The CCNA qualification is your entry level for training in Cisco. This allows you to deal with maintaining and installing routers and switches. Fundamentally, the internet is based upon huge numbers of routers, and many large organisations that have a number of branches use them to allow their networks of computers to communicate.

Getting this certification means you'll most probably find yourself working for large companies that have multiple departments and sites, but need to keep in touch. The other possibility is working for internet service providers. Both types of jobs command good salaries.

If routers are a new thing for you, then qualifying up to the CCNA level is definitely sufficient - at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP. When you've become more familiar with the work, you'll know if it's appropriate for you to go to the level of CCNP.

Commercial certification is now, most definitely, taking over from the more academic tracks into the IT sector - so why has this come about? Corporate based study (to use industry-speak) is more effective in the commercial field. The IT sector is aware that a specialist skill-set is vital to handle an acceleratingly technical world. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the key players in this arena. University courses, for example, often get bogged down in a lot of loosely associated study - and much too wide a syllabus. Students are then prevented from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.

Just like the advert used to say: 'It does what it says on the label'. The company just needs to know what they're looking for, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.

Incorporating examinations as an inclusive element of the package price then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status is common for many companies. However, let's consider what's really going on:

It's become essential these days that we tend to be a tad more knowledgeable about sales gimmicks - and generally we know that for sure it is something we're paying for (it's not a freebie because they like us so much!) It's well known in the industry that if students pay for each examination, one at a time, they'll be in a better position to pass every time - since they'll be conscious of their payment and their application will be greater.

Don't you think it's more sensible to find the best exam deal or offer at the time, not to pay the fees marked up by a training college, and also to sit exams more locally - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call? Big margins are netted by some training companies that incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. For quite legitimate reasons, a number of students don't get to do their exams but the company keeps the money. Astoundingly enough, there are providers that depend on students not taking their exams - as that's how they make a lot of their profit. Many training companies will require you to sit pre-tests and hold you back from re-takes until you've demonstrated an excellent ability to pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

Exams taken at local centres are around 112 pounds in Great Britain. Students should be very wary of forking out hundreds of pounds extra in 'Exam Guarantee' fees (most often hidden in the package) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and exam preparation systems and a dose of commitment and effort are what's required.

Get rid of a salesperson that just tells you what course you should do without an in-depth conversation to better understand your current abilities as well as experience level. They should be able to select from a wide-enough stable of training programs so they can give you a program that suits you.. It's worth remembering, if you have some relevant accreditation or direct-experience, then you can sometimes expect to pick-up at a different starting-point to a student who's starting from scratch. Consider starting with some basic user skills first. Beginning there can make the transition to higher-level learning a bit more manageable.

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