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The CCNA is the way to go for training in Cisco. This teaches you how to work on maintaining and installing routers and network switches. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and commercial ventures who have several locations utilise them to allow their networks to keep in touch.

Routers are linked to networks, therefore it is necessary to have an understanding of the operation of networks, or you’ll struggle with the program and not be able to understand the work. Seek out a program that teaches the basics (for example CompTIA) before you start the CCNA.

Achieving CCNA is the right level to aim for; at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP. With experience, you’ll know if it’s relevant for you to have this next level up. If you decide to become more qualified, your experience will serve as the background you need to tackle the CCNP – as it’s a very complex course – and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

A study programme really needs to work up to a widely recognised certification at the end – not some little ‘in-house’ diploma – fit only for filing away and forgetting.

Only properly recognised qualifications from the top companies like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco and CompTIA will have any meaning to employers.

Considering the amount of options that are available, does it really shock us that a large majority of trainees get stuck choosing the job they will enjoy.

As without any commercial skills in computing, how could any of us be expected to understand what a particular job actually consists of?

Usually, the way to come at this dilemma properly flows from a full chat, covering a variety of topics:

* The sort of individual you are – which things you enjoy doing, and don’t forget – what you definitely don’t enjoy.

* Why you’re looking at getting involved with computing – maybe you’d like to achieve a life-long goal like being your own boss for example.

* The income requirements that guide you?

* Getting to grips with what the normal work types and sectors are – plus how they’re different to each other.

* You have to understand what differentiates each individual training area.

For most of us, considering all these ideas tends to require the help of an advisor who knows what they’re talking about. And not just the accreditations – but also the commercial requirements of the market as well.

Have a conversation with a proficient advisor and they’ll regale you with many terrible tales of how students have been duped by salespeople. Only deal with an experienced industry advisor who asks some in-depth questions to find out what’s appropriate to you – not for their pay-packet! You must establish the right starting point of study for you.

If you have a strong background, or maybe some live experience (some certifications gained previously perhaps?) then obviously your starting level will be quite dissimilar from a student that is completely new to the industry.

For students beginning IT exams and training for the first time, you might like to start out slowly, starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. Usually this is packaged with any study program.

Consider the points below very carefully if you’ve been persuaded that that over-used sales technique about an ‘Exam Guarantee’ sounds great value:

You’re paying for it somehow. One thing’s for sure – it isn’t free – it’s simply been shoe-horned into the price as a whole.

If it’s important to you to get a first time pass, you must fund each exam as you take it, prioritise it appropriately and apply yourself as required.

Why should you pay the college early for examinations? Find the best deal you can at the appropriate time, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance – and take it closer to home – rather than in some remote place.

Paying in advance for examination fees (which also includes interest if you’ve taken out a loan) is bad financial management. Why fill a company’s coffers with extra money of yours simply to help their cash-flow! There are those who hope that you won’t get round to taking them – so they get to keep the extra funds.

It’s worth noting that exam re-takes via training course providers with an ‘Exam Guarantee’ are tightly controlled. You’ll be required to sit pre-tests to make sure they think you’re going to pass.

Exams taken at local centres are in the region of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. Why pay exorbitant ‘Exam Guarantee’ fees (most often hidden in the package) – when the best course materials, the right level of support and study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

Author: Scott Edwards. Go to Adult Retraining Courses or NewCareerOptions.co.uk.

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