Should you be aspiring to become Cisco accredited, and you’ve not yet worked with routers, you should first attempt a CCNA course. This will give you the necessary skills to set up and maintain routers. Vast numbers of routers make up the internet, and large companies with many locations also rely on them to allow their networks to talk to each other.

Getting this certification will most likely see you working for national or international corporations who have many locations, but still want internal communication. On the other hand, you might end up joining an internet service provider. These jobs are well paid and in demand.

Having the right skills and knowledge ahead of starting the CCNA is very important. Therefore, it’s probably necessary to speak to an advisor who can fill you in on any gaps you may have.

If you’re like many of the students we talk to then you probably enjoy fairly practical work – a ‘hands-on’ personality type. If you’re anything like us, the trial of reading reference books and manuals can be just about bared when essential, but you’d hate it. Check out video-based multimedia instruction if learning from books is not your thing.

Many studies have proved that we remember much more when we use all our senses, and we get practically involved in what we’re studying.

Courses are now available via DVD-ROM discs, so everything is learned directly from your own PC. Video streaming means you can watch instructors demonstrating how something is done, with some practice time to follow – via the interactive virtual lab’s.

Each company you’re contemplating should be able to show you some simple examples of the materials provided for study. You’re looking for evidence of tutorial videos and demonstrations and interactive areas to practice in.

It’s unwise to go for purely on-line training. Due to the variable nature of connection quality from all internet service providers, make sure you get CD or DVD ROM based materials.

One useful service offered by some training providers is job placement assistance. It’s intention is to help you get your first commercial position. Sometimes, people are too impressed with this facility, as it is actually not that hard for any focused and well taught person to land work in the IT environment – as employers are keen to find appropriately trained staff.

Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews may be available (if it isn’t, consult one of our sites). Ensure you work on your old CV immediately – don’t leave it till you pass the exams!

Quite frequently, you will get your initial job whilst still on the course (sometimes when you’ve only just got going). If your course details aren’t on your CV (and it isn’t in the hands of someone with jobs to offer) then you aren’t even in the running!

Generally, an independent and specialised local recruitment consultant or service (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) should get better results than any recruitment division from a training organisation. It also stands to reason that they’ll know the local industry and employment needs.

Various men and women, apparently, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (for years sometimes), and then just stop instead of attempting to secure their first job. Introduce yourself… Work hard to get in front of employers. Good jobs don’t just knock on your door.

A key training program should incorporate Microsoft (or key company) exam simulation and preparation packages.

Often students can be thrown off course by trying to prepare themselves with questions that aren’t recognised by authorised sources. Often, the way questions are phrased is startlingly different and you need to be ready for this.

Why don’t you test whether you’re learning enough by doing tests and practice in simulated exam environments to get you ready for the real thing.

One crafty way that training companies make more money is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and then including an ‘Exam Guarantee’. This looks like a great idea for the student, but is it really:

It’s become essential these days that we are a bit more aware of hype – and generally we know that for sure we’re actually paying for it – they’re not just being charitable and doling out freebies!

For those who want to qualify first ‘go’, then the most successful route is to pay for one exam at a time, give it the necessary attention and give the task sufficient application.

Isn’t it in your interests to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance to a training company, and to do it locally – rather than in some remote centre?

A great deal of money is made by many companies who incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. Many students don’t take them for one reason or another but the company keeps the money. Amazingly, there are providers that rely on that fact – as that’s very profitable for them.

It’s worth noting, in the majority of cases of ‘exam guarantees’ – you are not in control of when you are allowed to have another go. You will have to demonstrate an excellent pass-rate before they’ll approve a re-take.

Paying maybe a thousand pounds extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is naive – when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will get you through.

Copyright Scott Edwards. Go to Distance Learning Course or www.CareerChangeJob.co.uk/pcachjo.html.