The CCNA is the usual starting point for all Cisco training. With it, you’ll learn how to operate on the maintenance and installation of routers and network switches. Basically, the internet comprises of vast numbers of routers, and commercial ventures that have different locations utilise them to allow their networks of computers to communicate.

Getting this qualification will most likely see you working for big organisations who have many locations, but still want internal communication. Alternatively, you may find yourself employed by internet service providers. Both types of jobs command good salaries.

If you haven’t yet had any experience of routers, then working up to and including the CCNA is the right level to aim for – you’re not yet ready for your CCNP. With a few years experience behind you, you will know if CCNP is something you want to do.

A question; why is it better to gain qualifications from the commercial sector as opposed to more traditional academic qualifications obtained from tech’ colleges and universities?

Industry is of the opinion that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, certified accreditation supplied for example by Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe often is more effective in the commercial field – at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.

Essentially, 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 focus on the exact skills required (along with a certain amount of crucial background) – without attempting to cover a bit about everything else (as academia often does).

The crux of the matter is this: Authorised IT qualifications let employers know exactly what you’re capable of – it says what you do in the title: as an example – I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network’. Therefore companies can look at their needs and what certifications are required to fulfil that.

You should remember: a training itself or the accreditation is not the ultimate goal; a job you’re training for is. Many trainers unfortunately place too much importance on the qualification itself.

It’s quite usual, in some situations, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study only to end up putting 20 long years into a job you hate, simply because you did it without the correct research at the outset.

Get to grips with the income level you aspire to and how ambitious you are. This can often control which exams will be expected and what industry will expect from you in return.

You’d also need help from a professional who understands the industry you think may suit you, and will be able to provide ‘A day in the life of’ synopsis for each job considered. This really is essential because you need to know if this change is right for you.

There is no way of over emphasising this: Always get full 24×7 professional support from mentors and instructors. You’ll definitely experience problems if you don’t follow this rule rigidly.

Beware of institutions that use messaging services ‘out-of-hours’ – where an advisor will call back during the next ‘working’ day. It’s not a lot of help when you’ve got study issues and could do with an answer during your scheduled study period.

The best training colleges opt for a web-based 24×7 package utilising a variety of support centres throughout multiple time-zones. You will have a single, easy-to-use environment that seamlessly accesses whichever office is appropriate at any time of day or night: Support available as-and-when you want it.

Don’t accept second best with the quality of your support. The vast majority of trainees who give up, just need the right support system.

Your training program should always include the most up to date Microsoft (or relevant organisation’s) authorised exam preparation packages.

Don’t fall foul of relying on unofficial preparation materials for exams. The way they’re phrased can be completely unlike authorised versions – and often this creates real issues once in the actual exam.

Why don’t you verify how much you know by doing tests and practice in simulated exam environments to get you ready for the real thing.

(C) 2009 S. Edwards. Check out Cisco CCNA or Click HERE.

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