Should you be looking for Cisco training and you're new to routers, the right certification is CCNA. This training course was created to instruct individuals looking to have practical know how on routers. Big organisations who have a number of branches use routers to join up computer networks in different rooms to allow their networks to keep in touch. The Internet also is based on huge numbers of routers.

It's very probable you'll get a job with an internet service provider or possibly a large or international company that's on many locations but needs to keep in touch. This specialised skill set is highly paid.

The CCNA qualification is where you need to be aiming - don't be cajoled into attempting your CCNP for now. Once you've got a few years experience behind you, you will know if you need to train up to this level. Should that be the case, you'll have a much better chance of succeeding - because you'll have so much more experience.

The challenge of exactly how to imitate a Cisco 'environment' to practise for exams is frequently overlooked. Microsoft trainees preparing for an 'MCSE' for instance can 'network' a handful of old PC's in their own home to practice on. This can't be done with 'Cisco' - to create any kind of beneficial environment you would need complex routers & hardware, as well as a large number of PCs and further really expensive technology. Cisco approved 'visualisers' and network simulation programs are really the only acceptable answer. These supply an on-screen software-system, that enables you to effectively develop large-scale virtual networks & test them, down to specific router & data switch versions, along with having the ability to 'interrogate' the packages of data whilst they traverse the network. A software program of this nature is precisely what sets training-programs apart - it's not a good idea to think about any 'Cisco' training which doesn't feature it. We have included 'RouterSim's' 'CCNA' Network Visualiser in each of our CCNA career-tracks - it's a very well regarded 'simulator' and certainly among the finest we tested.

Look at the points below in detail if you think the marketing blurb about 'guaranteeing' exams sounds like a benefit to the student:

They've allowed costings for it somehow. It's definitely not free - they've simply charged more for the whole training package. People who take exams one at a time, funding them one at a time are far more likely to pass first time. They're conscious of their investment and revise more thoroughly to be ready for the task.

Doesn't it make more sense to hold on to your money and pay for the exam at the appropriate time, rather than coughing up months or even a year or two in advance to a training company, and to take it closer to home - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer? Buying a course that includes payments for examination fees (and if you're financing your study there'll be interest on that) is a false economy. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with your money simply to help their cash-flow! A lot bank on the fact that you will never make it to exams - but they won't refund the cash. The majority of companies will insist that you take mock exams first and hold you back from re-takes until you've completely proven that you're likely to pass - making an 'exam guarantee' just about worthless.

Splashing out often many hundreds of pounds extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is remiss - when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.

Most people don't even think to ask about a vitally important element - the way the company segments the training materials, and into how many parts. The majority of training companies will set up a 2 or 3 year study programme, and courier the materials in pieces as you get to the end of each exam. If you think this sound logical, then consider this: How would they react if you didn't complete all the exams within the time limits imposed? Often the staged order doesn't work as well as some other structure would for you.

For maximum flexibility and safety, many trainees now want to have all their training materials (which they've now paid for) sent immediately, and not in a piecemeal fashion. You can then decide how fast or slow and in what order you want to finish things.