Programs can range from a few tapes or Web pages to active learning communities. Technical certification training can be a costly, time-consuming process. The reward is being accredited as a card-carrying expert in information technology. If the class is boring or doesn't cover the right material, go somewhere else. Make sure the training you want is an exact fit for your needs.
Some people can pass exams with no hands-on experience whatsoever.
Just because you think one certification exam is easy or hard, don't expect another to be the same. A software company may have a high bar set up for one credential and a low one for another. Check out the reputations of various training companies. Technical certification is a feast of acronyms. Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Provider, certification given to high schools, colleges and other institution that provide technical training about Microsoft products.