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If you want training in Cisco, a CCNA is in all probability what you’ll need. A Cisco training course is the way to go for those who wish to understand and work with network switches and routers. Routers connect networks of computers to other computer networks over dedicated lines or the internet.

To take this course, you should be clear on how computer networks operate and function, because networks are linked to routers. Otherwise, you’ll probably struggle. We’d recommend you find a course teaching basic networking skills (CompTIA Network+ as an example – maybe with the A+ as well) and then do a CCNA course. Some companies will design a bespoke package for you.

If you haven’t yet had any experience of routers, then studying up to CCNA is the right level to aim for – avoid being talked into doing a CCNP. After gaining experience in the working environment, you’ll know if CCNP is something you want to do.

A service that many training companies provide is a Job Placement Assistance program. This is designed to help you get your first commercial position. Don’t get caught up in this feature – it isn’t unusual for their marketing department to overstate it’s need. The fact of the matter is, the need for well trained IT people in the UK is what will make you attractive to employers.

CV and Interview advice and support is sometimes offered (alternatively, check out one of our sites for help). It’s essential that you work on your old CV right away – don’t wait until you’ve finished your exams! A good number of junior support jobs have been bagged by students who’re still on their course and have still to get qualified. At least this will get you on your way. You’ll normally experience quicker service from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than you will through a training provider’s centralised service, as they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.

Many students, it seems, conscientiously work through their course materials (sometimes for years), and then just stop instead of finding the right position. Introduce yourself… Work hard to get in front of employers. A job isn’t just going to bump into you.

Ignore a salesperson who recommends a training program without a thorough investigation so as to understand your abilities and level of experience. Ensure that they have a expansive range of products so they can solve your training issues. An important point to note is that, if you’ve got any qualifications that are related, then you will often be able to begin at a different level to someone who is new to the field. Consider starting with user-skills and software training first. This can often make the slope up to the higher-levels a little less steep.

It’s essential to have the most up to date Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Make sure that the exams you practice aren’t just asking you the right questions on the correct subjects, but also asking them in the way the real exams will formulate them. It throws trainees if they’re met with completely different formats and phraseologies. Simulations and practice exams are enormously valuable as a resource to you – so that when you come to take the real thing, you don’t get uptight.

It’s so important to understand this key point: You absolutely must have proper 24×7 instructor and mentor support. You’ll definitely experience problems if you don’t. Avoid those companies that use ‘out-of-hours’ messaging systems – with the call-back coming in during standard office hours. It’s not a lot of help when you’ve got study issues and could do with an answer during your scheduled study period.

Be on the lookout for training programs that have multiple support offices across multiple time-zones. These should be integrated to offer a simple interface as well as 24×7 access, when it suits you, with no fuss. Never make do with less than this. Online 24×7 support is really your only option for technical study. Perhaps you don’t intend to study during the evenings; but for most of us, we’re out at work at the time when most support is available.

One crafty way that course providers make more money is via an ‘exam inclusive’ package and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. It looks like a good deal, till you look at the facts:

Clearly it isn’t free – you’re still coughing up for it – it’s just been wrapped up in the price of the package. Evidence shows that when trainees fund each progressive exam, one by one, the chances are they’re going to pass first time – because they’ll be conscious of their investment in themselves and their application will be greater.

Shouldn’t you be looking to go for the best offer when you take the exam, not to pay the fees marked up by a training course provider, and also to sit exams more locally – instead of the remote centre that’s convenient only to the trainer? A lot of so-called credible training providers make a great deal of profit through getting paid for examinations upfront then hoping you won’t see them all through. Most companies will require you to sit pre-tests and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you have proved to them you have a good chance of passing – so an ‘Exam Guarantee’ comes with many clauses in reality.

VUE and Prometric examinations are in the region of 112 pounds in this country. What’s the point of paying huge charges for ‘Exam Guarantees’ (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) – when the best course materials, the right level of support and a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

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