To provide networking experts with the skills they need to work in this particular field, Cisco offer an array of training tracks and accreditations. Usually though, almost all people will begin at the same point, before they move on through the increasingly complex myriad of 'Cisco' qualification. The 'Cisco' CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) training program contains two exams, which will equip the right starting applicant with the necessary skill in installation, configuration, operation, and trouble-shooting of medium-sized enterprise level router & data-switched networks.

Have a conversation with any knowledgeable consultant and you'll be surprised by their many terrible tales of students who've been conned by dodgy salespeople. Make sure you deal with an experienced industry advisor that digs deep to find out what's right for you - not for their wallet! You must establish a starting-point that will suit you. With a strong background, or maybe some live experience (some certifications gained previously perhaps?) then it could be that your starting level will be different from a trainee who has no experience. For those students embarking on IT studies for the first time, you might like to break yourself in gently, by working on some basic PC skills training first. Usually this is packaged with any study program.

It's not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - inevitably that means paying for the exams at the start of your training. But before you get taken in by the chance of a guarantee, be aware of the facts:

Everybody's aware that they're still footing the bill for it - it's not so hard to see that it's already been included in the overall figure from the college. It's absolutely not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! If you want to get a first time pass, evidence suggests you must fund each exam as you take it, give it the necessary attention and apply yourself as required.

Do the examinations at a local pro-metric testing centre and hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take it. What's the point in paying early for exams when you didn't need to? A great deal of money is secured by training companies getting money in early for exam fees - and banking on the fact that many won't be taken. Also, many exam guarantees are worthless. The majority of companies won't be prepared to pay for you to re-take until you're able to demonstrate an excellent mock pass rate.

With average Prometric and VUE tests costing in the region of 112 pounds in this country, it makes sense to pay as you go. There's no sense in throwing away maybe a thousand pounds extra at the start of your studies. Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

You should look for accredited simulation materials and an exam preparation system as part of your training package. Ensure that the exams you practice haven't just got questions on the right subjects, but ask them in the way that the actual final exam will structure them. It throws people if they're met with completely different formats and phraseologies. Be sure to ask for exam preparation tools so you'll be able to verify your knowledge at any point. Simulations of exams add to your knowledge bank - so you're much more at ease with the real thing.

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