Learn IT Faster and Smarter: The Benefits of MSP Expo Gold Sponsor CBT Nuggets' Video-Based Training

Believe it or not, learning about technology was traditionally a much bigger challenge. If you wanted to pick up a new skill, you had to rely on thick manuals, in-person classes or trial and error.

Tech books were often dense, outdated by the time they hit the shelves, and not exactly the most engaging way to learn. In-person training was great but expensive. It often required companies to fly in experts or send employees off-site for days at a time. And if you were self-taught, you were left to piece together knowledge from scattered online articles, forums and guesswork, which wasn’t exactly efficient.

Fast forward to today, and video IT training has changed the game entirely. Instead of flipping through dry textbooks, learners watch real experts explain complex topics in a way that’s easy to follow. The best video training brings concepts to life with real-world examples, screen recordings and interactive elements. This makes it easier to absorb and apply new knowledge.

Plus, let’s be honest, most people would rather watch a well-structured video than spend hours deciphering a technical manual.

Another huge advantage is accessibility. With online video training, IT professionals learn at their own pace, on their own schedule, from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re an entry-level tech looking to break into the industry or a seasoned pro trying to stay ahead of the latest trends, there’s a video course out there for you. This flexibility is especially valuable in a field like IT, where technology evolves so quickly that traditional learning methods just can’t keep up.

There are benefits for employers, too.

Instead of spending thousands of dollars on in-person workshops, companies can provide employees with high-quality training resources that they can revisit whenever needed. This means businesses upskill their teams faster, reduce downtime and ensure that employees are always equipped with the latest knowledge. It’s a win-win for employees and employers.

So, yeah, at this point, it is safe to say that video IT training is a necessity. The tech world moves too fast for outdated learning methods, and video training keeps people competitive in an industry where knowledge is power.

Erik Choron is a cybersecurity trainer at CBT Nuggets, a platform positioned at the forefront of video IT training. From his vantage point, Choron believes that  video-based IT learning is effective because the format allows both learner and instructor to learn new concepts together, similar to how one might learn new skills on the job from a colleague or manager through trial and error.“While there are plenty of amazing books and documentation, the video aspect allows for me to see the practice of what’s read be implemented,” said Choron. “Sometimes there are mistakes while recording a lesson. And those mistakes can be overlooked in text to build on preciseness. But mistakes offer a great learning opportunity on how to expect errors and the ability to overcome them for success.”

CBT Nuggets is an online IT training platform that provides video-based courses on a wide range of topics, including networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, programming and IT certifications. It offers self-paced learning with expert-led instruction, hands-on labs, quizzes and practice exams to help IT professionals and organizations upskill.

CBT Nuggets has built a strong reputation for its exceptional trainers, highly skilled IT educators who are passionate about their craft, a quality that shines through in their instructional videos.

As a veteran-owned company with 25 years of experience, it has cultivated an extensive training library designed to equip MSPs with the certifications and technical expertise necessary to meet their clients' evolving needs.

The platform covers certifications from major providers like Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA and Google. Here is a full list.

But what really makes CBT Nuggets stand out among its competitors? It comes down to its distinctive training approach that’s both engaging and effective.

Instead of the usual long, lecture-style lessons, their courses are broken into digestible, 5-10-minute videos. Each session is led by an expert instructor who delivers content using a dynamic “whiteboard” method by drawing out concepts and solving problems in real-time. This approach turns complex IT topics into something more interactive, almost like learning alongside a mentor rather than just watching a tutorial.

Another key reason CBT Nuggets resonates with learners is its ability to tap into extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Some people are driven by external rewards, such as higher pay, promotions or IT certifications that boost their career prospects. Others simply love the challenge of mastering new tech skills for their own satisfaction. CBT Nuggets balances the two and provides training that leads to tangible career benefits while also making the learning process enjoyable. The energetic delivery, real-world scenarios and engaging presentation style help keep learners motivated, no matter what drives them.

Another standout feature of CBT Nuggets' methodology is its use of behavioral modeling. Rather than passively consuming information, learners actively follow along as instructors break down problems and demonstrate solutions step by step. Research consistently supports this hands-on, observational learning style, particularly in technical fields. When learners see a skilled professional move through real-world challenges, they gain the knowledge and confidence to tackle similar issues on their own.

For MSPs, this type of training is extremely valuable. Troubleshooting and problem-solving are daily necessities, right? Being able to watch and mimic an expert’s process dramatically shortens the learning curve. So, instead of memorizing textbook solutions, IT professionals develop an experience-based understanding of how to address issues as they arise. This means they respond more efficiently to client needs, which minimizes downtime and boosts service quality.

Additionally, the way CBT Nuggets integrates humor and storytelling into its lessons creates an environment where learning feels less like a chore and more like an engaging experience. Research shows that humor not only improves retention but also helps learners form positive associations with the material. For MSPs, this means IT professionals are more likely to stay committed to ongoing training, continuously sharpening their skills to stay ahead of industry demands.

The combination of effective teaching methods and an enjoyable learning experience makes CBT Nuggets a game-changer for IT professionals looking to elevate their expertise.

“CBT Nuggets' training isn't just about consuming content, it's about actively learning and applying knowledge in a way that prepares learners for real-world IT challenges,” said Keith Barker, a two-time CCIE and CBT Nuggets trainer. “Video-based learning is effective for learning IT skills because the method uses multiple learning senses such as visual, auditory, and sometimes kinesthetic through interactive labs and exercises.”

At the end of the day, the way we learn tech has come a long way. Honestly, it had to. The old-school methods just don’t cut it in an industry that never stops evolving. Video IT training is more engaging, more effective, and, let’s be real, way less painful than slogging through a 500-page manual.

CBT Nuggets seems to have cracked the code on making IT education not just informative but actually enjoyable. With expert-led instruction, real-world applications, and a training style that feels more like learning with a mentor than sitting through a dry lecture, it’s clear why so many IT pros swear by it.