Training in Cisco is intended for individuals who want to learn about network switches and routers. Routers join up computer networks over the internet or lines dedicated for that purpose. It’s likely that your first course should be the CCNA. Avoid jumping straight into your CCNP because it is very complex – and you need to work up to it to take on this level.

Routers are linked to networks, therefore it is vital to have an understanding of how networks operate, or you’ll have difficulty gaining the training and be unable to follow the work. Seek out a program that includes basic networking skills (such as CompTIA) before you get going on CCNA.

If routers are a new thing for you, then studying up to CCNA is all you’ll be able to cope with – don’t be pushed into attempting your CCNP. With a few years experience behind you, you can decide if it’s appropriate for you to go to the level of CCNP.

We need to make this very clear: You absolutely must have proper 24×7 professional support from mentors and instructors. You will have so many problems later if you don’t heed this. Locate training schools where you can receive help at any time of day or night (no matter if it’s in the middle of the night on a weekend!) You want direct access to tutors, and not a call-centre that will take messages so you’re parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back – probably during office hours.

Be on the lookout for colleges that incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. Each one should be integrated to offer a simple interface and round-the-clock access, when you need it, without any problems. Don’t accept second best with the quality of your support. Many would-be IT professionals that fall by the wayside, are in that situation because they didn’t get the support necessary for them.

A knowledgeable and specialised advisor (vs a salesman) will cover in some detail your current experience level and abilities. This is useful for working out the point at which you need to start your studies. If you have a strong background, or sometimes a little work-based experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it’s more than likely the point from which you begin your studies will be very different from someone who is just starting out. For students beginning IT exams and training anew, it’s often a good idea to avoid jumping in at the deep-end, kicking off with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can easily be incorporated into any educational course.

Many people question why traditional academic studies are now falling behind more commercial certificates? Industry is of the opinion that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, official accreditation from such organisations as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA often is more effective in the commercial field – and a fraction of the cost and time. Academic courses, for instance, become confusing because of a lot of background study – and a syllabus that’s too generalised. This holds a student back from getting enough specific knowledge about the core essentials.

It’s rather like the advert: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they’re assured that a potential employee can do exactly what’s required. Check out Microsoft SQL – the inside track for well-rounded news.

Don’t put too much store, as can often be the case, on the training process. You’re not training for the sake of training; this is about gaining commercial employment. Begin and continue with the end in mind. It’s common, in some situations, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study but end up spending 10 or 20 years in a career that does nothing for you, as a consequence of not performing some decent due-diligence when you should’ve – at the outset.

Make sure you investigate your feelings on career progression and earning potential, plus your level of ambition. You should understand what industry expects from you, what particular exams they want you to have and in what way you can develop commercial experience. Our recommendation would be to take advice from an experienced professional before making your final decision on a study programme, so you’re sure from the outset that the chosen route will give you the skills necessary.

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