If it's Cisco training you're after, but you're new to working with network switches or routers, you most probably should start with the Cisco CCNA qualification. This will provide you with skills for setting up and maintaining routers. The internet is constructed from huge numbers of routers, and national or international corporations with various different locations also use them to connect their computer networks.
To take this course, you should be clear on how computer networks operate and function, because networks are linked to routers. Otherwise, you'll probably struggle. We'd recommend you find a course teaching basic networking skills (CompTIA Network+ as an example - maybe with the A+ as well) and then do a CCNA course. Some companies will design a bespoke package for you.
Qualifying up to the CCNA level is what you should be aiming for - at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP for now. Once you've worked for a few years you'll know if this next level is for you. If it is, you'll be much more capable to succeed at that stage - because you'll know so much more by then.
Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance service, to help you into your first commercial role. Because of the massive need for more IT skills in this country at the moment, it's not necessary to make too much of this option though. It's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to land a job as long as you're correctly trained and certified.
Help with your CV and interview techniques should be offered (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). Be sure to you polish up your CV immediately - not after you've qualified! You may not have got to the stage where you've got to the exam time when you will get your initial junior support role; although this can't and won't happen unless you've posted your CV on job sites. The most efficient companies to help you land that job are usually local IT focused employment agencies. As they will get paid by the employer when they've placed you, they're perhaps more focused on results.
A constant aggravation of various training course providers is how much people are prepared to work to get top marks in their exams, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the job they have qualified for. Don't give up when the best is yet to come.
Ignore a salesperson who recommends a training program without a thorough investigation so as to understand your abilities and level of experience. Ensure that they have a expansive range of products so they can solve your training issues. An important point to note is that, if you've got any qualifications that are related, then you will often be able to begin at a different level to someone who is new to the field. Consider starting with user-skills and software training first. This can often make the slope up to the higher-levels a little less steep.
It's essential to have the most up to date Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Make sure that the exams you practice aren't just asking you the right questions on the correct subjects, but also asking them in the way the real exams will formulate them. It throws trainees if they're met with completely different formats and phraseologies. Simulations and practice exams are enormously valuable as a resource to you - so that when you come to take the real thing, you don't get uptight.
Training support for students is an absolute must - look for a package that provides 24x7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also hold up your pace and restrict your intake. Don't accept study programmes that only provide support to you with an out-sourced call-centre message system after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Companies will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. But, no matter how they put it - you want support at the appropriate time - not when it suits them.
Be on the lookout for training programs that have multiple support offices across multiple time-zones. These should be integrated to offer a simple interface as well as 24x7 access, when it suits you, with no fuss. Never make do with less than this. Online 24x7 support is really your only option for technical study. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for most of us, we're out at work at the time when most support is available.
Look at the following facts in detail if you believe that old marketing ploy of an 'Exam Guarantee' sounds great value:
Clearly it's not free - you're still being charged for it - the cost has just been rolled into the whole training package. Evidence shows that if students pay for their own exams, one at a time, they'll be in a better position to pass first time - because they are conscious of what they've paid and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.
Look for the very best offer you can at the time, and hang on to your cash. You also get more choice of where you sit the exam - meaning you can choose a local testing centre. Paying in advance for examination fees (which also includes interest if you've taken out a loan) is a false economy. Don't line companies bank accounts with your money just to give them more interest! There are those who hope that you won't get round to taking them - so they don't need to pay for them. The majority of organisations will require you to sit pre-tests and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.
Prometric and VUE exams are approximately 112 pounds in the UK. What's the point of paying huge fees for 'exam guarantees' (often hidden in the cost) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.
To take this course, you should be clear on how computer networks operate and function, because networks are linked to routers. Otherwise, you'll probably struggle. We'd recommend you find a course teaching basic networking skills (CompTIA Network+ as an example - maybe with the A+ as well) and then do a CCNA course. Some companies will design a bespoke package for you.
Qualifying up to the CCNA level is what you should be aiming for - at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP for now. Once you've worked for a few years you'll know if this next level is for you. If it is, you'll be much more capable to succeed at that stage - because you'll know so much more by then.
Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance service, to help you into your first commercial role. Because of the massive need for more IT skills in this country at the moment, it's not necessary to make too much of this option though. It's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to land a job as long as you're correctly trained and certified.
Help with your CV and interview techniques should be offered (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). Be sure to you polish up your CV immediately - not after you've qualified! You may not have got to the stage where you've got to the exam time when you will get your initial junior support role; although this can't and won't happen unless you've posted your CV on job sites. The most efficient companies to help you land that job are usually local IT focused employment agencies. As they will get paid by the employer when they've placed you, they're perhaps more focused on results.
A constant aggravation of various training course providers is how much people are prepared to work to get top marks in their exams, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the job they have qualified for. Don't give up when the best is yet to come.
Ignore a salesperson who recommends a training program without a thorough investigation so as to understand your abilities and level of experience. Ensure that they have a expansive range of products so they can solve your training issues. An important point to note is that, if you've got any qualifications that are related, then you will often be able to begin at a different level to someone who is new to the field. Consider starting with user-skills and software training first. This can often make the slope up to the higher-levels a little less steep.
It's essential to have the most up to date Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Make sure that the exams you practice aren't just asking you the right questions on the correct subjects, but also asking them in the way the real exams will formulate them. It throws trainees if they're met with completely different formats and phraseologies. Simulations and practice exams are enormously valuable as a resource to you - so that when you come to take the real thing, you don't get uptight.
Training support for students is an absolute must - look for a package that provides 24x7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also hold up your pace and restrict your intake. Don't accept study programmes that only provide support to you with an out-sourced call-centre message system after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Companies will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. But, no matter how they put it - you want support at the appropriate time - not when it suits them.
Be on the lookout for training programs that have multiple support offices across multiple time-zones. These should be integrated to offer a simple interface as well as 24x7 access, when it suits you, with no fuss. Never make do with less than this. Online 24x7 support is really your only option for technical study. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for most of us, we're out at work at the time when most support is available.
Look at the following facts in detail if you believe that old marketing ploy of an 'Exam Guarantee' sounds great value:
Clearly it's not free - you're still being charged for it - the cost has just been rolled into the whole training package. Evidence shows that if students pay for their own exams, one at a time, they'll be in a better position to pass first time - because they are conscious of what they've paid and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.
Look for the very best offer you can at the time, and hang on to your cash. You also get more choice of where you sit the exam - meaning you can choose a local testing centre. Paying in advance for examination fees (which also includes interest if you've taken out a loan) is a false economy. Don't line companies bank accounts with your money just to give them more interest! There are those who hope that you won't get round to taking them - so they don't need to pay for them. The majority of organisations will require you to sit pre-tests and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.
Prometric and VUE exams are approximately 112 pounds in the UK. What's the point of paying huge fees for 'exam guarantees' (often hidden in the cost) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.
About the Author:
(C) Jason Kendall. Hop over to LearningLolly.com for in-depth information on Cisco Certification and CCNA Courses.
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