A Cisco training course is designed for people who wish to understand and work with routers and switches. Routers are what connect computer networks v...
A Cisco training course is designed for people who wish to understand and work with routers and switches. Routers are what connect computer networks via the internet or dedicated lines. It's likely that your first course should be your CCNA. It's not advisable to launch directly into the CCNP for it's full of complexities - and you need to work up to it to have a go at this.
Successfully achieving this certification means you'll most probably find yourself working for big organisations that have several locations,
but need to keep in touch. Alternatively, you may find yourself employed by internet service providers. This specialised skill set is highly paid.
The CCNA qualification is what you should be aiming for - don't be cajoled into attempting your CCNP straight away. Once you've got a few years experience behind you, you'll know if it's relevant for you to have this next level up. If you decide to become more qualified, you'll be in a better position to pass then - because you'll know so much more by then.
Including examination fees upfront then including an exam guarantee is popular with many training course providers. But look at the facts:
Obviously it isn't free - you're still being charged for it - the cost has just been rolled into the whole training package. Those who take exams one at a time, funding them as they go are much better placed to get through first time. They are conscious of what they've paid and prepare more appropriately to ensure they are ready.
Find the best exam deal or offer available when you're ready, and keep hold of your own money. In addition, it's then your choice where to do the examinations - which means you can stay local. Many so-called credible training course providers secure huge profits through getting paid for exam fees early then banking on the fact that many won't be taken. Remember, with most 'Exam Guarantees' - the company decides when you can re-take the exam. Subsequent exam attempts are only authorised at the company's say so.
Paying maybe a thousand pounds extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is remiss - when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is what will really guarantee success.
Don't accept anything less than the very latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised exam preparation packages. Students regularly can be thrown off course by trying to prepare themselves with questions that are not from official boards. It's not uncommon that the terminology in the real exams is unfamiliar and you should be prepared for this. Always request some practice exams so you'll be able to check your comprehension along the way. Simulated or practice exams will help to boost your attitude - so you won't be quite so nervous at the actual exam.
Beware of putting too much emphasis, as can often be the case, on the training course itself. Your training isn't about getting a plaque on your wall; you should be geared towards the actual job at the end of it. Focus on the end-goal. You may train for one year and then end up doing the actual job for 10-20 years. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of taking what may be a program of interest to you and then put 10-20 years into a job you hate!
Make sure you investigate how you feel about earning potential, career development, and whether you intend to be quite ambitious. You should understand what industry expects from you, which qualifications are needed and how to develop your experience. Look for help from an experienced advisor that 'gets' the commercial realities of the area you're interested in, and who can offer 'A typical day in the life of' synopsis of what kinds of tasks you'll be undertaking with each working day. It's sensible to ensure you're on the right track well before you commence your studies. There's really no reason in kicking off your training and then find you've taken the wrong route.
