Should you be interested in training in Cisco, a CCNA is in all probability what you'll need. Training in Cisco is fundamentally for those who need to know all about routers and network switches. Routers connect computer networks to other networks of computers over dedicated lines or the internet.

The sort of jobs available with this type of qualification mean you'll be more likely to work for national or international companies that have various different locations but need their computer networks to talk to each other. Or, you may move on to joining an internet service provider. Both types of jobs command good salaries.

You'll need a specially designed course that covers everything to ensure you have the correct skill set and knowledge prior to getting going with Cisco.

Now, why is it better to gain commercially accredited qualifications instead of traditional academic qualifications gained through the state educational establishments? Accreditation-based training (in industry terminology) is far more specialised and product-specific. The IT sector has realised that specialisation is vital to cope with a technically advancing commercial environment. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe are the dominant players. Many degrees, as a example, become confusing because of vast amounts of background study - with much too broad a syllabus. Students are then prevented from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.

Just like the advert used to say: 'It does what it says on the tin'. All an employer has to do is know what they need doing, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. They'll know then that all applicants can do what they need.

Being a part of the leading edge of new technology gives you the best job satisfaction ever. You're involved with shaping the next few decades. We're barely starting to comprehend how all this will mould and change our lives. How we communicate and interact with everyone around us will be profoundly affected by computers and the internet.

And don't forget salaries either - the typical remuneration in Great Britain for the usual IT worker is considerably more than in the rest of the economy. Odds are you'll make a much greater package than you'd expect to earn doing other work. Demand for well trained and qualified IT technicians is certain for a good while yet, thanks to the substantial growth in IT dependency in commerce and the huge skills gap that remains.

It's likely that you're a practical sort of person - a 'hands-on' individual. Usually, the painful task of reading endless manuals would be considered as a last resort, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. You should use video and multimedia based materials if learning from books is not your thing. If we can get all of our senses involved in our learning, then we normally see dramatically better results.

The latest home-based training features self-contained CD or DVD materials. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you'll learn your subject through their teaching and demonstrations. Knowledge can then be tested by interacting with the software and practicing yourself. Each company you're contemplating must be able to demonstrate some examples of the materials provided for study. You're looking for evidence of tutorial videos and demonstrations and a wide selection of interactive elements.

You'll find that many companies will only provide just online versions of their training packages; and while this is acceptable much of the time, imagine the problems if internet access is lost or you get intermittent problems and speed issues. A safer solution is the provision of DVD or CD discs which removes the issue entirely.

Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - inevitably that means paying for the exams before you've even made a start on the course. Before you get carried away with guaranteed exams, be aware of the facts:

It's very clear we're ultimately paying for it - it's not so hard to see that it's already been included in the full cost of the package supplied by the course provider. It's definitely not free - and it's insulting that we're supposed to think it is! Trainees who go in for their examinations when it's appropriate, paying for them just before taking them are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They're thoughtful of their spending and take the necessary steps to ensure they are ready.

Why should you pay the training college up-front for exams? Find the best exam deal or offer when you're ready, rather than pay marked up fees - and take it closer to home - rather than possibly hours away from your area. Paying upfront for exams (and interest charges if you're borrowing money) is bad financial management. It's not your job to boost the training company's account with extra money of yours simply to help their cash-flow! Many will hope you won't get to do them all - so they get to keep the extra funds. Most companies will require you to sit pre-tests and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you have proved to them you have a good chance of passing - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric examinations in the United Kingdom costing around 112 pounds, the most cost-effective way to cover the cost is by paying when you need them. It's not in the student's interests to fork out hundreds or thousands of pounds for exams when enrolling on a course. Commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

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