If you think Cisco training might be for you, but you've no practical experience with routers or network switches, you should first attempt a CCNA course. This will provide you with knowledge and skills to work with routers. The internet is made up of hundreds of thousands of routers, and large commercial ventures with several locations also utilise routers to keep their networks in touch.
Because routers join up networks, look for a program which teaches the basics (for example Network+, perhaps with A+) before you start a CCNA. You must have a basic grasp of networks before you start a Cisco course or you'll probably struggle. When you've qualified and are on the job market, you'll benefit from having a good knowledge of networks in addition to the CCNA.
The CCNA qualification is more than adequate; don't be cajoled into attempting your CCNP. With experience, you'll find out whether you need to train up to this level. If so, you'll have the knowledge you need to master your CCNP - because it's a difficult qualification to master - and shouldn't be looked upon as otherwise.
A lot of training providers will only offer support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later; not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly. Look for training with help available at any time of day or night (no matter if it's in the middle of the night on a weekend!) Ensure you get access directly to professional tutors, and not a message system as this will slow you down - waiting for tutors to call you back during office hours.
Keep your eyes open for training schools that have multiple support offices active in different time-zones. All of them should be combined to offer a simple interface together with 24 hours-a-day access, when you want it, with no hassle. Don't ever make the mistake of taking second best when it comes to your support. The vast majority of IT hopefuls that fall by the wayside, are in that situation because they didn't get the support necessary for them.
Locating job security nowadays is problematic. Companies can throw us out of the workforce with very little notice - whenever it suits. Now, we only experience security in a swiftly rising market, driven forward by work-skills shortages. It's this shortage that creates the correct setting for a higher level of market-security - a much more desirable situation.
The IT skills shortage throughout the country is standing at roughly 26 percent, as reported by the most recent e-Skills survey. To explain it in a different way, this means that Great Britain can only locate 3 certified professionals for each 4 positions that are available currently. This one concept in itself underpins why Great Britain needs so many more workers to get trained and become part of the IT sector. We can't imagine if a better time or market circumstances is ever likely to exist for obtaining certification in this rapidly expanding and evolving market.
It's likely that you're quite practically minded - the 'hands-on' type. If you're anything like us, the trial of reading reference books and manuals is something you'll make yourself do if you have to, but you'd hate it. Check out video-based multimedia instruction if you'd really rather not use books. Learning psychology studies show that much more of what we learn in remembered when we use all our senses, and we take action to use what we've learned.
Programs are now found in disc format, so you can study at your own computer. Video streaming means you can watch instructors demonstrating how to do something, with some practice time to follow - in a virtual lab environment. Always insist on a demonstration of the study materials from your training provider. The package should contain slide-shows, instructor-led videos and fully interactive skills-lab's.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Ideally, you should opt for CD and DVD ROM courseware where available, as you need to be able to use them whenever it's convenient for you - ISP quality varies, so you don't want to be totally reliant on a quality and continuous internet connection.
Get rid of the typical salesman who recommends a training program without performing a 'fact-find' so as to understand your abilities and experience level. Make sure they can draw from a generous stable of training programs from which they could solve your training issues. In some circumstances, the training start-point for someone experienced in some areas is often massively dissimilar to someone without. It's wise to consider some basic user skills first. This can help whip your basic knowledge into shape and make the slope up to the higher-levels a a little easier.
