DAM, DAW or ASIR, which one to choose?
Having a clear idea of what to look for when choosing between DAM, DAW or ASIR is essential because it is a decision that will mark the type of technological professional you will become. All three are Higher Level Training Cycles in the IT and Communications family, but each of them is oriented towards a different field.
That's why knowing how they differ, and what each one offers, will help you to choose the one that best suits your desires and abilities, and to move towards a future full of options!
Summary of the Higher Cycles of Vocational Training (VET)
The first step in comparing these three VET programmes is to understand what you learn in each cycle and what kind of work they really prepare you for.
DAM focuses on developing cross-platform applications. You will learn about programming, databases, interfaces, data access, multimedia and mobile programming. It fits perfectly with profiles that enjoy building complete products and are interested in creating solutions for different environments, services or management and entertainment applications.
DAW is oriented towards the development of applications and web pages. Its training plan includes work in client and server environments, deployment and design of web interfaces. This is a great option if you are attracted to the Internet, user experience and the idea of programming pages, platforms or digital services accessible from a browser.
ASIR focuses on systems administration, networks, internet services and security. That's why taking this technological vocational training will allow you to understand how the technological infrastructure works and the continuity of services. It is a perfect choice if you are interested in configuring servers, managing networks, providing support and moving into systems, cloud or cybersecurity areas.
Comparison DAM vs DAW vs ASIR: syllabus, career opportunities and duration
At UDIT FP we teach DAM, DAW and ASIR, three official Higher Cycles in the technology area. To make it easier to compare them, here is a clear table with their focus, the type of content you will work on and the career opportunities that each pathway can lead you to.
Cycle | Syllabus | Professional opportunities | Duration |
DAW | First year: Databases, Development Environments, Markup Language and SSGI, Programming, Computer Systems, Personal Itinerary for Employability I, Cybersecurity I or Artificial Intelligence I.
| Software development, mobile apps, databases, distributed applications, video games, AI, testing, CRM/ERP and project support. | 2 years, 2,000 hours and 500 hours of internship. |
DAM | First year: Databases, Development Environments, Markup Language and SSGI, Programming, Computer Systems, Personal Itinerary for Employability I, Cybersecurity I or Artificial Intelligence I. Second year: Data access, Interface development, Programming of services and processes, Multimedia programming and mobile devices, Business management systems, Personal pathway for employability II, Professional English, Digitalisation applied to the productive sectors, Sustainability applied to the productive system, Inter modular DAM project, Cybersecurity II or Artificial Intelligence II. | Web programming, databases, cloud, CMS, corporate portals, webmaster, analytics, SEO and software architecture. | 2 years, 2,000 hours and 500 hours of internships. |
ASIR | First year: Hardware fundamentals, Database management, Operating systems implementation, Brand languages and information management systems, Network planning and administration, Personal pathway to employability I, Cybersecurity I, Artificial Intelligence I. Second year: Administration of database management systems, Administration of operating systems, Implementation of web applications, Security and high availability, Network and internet services, Personal itinerary for employability II, Professional English, Digitalisation applied to the productive sectors, Sustainability applied to the productive system, Inter modular ASIR project, Cybersecurity II, h Artificial Intelligence II. | Systems and network administration, technical support, CPD, databases, IT security and integrations and DevOps. | 2 years, 2,000 hours and 500 hours of internship. |
Average starting salary in Spain
Specialisation in DAM, DAW or ASIR in Spain gives access to competitive salaries and, as you gain experience, certifications and projects, this remuneration tends to increase.
- DAM: Multiplatform development usually starts in junior profiles in the range of between 22,000 and 27,000 euros gross per year.
- DAW: In web development, entry-level salaries tend to be between 21,000 and 27,000 euros gross per year.
- ASIR: Junior positions in systems and networks usually range between 23,000 and 28,000 euros.
How to decide?
Having clear criteria to evaluate before choosing makes your decision easier, but also asking for information about the cycle that best suits you and your objectives.
- Mobile/desktop programming: DAM is the right path if you see yourself creating software for various devices.
- Web development: DAW is the most appropriate option if you are interested in building websites, platforms and online services.
- Servers, networks, cybersecurity: ASIR should be your choice if you are more interested in infrastructure than intensive programming, as its training focuses on operating systems, networks, services, security and technical administration.
- Teleworking: DAM and DAW tend to have an advantage in this respect because programming fits very well with remote work.
- Difficulty: Between DAM, DAW and ASIR, it cannot be said that there is one training cycle that is easier than the other, but rather one that is more or less in line with your profile. In DAM and DAW you study more programming. On the other hand, DAW tends to be more visual at the beginning, while ASIR requires configuring systems and resolving incidents.
Why choose DAM over DAW or ASIR if I am interested in creating mobile apps?
If you are interested in creating mobile apps, DAM is the best choice. Unlike DAW, which is focused on the web, and ASIR, which is oriented towards systems and networks, this vocational training course focuses on multiplatform development and programming for mobile devices, a very useful base on which to create and improve applications.
The most frequently asked questions
What is the best way to move into cloud and DevOps roles?
If your intention is to work in cloud and DevOps, ASIR will give you more resources, which will open more doors because you will learn server operating systems, networks, Internet services, security, high availability and control of integrations and DevOps. DAW also touches the cloud, but from web development.
If I'm over 30 and I'm changing careers, which one is best for me?
If you are over 30 and are thinking of changing careers, the choice between DAM, DAW or ASIR should not be based on age, but on the type of work and lifestyle you would like to have in the future.
Now that you know how to choose between DAM, DAW or ASIR, the final decision is up to you. Trust an institution like UDIT FP, which has years of experience and continues to add quality professionals to the sector every year. Companies know they can trust the professionals who choose UDIT's vocational training, trust you too!