Course Logistics
What is the attendance requirement?
There is 1 full Saturday session (8 hours) followed by 8 weekly classes that take place between the hours of 6:30 - 9:30 PM. The classes are experiential, with each class comprised of 2 unique sessions. Each session has a brief PowerPoint presentation, then hands-on training, followed by a class discussion on perspectives gained. So, content is being generated in real-time and consumed in real-time. Missing these classes is not replaceable with Cliff notes! You can miss a maximum of 2 classes without jeopardizing your entire learning experience.
What if I miss a class?
You can attend the weekly webinar and do the homework assignment. The webinar portion incudes multiple broadcasts, so you can experience the intensity and be immersed of the classroom experience.
What if I fail an exam?
You can take the exam a second time for free.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes. See above.
What about the webinar?
An optional webinar will be on Friday afternoons, attended by any NCTA participants that are interested. It will review the materials taught in class that week.
What if I paid for all three, and cannot pass the exam?
You can try to take the exam twice. If you cannot clear it in two attempts, you can drop out. You will be given a pro-rated refund for the other two courses you did not attend.
Can I take any one of the three? Any two of the three?
Yes. While there are synergies, each one stands alone and upon successful completion, awards a course certificate under that modules title. The first module teaches Technologies, the second Architecture (which benefits from a knowledge of technologies) and the third Operations. Successful completion of all three examinations leads to the awarding of the CloudMASTER Certificate.
Can I start with any module or is there a sequence? Can I complete them separately? What about placement exam fee?
You can start with any module and earn the certificate for that module . To receive the CloudMASTER Certificate, you will need to to achieve a score of 70% score on all 3 exams. If you believe you can pass the exam without taking the course training, you may do so. An examination fee of $400.00 per examination will apply.
Can I just take a placement exams and be certified?
Yes. Fees will apply for the examinations. You may only take the exam two times.
What are the alternative paths to Membership in the Association?
When you take the CloudMASTER exam with or without taking the course modules, you become a Certified CloudMASTER with all the attendant privileges. When you take a Module exam but do NOT become a Certified CloudMASTER, you lose some privileges.
Can I become a Member of the Association without paying the fees?
Yes, by becoming a Certified CloudMASTER. Professionals who successfully complete the CloudMASTER Certification are awarded a one-year free membership to The NCTA.
What are the Benefits of Membership in the NCTA and what do CloudMASTERS and CloudGURUS get?
CloudMASTERS get a unique membership number that they can place on any email or page, which hyperlinks back to the NCTA site and shows their name. They also get a Crystal plaque with their name engraved. As well, Certified CloudMASTERs receive one year free membership of the Association.
CloudGURUS get the above plus a dedicated page on the Association website and the opportunity to lead sessions at Annual Conventions and Regional events.
Will I get a certificate for attending just one module?
Yes. Each module leads to the awarding of a certificate in that modules title. So, for example, an individual that completes the first module of CloudMASTER will receive a certificate in Cloud Technologies.
Can I skip a course and come back later?
Yes. The course will be repeated on a periodic basis, but seats will first be offered to continuing students and only spare seats awarded to the wait list.
