CCNA is where it all starts for training in Cisco. With it, you'll learn how to handle maintaining and installing routers. The internet is made up of many routers, and many large organisations that have various regional departments rely on them to allow their networks of computers to communicate.

Gaining this type of certification will most likely see you working for big organisations that have several locations, but who still want secure internal data communication. Alternatively, you may find yourself employed by an internet service provider. Both types of jobs command good salaries.

Getting your Cisco CCNA is the right level to aim for; don't be cajoled into attempting your CCNP. Once you've got a few years experience behind you, you can decide whether you need to train up to this level. If you decide to become more qualified, you'll have the knowledge you need for the CCNP - which is quite a hard qualification to acquire - and mustn't be entered into casually.

Many students come unstuck over a single training area very rarely considered: How the training is broken down and sent out to you. You may think that it makes sense (with most training taking 1-3 years for a full commercial certification,) for many training providers to send out one module at a time, as you pass each element. But: Maybe the order of study pushed by the company's salespeople doesn't suit all of us. And what if you don't finish all the elements within their timetable?

In an ideal situation, you'd ask for every single material to be delivered immediately - meaning you'll have all of them to come back to at any time in the future - whenever it suits you. This allows a variation in the order that you complete each objective if another more intuitive route presents itself.

Always expect the most up to date Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Due to the fact that the majority of IT examination boards come from the United States, you'll need to be used to the correct phraseology. It isn't good enough just answering any old technical questions - they have to be in the same format as the actual exams. For many reasons, it is vital to ensure that you're absolutely ready for the real exam prior to doing it. Revising simulated tests helps build your confidence and will save a lot of money on wasted exam attempts.

Consider the points below very carefully if you're inclined to think the marketing blurb about examination guarantees seems like a good idea:

It's become essential these days that we tend to be a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and most of us cotton on to the fact that we are actually being charged for it - they're not just being charitable and doling out freebies! The fact is that if a student pays for their relevant examinations, at the time of taking them, they will be much more likely to pass every time - since they are conscious of the cost and so will prepare more thoroughly.

Do the examinations at a local pro-metric testing centre and find the best exam deal or offer available then. A lot of extra profit is made by a number of companies who get money for exam fees in advance. Many students don't take them for one reason or another and so they pocket the rest. Astoundingly enough, providers exist who actually rely on students not sitting all the exams - as that's how they make a lot of their profit. In addition to this, you should consider what an 'exam guarantee' really means. The majority of organisations will not pay again for an exam until you're able to demonstrate an excellent mock pass rate.

Prometric and VUE exams are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in the UK. What's the point of paying huge 'Exam Guarantee' fees (often hidden in the cost) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.