The CCNA is where it all starts for Cisco training. This teaches you how to deal with maintaining and installing routers and network switches. The internet is made up of many routers, and big organisations that have a number of branches use them to allow their networks of computers to communicate.

It's vital that you already know a good deal about how computer networks operate and function, because computer networks are joined to routers. Without this you may encounter problems. We'd recommend you find a course teaching the basics in networking (CompTIA Network+ as an example - maybe with the A+ as well) before getting going with CCNA. Some companies will design a bespoke package for you.

Achieving CCNA is perfectly sufficient to start with; don't be pushed into attempting your CCNP. Once you've got a few years experience behind you, you'll know if it's relevant for you to have this next level up. If you decide to become more qualified, your experience will serve as the background you require to take on your CCNP - as it's a very complex course - and shouldn't be looked upon as otherwise.

The area most overlooked by those mulling over a new direction is the issue of 'training segmentation'. Basically, this means the method used to break up the program to be delivered to you, which can make a dramatic difference to where you end up. Typically, you'll enrol on a course staged over 2 or 3 years and receive a module at a time. This sounds logical on one level, until you consider this: What if you find the order insisted on by the company won't suit you. It may be difficult to get through all the modules within the time limits imposed?

In an ideal situation, you'd get ALL the training materials right at the beginning - so you'll have them all to come back to at any time in the future - at any time you choose. You can also vary the order in which you move through the program if you find another route more intuitive.

Only consider learning programmes which progress to industry accepted qualifications. There are far too many trainers promoting their own 'in-house' certificates that are essentially useless when it comes to finding a job. If the accreditation doesn't feature a major player like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco, then you'll probably find it could have been a waste of time and effort - as no-one will have heard of it.

Get rid of the typical salesman that offers any particular course without an in-depth conversation to gain understanding of your current abilities as well as experience level. Ensure that they have a wide-enough stable of training programs so they're able to give you a program that suits you.. In some circumstances, the starting point of study for a student with a little experience is often massively dissimilar to the student with no experience. For students beginning IT exams and training anew, you might like to break yourself in gently, starting with a user-skills course first. Usually this is packaged with most training programs.

The old fashioned style of teaching, utilising reference manuals and books, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If this describes you, look for learning programmes which have a majority of interactive, multimedia parts. Our ability to remember is increased with an involvement of all our senses - this has been an accepted fact in expert circles for as long as we can remember.

Programs are now found on CD and DVD discs, so you can study at your own computer. Utilising the latest video technology, you are able to see your instructors showing you how to perform the required skill, followed by your chance to practice - in an interactive lab. You'll definitely want a study material demo' from your training provider. You'll want to see slide-shows, instructor-led videos and lab's for you to practice your skills in.

Plump for disc based courseware (On CD or DVD) wherever available. This then avoids all the potential pitfalls with broadband 'downtime' or slow-speeds.

Microsoft Support Commercial Multimedia Home-Study Certification Courses >>