A Cisco training course is the way to go for those who need to know all about routers and network switches. Routers connect networks of computers over the internet or lines dedicated for that purpose. It's most probable that your first course should be your CCNA. It's not advisable to launch directly into your CCNP as it is very advanced - and you'll need the CCNA and experience first before you take this on.
Because routers are linked to networks, it's important to know how networks function, or you'll struggle with the program and not be able to follow the work. Seek out a program that teaches the basics (for example CompTIA) and then move onto CCNA.
You'll need a tailored course that covers everything to ensure you've got the appropriate skills and abilities prior to embarking on the Cisco skills.
There is no way of over emphasising this: It's essential to obtain proper 24x7 round-the-clock instructor support. Later, you'll kick yourself if you don't follow this rule rigidly. Try and find training where you can access help at all hours of the day and night (even 1am on Sunday morning!) You want direct access to tutors, and not simply some messaging service that means you're constantly waiting for a call-back at a convenient time for them.
Keep your eyes open for training programs that use several support centres across multiple time-zones. All of them should be combined to provide a single interface as well as 24x7 access, when you need it, without any problems. Don't ever make the mistake of taking second best when it comes to your support. The vast majority of would-be IT professionals who can't get going properly, are in that situation because of support (or the lack of).
A knowledgeable and specialised consultant (in contrast with a salesperson) will cover in some detail your abilities and experience. This is paramount to understanding your starting level of study. Where you have a strong background, or perhaps a bit of live experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then it's likely the point from which you begin your studies will be quite dissimilar from someone who is just starting out. If this is going to be your initial effort at an IT exam then you may want to start with an user-skills course first.
Sometimes trainees presume that the state educational track is still the most effective. So why is commercial certification becoming more in demand? Industry is of the opinion that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, certified accreditation from companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised - and a fraction of the cost and time. Typically, only required knowledge is taught. It's slightly more broad than that, but the principle objective is to cover the precise skills needed (with some necessary background) - without going into too much detail in every other area - in the way that academic establishments often do.
Just as the old advertisement said: 'It does what it says on the label'. Companies need only to know where they have gaps, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.
Many companies only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and avoid focusing on why you're doing this - which is of course employment. Your focus should start with where you want to get to - don't get hung-up on the training vehicle. It's possible, for instance, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study but end up spending 10 or 20 years in a tiresome job role, as a consequence of not performing the correct research at the beginning.
Take time to understand how you feel about career progression and earning potential, and if you're ambitious or not. It makes sense to understand what the role will demand of you, what qualifications are required and where you'll pick-up experience from. Chat with an experienced advisor who has a commercial understanding of the realities faced in the industry, and is able to give you a detailed description of what to expect in that role. Getting all these things right long before commencement of any training path makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?
Author Resource:
Go to my site for excellent recommendations now: MCSA 2008 Training uncovered or Office Certification Training .
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