

But has the knowledge you have gained increased your opportunities to close or win in competitive situations?

To Jim,

The CDIA+ training has already proved to be very helpful and well worth the effort to do the certification.

The other reason for this post is I got an email from AIIM with a link to techinfocenter.com [/URL] that I discovered has free CDIA+ trainging study material.

CDIA+ has so much information that we all need to know if we inted to continue in this business and desire to be of service to the propect, which results in good income.

I recommend all take a look.

I am now CDIA+ certified and since I have been conducting Electronic Document Management Seminars, I can tell you the time I have spent studying for the certification has proven to be very valuable and I can already see that will become even more true as we move forward.
I recommend all who are enjoying this industry will benefit from this training, and it will without doubt enhance your sales.

Scott:

How and where do I start to become certified?

Art

Ricoh University has a cbt package with 4 cd's and a workbook. I had access to the 4 cd's but not the workbook and I can tell you that you will want a workbook I got from QuickCert.com that made the difference for me. It is a challangeing course but one I am certain we can all benefit from taking. I noticed on CompTia's web site(they are the developer of the certification) and Ricoh is listed as one of the sponsors of the courseware. That is further proof to me that Richow has done an outstanding job of seeing the solutions needed by Corporate America and why they have required all of there field people to get CDIA+ certified.

Let me know if I can help.

I was speaking to Scott Caldwell of QuickCert.com yesterday and discovered that all who sell equipment for companies who they partner with( Ricoh, Toshiba etc.) can get their CDIA+ program which includes cd video training along with workbook (the one I used that is vital for passing the exam) and I believe an online practice testing function( which I also used and was more than pleased with) for $399.00.

You can reach QuickCert at 888-840-2378. Sharon helped me and her extension is 108.

I believe in sharing good news, and any product that I have bought and is as good or better than I thought it wood be i should let others know about it.

We all need these certifications because IT people are taking over descision making functions just about every where, and we need to distinguish ourselves from the competition.