The MCSA course is perfect for those thinking of getting into network support. Whether you want to get going or have previous knowledge but need to improve your CV with certification, it’s possible to achieve your goals with the right training.

Each level should have a specialised course, so verify that the course is right for you in advance of spending your money. Search for a company that takes the time to learn what you’re looking to do, and can help you work out how it will all work, before they select your course.

Watch out that all qualifications you’re studying for are commercially relevant and are current. Training companies own certificates are generally useless.

The main industry leaders like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA have nationally acknowledged proficiency programmes. Huge conglomerates such as these will make your CV stand-out.

One area often overlooked by people considering a training program is that of ‘training segmentation’. Basically, this means how the program is broken down into parts for delivery to you, which can make a dramatic difference to where you end up.

By and large, you will purchase a course taking 1-3 years and get sent one module each time you pass an exam. While this may sound logical on one level, consider this:

What happens when you don’t complete every section? And what if you find the order of the modules counter-intuitive? Without any fault on your part, you might take a little longer and not get all the study materials as a result.

The ideal solution is to have all the learning modules packed off to you immediately; the whole caboodle! Then, nothing can hinder the reaching of your goals.

Student support is absolutely essential – find a program that provides 24×7 direct access, as not obtaining this level of support will severely put a damper on the speed you move through things.

You’ll be waiting ages for an answer with email based support, and phone support is usually just a call-centre that will make some notes and then email an advisor – who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, when it’s convenient to them. This is no good if you’re lost and confused and have a one hour time-slot in which to study.

The most successful trainers have many support offices across multiple time-zones. An online system provides an interactive interface to link them all seamlessly, at any time you choose, there is always help at hand, avoiding all the delays and problems.

Unless you insist on online 24×7 support, you’ll quickly find yourself regretting it. You may not need it during late nights, but what about weekends, early mornings or late evenings.

Traditional teaching in classrooms, utilising reference manuals and books, is usually pretty hard going. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, find training programs which feature interactive and multimedia modules.

Many studies have proved that long term memory is improved when we use all our senses, and we get practically involved in what we’re studying.

You can now study via easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM’s. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you’ll absorb the modules, one by one, by way of their teaching and demonstrations. Then you test your knowledge by utilising the practice lab’s and modules.

Be sure to get a demonstration of the study materials from the school that you’re considering. The materials should incorporate instructor videos, demonstrations, slide-shows and interactive labs where you get to practice.

It doesn’t make sense to go for purely on-line training. Due to the variable nature of connection quality from most broadband providers, it makes sense to have physical media such as CD or DVD ROM’s.

(C) 2010 S. Edwards. Visit Cisco CCNA or www.ITTraining4IT.co.uk.