One crafty way that course providers make a big mark-up is by charging for exams up-front then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status. It looks like a good deal, but let's just examine it more closely:

Of course it isn't free - you're still coughing up for it - it's just been included in your package price. People who enter their exams one by one, funding them one at a time are much more likely to pass. They're conscious of their spending and so are more inclined to ensure they are ready.

Doesn't it make more sense to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, not to pay the fees marked up by a training company, and to take it closer to home - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer? Big margins are secured by a significant number of organisations who incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams but no refunds are given. Amazingly, there are providers that actually rely on students not sitting all the exams - as that's very profitable for them. Many training companies will require you to sit pre-tests and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've completely proven that you're likely to pass - so an 'Exam Guarantee' comes with many clauses in reality.

Due to typical VUE and Prometric exams coming in at approximately 112 pounds in Great Britain, it's common sense to fund them one by one. It's not in the student's interests to fork out hundreds or thousands of pounds for exams when enrolling on a course. Consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

The 'CCNA' examination (640-802) is split into its 2 component parts: The 'CCENT' ('Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician') exam - often called the 'ICND1' (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 - 640/822) exam, and the 'ICND2' (640-816) examination. All these acronyms don't help to clarify things for the student coming in to I.T., but the most straightforward bit of advice is normally to think about the 'CCNA' 640-802 as a combined accreditation. This specific course would greatly gain from being combined with the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications, since they will provide all the essential 'grounding' before having a go at the more advanced Cisco-specific exams. You'll want to allow yourself approximately 400 to 500 hrs of study for a blended course like this. 'Technical' I.T. training courses should provide you with sound qualified support. You should choose one with 24 hour, instant reply service. Add in comprehensive multimedia tutorial training, and a powerful exam preparation program & you'll be set for great success.

'Cisco's' primary business is in routers, 'controllers' and switches. If we didn't have these types of systems, data wouldn't be able to pass around networks. Just as an 'Operating System' is required on a PC for it to communicate throughout a 'network ', the actual network hardware itself has its own language & standards that have to be set-up, maintained and configured. For a 'network ' to run efficiently there must be on-going trouble shooting, with regular re-programming & reconfiguring. With the shift towards complete system-integration of voice and data in modern day corporate workplaces (not forgetting armed forces and other environments), Cisco is at the height of all contemporary communications.

One feature that several companies offer is job placement assistance. This is to steer you into your first IT role. Often, there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, because it's really not that difficult for a well trained and motivated person to find work in the IT industry - as employers are keen to find appropriately skilled employees.

However, don't wait till you have qualified before getting your CV updated. As soon as your training commences, list what you're working on and place it on jobsites! Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is better than being rejected. A surprising amount of junior positions are given to trainees (who've only just left first base.) If you'd like to get employment in your home town, then you may well find that a specialist locally based employment agency may serve you better than a national service, because they are much more inclined to have insider knowledge of local employment needs.

Not inconsiderable numbers of people, apparently, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (sometimes for years), only to give up at the first hurdle when attempting to secure a job. Sell yourself... Do everything you can to put yourself out there. Don't expect a job to just fall into your lap.

Please understand this most important point: It's essential to obtain proper 24x7 round-the-clock instructor and mentor support. You'll severely regret it if you don't follow this rule rigidly. Many only provide email support (too slow), and phone support is often to a call-centre who will just take down the issue and email it over to their technical team - who will call back over the next day or so (assuming you're there), when it suits them. This is no use if you're stuck and can't continue and only have a specific time you can study.

As long as you look hard, you will find professional training packages who recommend and use direct-access online support at all times - at any time of day or night. Search out an educator that offers this level of study support. Only proper live 24x7 round-the-clock support delivers what is required.

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