'controllers', routers and switches are essentially what 'Cisco' engineering technology is based on. These are the devices which facilitate the information that passes around a network. Networking-hardware has its own list of rules and procedures. The 'hardware' has to be set up & configured the right way. Business networks must run smoothly and frequently need to expand, consequently ongoing maintenance programs mean specialists must trouble shoot, reconfigure and re-program on a regular basis. Cisco is in the centre of just about all present day workplace communications (business & military) as we watch the world-wide movement towards full voice and information systems integration.

Some certification companies still use one of the most out-dated training concepts - classroom lessons. Very often portrayed as a huge benefit, if you talk to a student who has had to attend a few, you'll find them listing some or most of these issues:

- Multiple round trips - usually 100's of miles.

- For those of us that work, then weekday only workshops represent a difficulty in getting time off. More than likely you will be contending with several days in a row too.

- The majority of us end up feeling 4 weeks holiday each year is not really enough. Spend at least half of this for educational days and watch how much harder things become.

- 'In-Centre' days fill up fast and can sometimes be too big - so they're not personal enough.

- The pace of the workshop - centre-days typically consist of trainees of mixed abilities, therefore there is often tension between students that want a quicker pace to those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

- Most students tell us of the considerable cost of all the travelling back and forth to the training facility while covering the cost of accommodation and food can get very high.

- Don't risk the chance of being overlooked for a possible promotion or wage increases while you're training.

- Asking questions in the presence of other class-mates will often make us feel nervous. Ever avoided asking a question because you didn't want to appear stupid?

- For those who have work away from home, you face the added difficulty that events can become very hard to attend - unfortunately however, the money has already been paid.

To find a more flexible route, make use of pre-made workshops wherever you want to take them - studying at your own pace, when it suits you - not anyone else. Imagine... Using a laptop you have the ability to study wherever you want. And 24 hr-a-day support is only a web-browser click away when you get challenged. Note-taking is a thing of the past - you have the lessons and accompanying information ready-made for you. Any time you want to repeat something, you've got it all. Could it be more straightforward: A lot of money is saved and you avoid all the travelling; plus you get a more relaxed study atmosphere.

Don't forget: a actual training program or an accreditation isn't what this is about; the job or career that you want to end up in is. Far too many training organisations completely prioritise the piece of paper. Don't be part of the group who set off on a track that sounds really 'interesting' and 'fun' - only to end up with a qualification for a career they'll never really get any satisfaction from.

Prioritise understanding the expectations of your industry. What particular qualifications you'll need and how to gain experience. It's also worth spending time assessing how far you'd like to get as it will often affect your choice of qualifications. Seek advice from an experienced industry professional, even if there's a fee involved - it's considerably cheaper and safer to investigate at the start if something is going to suit and interest you, instead of discovering after two full years that you aren't going to enjoy the job you've chosen and have wasted years of effort.

Following the 'CCNA', qualification paths are quite varied & could possibly include a specialization in Wireless or Security fields, or you could consider progressing on to the 'CCNP' (Cisco Certified Networking Professional.) The 'CCNP' is really a relatively big step up from CCNA, and on the whole, contemplating this before you have fully attained your CCNA is not advisable. You would anticipate to be operating in a Cisco environment for about a year or two (with your 'CCNA' accreditation) prior to getting started to train for the 'CCNP'. If however you have actually been in the industry for a while, and perhaps acquired a certification that compares to the CCNA (e.g. during military service) you might be able to go straight to 'CCNP'. To be honest, if you are just starting in it, no company will expect you to have achieved such a high level of certification, & could quite rightly question your real comprehension, if you haven't even been employed in a CCNA role first.

A lot of individuals decide to partner the A+, N+ and 'CCNA' path with the MS 'MCSA' or MCSE, for a more 'rounded' networking knowledge structure. Always examine your career choices with a knowledgeable IT training expert before settling on your options - not only will it save time and money, but it will guarantee that you are taking the appropriate course from the start.

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