If it's Cisco training you're after, but you haven't worked with network switches or routers, then you'll need the Cisco CCNA qualification. This will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand routers. The world wide web is built up of many routers, and national or international corporations with several locations also utilise routers to connect their computer networks.

It's vital that you already know a good deal about computer networks and how they operate and function, because networks are linked to routers. Otherwise, you'll probably struggle. You might look for a course covering the basics (CompTIA Network+ as an example - maybe with the A+ as well) and then do a CCNA course. Some providers offer this as a career track.

The CCNA qualification is more than adequate; don't be cajoled into attempting your CCNP. After gaining experience in the working environment, you can decide if this level is required. If you decide to become more qualified, you'll have the knowledge you require to take on your CCNP - which is quite a hard qualification to acquire - and shouldn't be taken lightly.

You'll come across courses which guarantee examination passes - this always means you have to pay for the exams before you've even made a start on the course. However, prior to embracing this so-called guarantee, look at the following:

They've allowed costings for it ultimately. One thing's for sure - it isn't free - it's just been rolled into the price of the whole package. Trainees who take each progressive exam, funding them one at a time are far more likely to pass first time. They are aware of their investment and revise more thoroughly to ensure they are ready.

Does it really add up to pay your training company in advance for exam fees? Hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, instead of paying any mark-up - and sit exams more locally - rather than in some remote place. A great deal of money is netted by many training colleges that take the exam money up-front. For various reasons, many students don't take their exams and so the company is quids-in. Surprising as it sounds, there are providers that actually bank on it - as that's how they make a lot of their profit. It's worth noting that exam re-takes via organisations who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' are monitored with tight restrictions. They will insist that you take pre-tests first until you've proven that you're likely to pass.

With average Prometric and VUE examinations coming in at around 112 pounds in the UK, it's common sense to fund them one by one. There's no sense in throwing away maybe a thousand pounds extra at the start of your studies. Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

The market provides an excess of jobs and positions available in the IT industry. Picking the right one for you is generally problematic. Flicking through a list of IT job-titles is just a waste of time. Most of us have no idea what our next-door neighbours do at work each day - so we have no hope of understanding the intricacies of a new IT role. Reflection on these different points is essential when you need to dig down the right answer for you:

* Your personality type and interests - which working tasks you love or hate.

* Are you hoping to get qualified due to a precise motive - i.e. do you aim to work based from home (working for yourself?)?

* Does salary have a higher place on your priority-list than anything else.

* With so many areas to train for in the IT industry - it's wise to get some background information on what sets them apart.

* Having a good look at what commitment and time you'll make available.

When all is said and done, the best way of understanding everything necessary is by means of a long chat with someone who has enough background to provide solid advice.

Don't listen to the typical salesperson who pushes one particular program without a thorough investigation to assess your abilities plus your experience level. Ensure that they have a large product range so they're able to solve your training issues. With some commercial experience or some accreditation, your starting-point of learning is now at a different level to a new student. Commencing with a basic PC skills module first will sometimes be the most effective way to commence your IT studies, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.

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