Ive been working in the IT field for just over 2 years now and want to finally progress my career further through getting various certifications. College is not an option i want to pursue because im married and have a kid on the way, plus work full time. I figure working towards Microsoft Certified professions can be just as beneficial. Problem is, by browsing the microsoft site, the learning courses i want to take for the exam are all during the day classroom setting courses. I cant take time off of work for something like this and want to be able to do it on my free time. Cant you prepare for the course however you want at your own pace? im assuming as long as you pass the test it doesnt matter how you know the information. So can i just purchase books with practice exams to accomplish the same thing without an instructor? First certification/exam im looking at its 70-271 any help is appreciated!