Cisco Training Around The UK Considered

By Jason Kendall

CCNA is the way to go for training in Cisco. This will enable you to work on the maintenance and installation of routers and network switches. The internet is made up of many routers, and large companies that have various regional departments use them to allow their networks of computers to communicate.

Gaining this type of qualification will mean it's likely you'll end up working for national or international companies that have several different sites, but who still want secure internal data communication. On the other hand, you might end up joining internet service providers. This specialised skill set is highly paid.

Should this be your first introduction to routers, then working up to and including the CCNA is definitely sufficient - at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP. With a few years experience behind you, you can decide if it's appropriate for you to go to the level of CCNP.

Typically, a new trainee will not know to ask about something that can make a profound difference to their results - how their company divides up the training materials, and into what particular chunks.

Many companies enrol you into a program spread over 1-3 years, and send out each piece as you get to the end of each exam. Sounds reasonable? Well consider these facts:

What if you don't finish every exam? And what if you find the order of the modules counter-intuitive? Through no fault of your own, you may go a little slower and not receive all the modules you've paid for.

An ideal situation would be to have all your study materials sent to your home before you even start; the entire package! Then, nothing can hinder your progress.

Adding in the cost of examination fees as an inclusive element of the package price and offering an 'Exam Guarantee' is popular with many training course providers. But look at the facts:

Certainly it isn't free - you're still coughing up for it - it's just been wrapped up in the price of the package.

It's well known in the industry that when trainees fund each progressive exam, at the time of taking them, the chances are they're going to pass first time - since they are conscious of the cost and will therefore apply themselves appropriately.

Does it really add up to pay a training company at the start of the course for exams? Go for the best offer when you take the exam, instead of paying any mark-up - and do it locally - rather than possibly hours away from your area.

A lot of unscrupulous training companies secure big margins because they're getting paid for examinations upfront then banking on the fact that many won't be taken.

In addition to this, you should consider what an 'exam guarantee' really means. Many training companies won't pay for re-takes until you can prove to them you're ready to pass.

Prometric and VUE exams are approximately 112 pounds in Great Britain. Why pay exorbitant charges for 'Exam Guarantees' (often hidden in the cost) - when a quality course, support and study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

All programs you're considering should always lead to a properly recognised certification at the end - and not a worthless 'in-house' plaque for your wall.

From an employer's viewpoint, only the major heavyweights such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe (to give some examples) provide enough commercial weight. Nothing else will cut the mustard.

Being a part of the information technology industry is amongst the most stimulating and innovative industries you could be involved with. Being a member of a team working on breakthroughs in technology puts you at the fore-front of developments affecting everyone who lives in the 21st century.

Computer technology and connections via the internet will spectacularly affect the direction of our lives over future years; overwhelmingly so.

Incomes in IT are not a problem either - the income on average in the UK for an average IT employee is much better than in the rest of the economy. Odds are you'll make a whole lot more than you would in most other jobs.

The search for properly certified IT professionals is assured for many years to come, due to the continuous increase in the technology industry and the vast shortage that remains. - 29852

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