A Cisco training course is intended for individuals who wish to work with network switches and routers. Routers join up computer networks over the internet or dedicated lines. It's likely that initially you should go for CCNA. It's not advisable to launch directly into the CCNP as it is very advanced - and you'll need the CCNA and experience first to have a go at this.

Getting this qualification will mean it's likely you'll end up working for large companies that have a wide geographical spread, but still need contact. The other possibility is working for an internet service provider. This specialised skill set is highly paid.

The correct skill set and understanding prior to commencing your Cisco training is very important. Therefore, it's probably necessary to speak to an advisor who can fill you in on any gaps you may have.

The way in which your courseware is broken down for you is often missed by many students. In what way are your training elements sectioned? And in what sequence and at what speed is it delivered? Drop-shipping your training elements stage by stage, as you complete each module is the typical way that your program will arrive. This sounds logical, but you should take these factors into account: Maybe the order of study insisted on by the company won't suit you. And what if you don't finish all the modules within their timetable?

Truth be told, the very best answer is to obtain their recommendation on the best possible order of study, but to receive all the materials up-front. Everything is then in your possession in case you don't finish within their ideal time-table.

Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - inevitably that means paying for the exams at the start of your training. Before you jump at guaranteed exams, be aware of the facts:

Of course it isn't free - you're still paying for it - the price has simply been included in the whole thing. Trainees who enter their exams one by one, paying for them just before taking them are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They're aware of their investment and revise more thoroughly to be up to the task.

Why should you pay your training college early for examination fees? Hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, don't pay mark-ups - and take it closer to home - not at somewhere of their bidding. Big margins are netted by many training colleges who get money upfront for exam fees. For various reasons, many students don't take their exams but no refunds are given. Surprising as it sounds, there are companies around that actually bank on it - and that's how they increase their profits. It's also worth noting that many exam guarantees are worthless. The majority of organisations won't pay for you to re-take until you've completely satisfied them that you're ready this time.

VUE and Prometric examinations are in the region of 112 pounds in Britain at the time of writing. Why pay exorbitant 'Exam Guarantee' fees (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when a quality course, support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

We can't make a big enough deal out of this point: Always get full 24x7 professional support from mentors and instructors. You'll severely regret it if you don't. Beware of institutions that use 'out-of-hours' messaging systems - where an advisor will call back during typical 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.

World-class organisations opt for a web-based round-the-clock service involving many support centres across the globe. You're offered an environment that seamlessly selects the best facility available any time of the day or night: Support when it's needed. Don't under any circumstances take anything less. Direct-access round-the-clock support is the only way to go for computer-based learning. Maybe burning the midnight-oil is not your thing; but for the majority of us however, we're working at the time when most support is available.

OK, why should we consider commercially accredited qualifications instead of traditional academic qualifications taught at the state educational establishments? With an ever-increasing technical demand on resources, industry has moved to specialist courses that can only come from the vendors - namely companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe. Often this saves time and money for the student. In essence, the learning just focuses on what's actually required. It's not quite as straightforward as that, but principally the objective has to be to cover the precise skills needed (alongside some required background) - without trying to cram in all sorts of other things (as academia often does).

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Recognised IT certifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have - the title says it all: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Planning and Maintaining a Windows 2003 Infrastructure'. So an employer can identify just what their needs are and what certifications are needed for the job.

CompTIA Support Online Certification Training >>