| The CCNA is the way to go for Cisco training. This | | | | messaging service when it's outside of usual working |
| allows you to handle the maintenance and installation | | | | hours. Training schools will give you every excuse in |
| of routers and switches. The internet is made up of | | | | the book why you don't need this. Essentially - you |
| many routers, and large companies that have different | | | | want to be supported when you need the help - not at |
| locations utilise them to connect their computer | | | | times when they find it cheaper to provide it. |
| networks. | | | | Be on the lookout for study programmes that have |
| It's important to have an understanding of the operating | | | | multiple support offices across multiple time-zones. |
| and functioning of computer networks, as networks | | | | Each one should be integrated to give a single entry |
| are connected to routers. If not, the chances are you'll | | | | point and also access round-the-clock, when it's |
| fall behind. Better to find a course teaching basic | | | | convenient for you, with no fuss. Don't compromise |
| networking skills (CompTIA Network+ as an example - | | | | where support is concerned. Most trainees that give |
| maybe with the A+ as well) before you start a CCNA | | | | up, would have had a different experience if they'd got |
| course. Look for a training provider that can offer this | | | | the right support package in the first place. |
| as a career package. | | | | A skilled and practiced consultant (in contrast with a |
| Find a tailored route that covers everything to make | | | | salesperson) will cover in some detail your abilities and |
| sure that you have comprehensive skills and abilities | | | | experience. There is no other way of establishing your |
| before embarking on the Cisco skills. | | | | starting level of study. With a little work-based |
| Don't accept anything less than accredited simulation | | | | experience or base qualifications, you could discover |
| materials and an exam preparation system included in | | | | that your appropriate starting-point is very different to |
| your course. Confirm that the exams you practice | | | | someone completely new. Commencing with a |
| haven't just got questions in the right areas, but ask | | | | foundation course first can be the best way to get into |
| them in the way the real exams will formulate them. | | | | your computer studies, but really depends on your level |
| This really messes up people if they're faced with | | | | of familiarity with computers. |
| unrecognisable phrases and formats. Why don't you | | | | Be careful that the accreditation you're working |
| verify your knowledge through quizzes and mock ups | | | | towards are commercially relevant and are current. |
| of exams to get you ready for the actual exam. | | | | 'In-house' certificates are not normally useful in gaining |
| Student support is absolutely essential - ensure you | | | | employment. The main industry leaders like Microsoft, |
| track down something that provides 24x7 direct | | | | Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco all have nationally |
| access, as anything else will annoy you and definitely | | | | renowned proficiency courses. These big-hitters will |
| impede your ability to learn. Always avoid training | | | | make sure you're employable. |
| courses that only support trainees via a call-centre | | | | |